NHL roundup: Caps win 9th straight
By The Sports Xchange
WASHINGTON -- Justin Williams and Matt Niskanen each scored twice within a five-minute span of the third period, Philipp Grubauer stopped 24 shots and the Washington Capitals defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 5-0 on Sunday at Verizon Center for their ninth straight win.
Washington, the defending Presidents' Trophy winner, moved ahead of idle Columbus for first place in the Metropolitan Division as well as for the overall NHL points lead.
With Braden Holtby being rested ahead of Monday night's game at Pittsburgh, Grubauer stopped an early Flyers surge and picked up his second career shutout.
Andre Burakovsky scored Washington's first goal and Nicklas Backstrom had two assists.
Devils 2, Canucks 1 (OT)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Taylor Hall's goal at 1:28 of overtime gave New Jersey a victory over Vancouver.
Hall beat Vancouver goaltender Jacob Markstrom with a shot through the legs during a two-on-one in which he elected to keep the puck.
Kyle Quincey also tallied for the Devils, while Loui Eriksson scored for the Canucks.
Wild 3, Blackhawks 2
CHICAGO -- Jason Pominville scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period, and Minnesota held on for a win over Chicago.
Nino Niederreiter and Chris Stewart also scored for the Wild.
Patrick Kane scored both goals for the Blackhawks, who lost their second game in a row.
Blues 2, Ducks 1 (OT)
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Patrik Berglund scored his second goal 51 seconds into overtime to give St. Louis a win over Anaheim in front of a sellout crowd of 17,174 at the Honda Center.
Carter Hutton stopped 22 shots in his second successive start for the Blues, who earned their second consecutive victory after losing three of four.
Rickard Rakell scored for the Ducks, who missed a chance to get their fourth straight win, which would have been a season high. Goalie John Gibson made 23 saves.
By The Sports Xchange
WASHINGTON -- Justin Williams and Matt Niskanen each scored twice within a five-minute span of the third period, Philipp Grubauer stopped 24 shots and the Washington Capitals defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 5-0 on Sunday at Verizon Center for their ninth straight win.
Washington, the defending Presidents' Trophy winner, moved ahead of idle Columbus for first place in the Metropolitan Division as well as for the overall NHL points lead.
With Braden Holtby being rested ahead of Monday night's game at Pittsburgh, Grubauer stopped an early Flyers surge and picked up his second career shutout.
Andre Burakovsky scored Washington's first goal and Nicklas Backstrom had two assists.
Devils 2, Canucks 1 (OT)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Taylor Hall's goal at 1:28 of overtime gave New Jersey a victory over Vancouver.
Hall beat Vancouver goaltender Jacob Markstrom with a shot through the legs during a two-on-one in which he elected to keep the puck.
Kyle Quincey also tallied for the Devils, while Loui Eriksson scored for the Canucks.
Wild 3, Blackhawks 2
CHICAGO -- Jason Pominville scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period, and Minnesota held on for a win over Chicago.
Nino Niederreiter and Chris Stewart also scored for the Wild.
Patrick Kane scored both goals for the Blackhawks, who lost their second game in a row.
Blues 2, Ducks 1 (OT)
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Patrik Berglund scored his second goal 51 seconds into overtime to give St. Louis a win over Anaheim in front of a sellout crowd of 17,174 at the Honda Center.
Carter Hutton stopped 22 shots in his second successive start for the Blues, who earned their second consecutive victory after losing three of four.
Rickard Rakell scored for the Ducks, who missed a chance to get their fourth straight win, which would have been a season high. Goalie John Gibson made 23 saves.
Preview: Stars (18-18) at Sabres (16-17)
Date: January 16, 2017 1:00 PM EDT
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Every time it looks like the Buffalo Sabres have things sorted out, they seem to take a step backward.
After picking up two of their best wins of the season to kick off the new year, the Sabres had poor road showings in losses to Tampa Bay (4-2, Thursday) and Carolina (5-2, Friday). Buffalo (16-17-9) will look to bounce back in a Monday afternoon game against the Dallas Stars.
"I think controlling momentum is the biggest thing," Sabres goalie Robin Lehner told the team's website. "If we score a goal maybe we need to play a little simple, not take any risks for a little bit to kind of calm the game down. It's the same when we get scored on maybe we just chip it in a little bit, three or four shifts and just play real simple. ... It feels like when we score goals we score in bunches when they start scoring on us, we're scrambling.
"It's not an easy answer, but consistency is the answer. Consistently doing the small things, consistently doing the simple plays, because that opens things up."
Lehner is expected to return after missing time with the flu. He missed Buffalo's previous three games and last played in the team's win over Winnipeg.
The Sabres may also have Tyler Ennis back in the lineup. The speedy forward hasn't played since Nov. 7 after undergoing groin surgery.
"I think he's going to be in a process of working back to full strength over the next three or four weeks," Buffalo head coach Dan Bylsma said of Ennis, according to the team's website. "He's still gonna be working to that level and that's a big part of his game. His skating, his agility, his acceleration is a big part of what he is as a player and we just hope he can get back in there and work to being that over the next two weeks or so."
Ennis has struggled with injuries in recent years. His last full season without any major injuries came in 2014-15, when he had 46 points (20 goals, 26 assists). He had 34 points (21 goals, 22 assists) in 2013-14.
The Stars (18-18-8) are kicking off a three-game road trip and looking to change their fortunes on the road. Dallas is 6-11-4 away from home this year and has lost nine of its past 12 road games.
"Every game is important for us now, but on the road, where we've struggled, this is going to be huge for us," said defenseman John Klingberg, according to the team's website.
The Stars have struggled with inconsistency as of late. Dallas has two wins in its last seven games (2-4-1) and hasn't picked up back-to-back wins since a three-game win streak in late December.
"We have got to establish some type of road game," said Stars head coach Lindy Ruff, according to the team's website. "When you give (points) away at home, you have to get them back on the road, and our road record hasn't been good enough. The only way to get this thing going on a consistent basis is to be a winner on the road."
Date: January 16, 2017 1:00 PM EDT
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Every time it looks like the Buffalo Sabres have things sorted out, they seem to take a step backward.
After picking up two of their best wins of the season to kick off the new year, the Sabres had poor road showings in losses to Tampa Bay (4-2, Thursday) and Carolina (5-2, Friday). Buffalo (16-17-9) will look to bounce back in a Monday afternoon game against the Dallas Stars.
"I think controlling momentum is the biggest thing," Sabres goalie Robin Lehner told the team's website. "If we score a goal maybe we need to play a little simple, not take any risks for a little bit to kind of calm the game down. It's the same when we get scored on maybe we just chip it in a little bit, three or four shifts and just play real simple. ... It feels like when we score goals we score in bunches when they start scoring on us, we're scrambling.
"It's not an easy answer, but consistency is the answer. Consistently doing the small things, consistently doing the simple plays, because that opens things up."
Lehner is expected to return after missing time with the flu. He missed Buffalo's previous three games and last played in the team's win over Winnipeg.
The Sabres may also have Tyler Ennis back in the lineup. The speedy forward hasn't played since Nov. 7 after undergoing groin surgery.
"I think he's going to be in a process of working back to full strength over the next three or four weeks," Buffalo head coach Dan Bylsma said of Ennis, according to the team's website. "He's still gonna be working to that level and that's a big part of his game. His skating, his agility, his acceleration is a big part of what he is as a player and we just hope he can get back in there and work to being that over the next two weeks or so."
Ennis has struggled with injuries in recent years. His last full season without any major injuries came in 2014-15, when he had 46 points (20 goals, 26 assists). He had 34 points (21 goals, 22 assists) in 2013-14.
The Stars (18-18-8) are kicking off a three-game road trip and looking to change their fortunes on the road. Dallas is 6-11-4 away from home this year and has lost nine of its past 12 road games.
"Every game is important for us now, but on the road, where we've struggled, this is going to be huge for us," said defenseman John Klingberg, according to the team's website.
The Stars have struggled with inconsistency as of late. Dallas has two wins in its last seven games (2-4-1) and hasn't picked up back-to-back wins since a three-game win streak in late December.
"We have got to establish some type of road game," said Stars head coach Lindy Ruff, according to the team's website. "When you give (points) away at home, you have to get them back on the road, and our road record hasn't been good enough. The only way to get this thing going on a consistent basis is to be a winner on the road."
Preview: Islanders (16-17) at Bruins (23-18)
Date: January 16, 2017 1:00 PM EDT
BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins, offensively challenged throughout the first half of the season, have to hope recent games are a sign they have turned the scoring corner.
Coming off a 6-3 home win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, Boston hosts the floundering New York Islanders in a Monday matinee thinking they may be onto something scoring-wise.
"It's nice to be rewarded for what we've been talking about for a long time, creating scoring chances and, for the longest of time, not being able to capitalize," coach Claude Julien said Sunday. "Sometimes you need a little bit of luck, sometimes you need some breaks and sometimes you line up your shot a little bit better. Things are starting to go in more."
The Bruins, who have scored two goals or less in 26 of their 46 games, have scored 19 in their last five, and 37 in their last 12.
They have also corrected their power play woes, scoring 11 times in their last 42 chances -- connecting twice Saturday.
"First of all, (we're) not forcing plays," said Patrice Bergeron. "That was what we talked a lot about, try to play a simple power play, put the puck on net, get some rebounds and find loose pucks in the corner and stuff like that.
"I think we've been battling a lot better, finding those pucks and not having to chase or skate all the way down twice which helps a lot. We're doing a lot more of that, being smarter and simpler in our game. That's been paying off."
Bergeron, whose scoring has also been off, has eight points in his last nine games, while linemate Brad Marchand had his second five-point game of the season Saturday.
While the offense is looking up, the defense is shorthanded -- minus both Millers -- for Monday's game. Colin Miller should miss his third in a row with a lower-body injury while Kevan Miller is in concussion protocol after a hit from behind by Jakub Voracek Saturday.
The Islanders (16-17-8) are making their second visit to TD Garden in less than a month. Back on Dec. 20, Tomas Greiss made 48 saves and the Isles won 4-2, as Anders Lee scored twice.
But this has been a season of losing for the team from Brooklyn, which comes in Monday in last place in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders have gone 3-3-2 since leaving Boston, where they ended a five-game losing streak and started a three-game winning run. They have lost four of their last five games and the guy who used to be their No. 1 goaltender, Jaroslav Halak, is in the minors.
They have scored nine goals in the last two games, five of them by captain John Tavares, but lost 7-4 in Carolina on Saturday night.
"We generated opportunities and we had some good momentum at times and obviously had a 3-1 lead," Tavares said. "We were just too spotty, allowed them to get back in the game and take over in the third."
Tuukka Rask, who left Thursday night's game in Nashville after getting hit in the throat with a shot, played and won for the Bruins on Saturday and is 10-4-0 with a 2.29 goals against average and .930 save percentage lifetime against the Islanders.
Greiss, who has played the last six games for the Islanders, is 1-2 against the Bruins while backup J.F. Berube is 2-0-2 against Boston.
Saturday's win got the Bruins (23-18-5) up to 10-10-0 at home, while the Islanders fell to 5-9-4 on the road, where they are tied for the league's lowest road win total.
Date: January 16, 2017 1:00 PM EDT
BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins, offensively challenged throughout the first half of the season, have to hope recent games are a sign they have turned the scoring corner.
Coming off a 6-3 home win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, Boston hosts the floundering New York Islanders in a Monday matinee thinking they may be onto something scoring-wise.
"It's nice to be rewarded for what we've been talking about for a long time, creating scoring chances and, for the longest of time, not being able to capitalize," coach Claude Julien said Sunday. "Sometimes you need a little bit of luck, sometimes you need some breaks and sometimes you line up your shot a little bit better. Things are starting to go in more."
The Bruins, who have scored two goals or less in 26 of their 46 games, have scored 19 in their last five, and 37 in their last 12.
They have also corrected their power play woes, scoring 11 times in their last 42 chances -- connecting twice Saturday.
"First of all, (we're) not forcing plays," said Patrice Bergeron. "That was what we talked a lot about, try to play a simple power play, put the puck on net, get some rebounds and find loose pucks in the corner and stuff like that.
"I think we've been battling a lot better, finding those pucks and not having to chase or skate all the way down twice which helps a lot. We're doing a lot more of that, being smarter and simpler in our game. That's been paying off."
Bergeron, whose scoring has also been off, has eight points in his last nine games, while linemate Brad Marchand had his second five-point game of the season Saturday.
While the offense is looking up, the defense is shorthanded -- minus both Millers -- for Monday's game. Colin Miller should miss his third in a row with a lower-body injury while Kevan Miller is in concussion protocol after a hit from behind by Jakub Voracek Saturday.
The Islanders (16-17-8) are making their second visit to TD Garden in less than a month. Back on Dec. 20, Tomas Greiss made 48 saves and the Isles won 4-2, as Anders Lee scored twice.
But this has been a season of losing for the team from Brooklyn, which comes in Monday in last place in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders have gone 3-3-2 since leaving Boston, where they ended a five-game losing streak and started a three-game winning run. They have lost four of their last five games and the guy who used to be their No. 1 goaltender, Jaroslav Halak, is in the minors.
They have scored nine goals in the last two games, five of them by captain John Tavares, but lost 7-4 in Carolina on Saturday night.
"We generated opportunities and we had some good momentum at times and obviously had a 3-1 lead," Tavares said. "We were just too spotty, allowed them to get back in the game and take over in the third."
Tuukka Rask, who left Thursday night's game in Nashville after getting hit in the throat with a shot, played and won for the Bruins on Saturday and is 10-4-0 with a 2.29 goals against average and .930 save percentage lifetime against the Islanders.
Greiss, who has played the last six games for the Islanders, is 1-2 against the Bruins while backup J.F. Berube is 2-0-2 against Boston.
Saturday's win got the Bruins (23-18-5) up to 10-10-0 at home, while the Islanders fell to 5-9-4 on the road, where they are tied for the league's lowest road win total.
Preview: Canadiens (27-11) at Red Wings (18-19)
Date: January 16, 2017 3:00 PM EDT
DETROIT -- The Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings both used three- goal outbursts to win on Saturday night.
Montreal (27-11-6) visits Detroit (18-19-6) on Monday at Joe Louis Arena for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee.
The Canadiens scored three goals in 62 seconds and defeated the New York Rangers 5-4 on Saturday at the Bell Centre.
With the Canadiens trailing 3-2 in the middle if the third, Akexei Lemelin, Max Pacioretty and Paul Byron scored in a little over a minute to put Montreal ahead for good.
"We never give up. We still believe," Canadiens coach Michel Therrien said. "Most of the games are one- goal games and even if we're trailing, we know there's a chance we can come back."
Montreal also got two players back from injury on Saturday. Forwards Alex Galchenyuk and Andrew Shaw returned to the lineup.
Galchenyuk, who missed 18 games with a knee injury, scored a goal in his first game back. But it was quite a different story for Shaw, who had sat for 14 games with a concussion.
He didn't make it through the first period. Shaw got a game misconduct late in the opening period due to a late hit on Jesper Fast. That led to a fight with J.T. Miller and another major. In all received an interference major, fighting major and game misconduct. He also had a minor penalty earlier in the period, so he amassed 22 penalty minutes.
The Red Wings scored three goals in the third period to break a tie and defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 at Joe Louis Arena on Saturday.
Andreas Athanasiou, defenseman Mike Green (power play) and captain Henrik Zetterberg scored in the third period.
But Athanasiou's goal was the one everyone was talking about.
That's because that goal, which came at 1:46, saw Athanasiou go the length of the ice and beat several Canadiens. He picked up the puck behind his own net, got through the neutral zone, split two players in the Montreal zone and put a shot under the crossbar.
"I picked the puck up and saw some open ice," Athanasiou said. "And came over the blue line and saw it was a one-on-one and made a move and it worked out."
It was his ninth goal of the season. Athanasiou has four goals and three assists in five games since being benched for a game.
"Just stuck to my game plan and tried not to force anything," he said. "When the play is there, make it. And if its not, just be in the right position."
Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill was pleased with Athanasiou.
"It's a big goal. kind of out if nothing," Blashill said. "The one thing that Double A has is he's got the ability to break people down and score goals on his own. Obviously, he took it end- to-end and scored a goal on his own.
"It's hard to score goals in this league and when you get someone who can self create and do it on his own, it's a big thing."
Rookie goalie Jared Coreau made 28 saves for the first home win of his career.
Detroit also snapped a three- game losing streak.
Date: January 16, 2017 3:00 PM EDT
DETROIT -- The Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings both used three- goal outbursts to win on Saturday night.
Montreal (27-11-6) visits Detroit (18-19-6) on Monday at Joe Louis Arena for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee.
The Canadiens scored three goals in 62 seconds and defeated the New York Rangers 5-4 on Saturday at the Bell Centre.
With the Canadiens trailing 3-2 in the middle if the third, Akexei Lemelin, Max Pacioretty and Paul Byron scored in a little over a minute to put Montreal ahead for good.
"We never give up. We still believe," Canadiens coach Michel Therrien said. "Most of the games are one- goal games and even if we're trailing, we know there's a chance we can come back."
Montreal also got two players back from injury on Saturday. Forwards Alex Galchenyuk and Andrew Shaw returned to the lineup.
Galchenyuk, who missed 18 games with a knee injury, scored a goal in his first game back. But it was quite a different story for Shaw, who had sat for 14 games with a concussion.
He didn't make it through the first period. Shaw got a game misconduct late in the opening period due to a late hit on Jesper Fast. That led to a fight with J.T. Miller and another major. In all received an interference major, fighting major and game misconduct. He also had a minor penalty earlier in the period, so he amassed 22 penalty minutes.
The Red Wings scored three goals in the third period to break a tie and defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 at Joe Louis Arena on Saturday.
Andreas Athanasiou, defenseman Mike Green (power play) and captain Henrik Zetterberg scored in the third period.
But Athanasiou's goal was the one everyone was talking about.
That's because that goal, which came at 1:46, saw Athanasiou go the length of the ice and beat several Canadiens. He picked up the puck behind his own net, got through the neutral zone, split two players in the Montreal zone and put a shot under the crossbar.
"I picked the puck up and saw some open ice," Athanasiou said. "And came over the blue line and saw it was a one-on-one and made a move and it worked out."
It was his ninth goal of the season. Athanasiou has four goals and three assists in five games since being benched for a game.
"Just stuck to my game plan and tried not to force anything," he said. "When the play is there, make it. And if its not, just be in the right position."
Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill was pleased with Athanasiou.
"It's a big goal. kind of out if nothing," Blashill said. "The one thing that Double A has is he's got the ability to break people down and score goals on his own. Obviously, he took it end- to-end and scored a goal on his own.
"It's hard to score goals in this league and when you get someone who can self create and do it on his own, it's a big thing."
Rookie goalie Jared Coreau made 28 saves for the first home win of his career.
Detroit also snapped a three- game losing streak.
Preview: Lightning (20-20) at Kings (22-17)
Date: January 16, 2017 4:00 PM EDT
LOS ANGELES -- At the start of the season, the Tampa Bay Lightning expected to be in the running for the Atlantic Division title and a contender to win the Stanley Cup.
A major injury to their captain Steven Stamkos and below average performance from their defense and goaltending have them battling just to stay in post-season contention. Their Monday afternoon contest against the Los Angeles kicks off a six-game road trip that will go a long way in determining their post-season destiny.
Tampa Bay (20-20-4) enters the game in the bottom third defensively (2.96 GAA per game), a major factor in their unaccustomed sixth place standing in the Atlantic.
Without the high-scoring Stamkos, center Nikita Kucherov has produced another strong season, posting 17 goals and 23 assists in 38 games. Defenseman Victor Hedman in on track to shatter his career high in points, his seven goals and 31 points has him on track for 70 points, a season that could end with a nomination for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league's best-all around defenseman.
While Kucherov and Hedman try to pick up the slack in Stamkos' absence, the Lightning will need better goaltending from the duo of Ben Bishop and Andrei Vasilevskiy to climb up the standings. Their statistics are similar (Bishop .908 save percentage, Vasilevskiy .904 save percentage, both have 10 wins) but not to the level either had during the team's run to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final.
Tampa Bay dropped a 3-1 decision to the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday, their fifth loss in their last six games.
"We played well enough to win the hockey game," said coach John Cooper. "We didn't get the penalty kill we needed and that was the difference in the game."
The Lightning know that their play needs to improve on this road trip given their only path to the playoffs is likely to be a finish in the top three of their division with the exceptional play by the team in the Metropolitan Division.
"It's results that really all that matters," said center Brian Boyle. "We need to change our attitude a little bit and find our confidence. We have a very long and hard road trip and we should expect to win every single game."
Los Angeles (22-17-4) finds itself in a similar unaccustomed position to Tampa Bay, outside the top three playoff qualifiers in the Pacific but presently one of the wild-card qualifiers. The Kings uncanny knack for winning overtime games has gone a long way to keep them in the race, their 3-2 overtime win against Winnipeg Saturday improved their record to 9-1 in the extra session and an astounding 21-4 since the start of the 2015-16 season.
"That's a big thing for our club, keeping possession of the puck, not forcing plays or giving it away," explained defenseman Jake Muzzin. "We're just patient with it and wait for our opportunity. When we get it, we've got to capitalize on it and we've been able to do that in most overtimes."
All-Star Jeff Carter was once again the overtime hero, his 23rd of the season was his third overtime and eighth game-winning goal of the season. With Los Angeles offensive struggles throughout the season (tied with Vancouver for the third worst goal production in the Western Conference), Carter's production -- 17 assists to go along with his goal output makes him clearly the team's most valuable player and he could garner some votes for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the overall league MVP.
The Kings other center, Anze Kopitar has struggled offensively (four goals, 20 assists in 38 games), a contributing factor to the team's up and down play but appears to be finding his old form. He registered three assists in the Winnipeg victory and has posted eight points in six games in 2017 (one goal, seven assists) as the Kings have won five of their last seven games. Current linemate Dustin Brown feels it's just a matter of time before Kopitar puts up numbers that mirror his career output sets up Los Angeles for a stretch run towards a division title.
"As players, you try to play the same way," Brown said. "I think Anze has been getting looks, getting better. I feel like every year, right around this time of year, he always finds a way to rack up the points and help us win games."
Date: January 16, 2017 4:00 PM EDT
LOS ANGELES -- At the start of the season, the Tampa Bay Lightning expected to be in the running for the Atlantic Division title and a contender to win the Stanley Cup.
A major injury to their captain Steven Stamkos and below average performance from their defense and goaltending have them battling just to stay in post-season contention. Their Monday afternoon contest against the Los Angeles kicks off a six-game road trip that will go a long way in determining their post-season destiny.
Tampa Bay (20-20-4) enters the game in the bottom third defensively (2.96 GAA per game), a major factor in their unaccustomed sixth place standing in the Atlantic.
Without the high-scoring Stamkos, center Nikita Kucherov has produced another strong season, posting 17 goals and 23 assists in 38 games. Defenseman Victor Hedman in on track to shatter his career high in points, his seven goals and 31 points has him on track for 70 points, a season that could end with a nomination for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league's best-all around defenseman.
While Kucherov and Hedman try to pick up the slack in Stamkos' absence, the Lightning will need better goaltending from the duo of Ben Bishop and Andrei Vasilevskiy to climb up the standings. Their statistics are similar (Bishop .908 save percentage, Vasilevskiy .904 save percentage, both have 10 wins) but not to the level either had during the team's run to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final.
Tampa Bay dropped a 3-1 decision to the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday, their fifth loss in their last six games.
"We played well enough to win the hockey game," said coach John Cooper. "We didn't get the penalty kill we needed and that was the difference in the game."
The Lightning know that their play needs to improve on this road trip given their only path to the playoffs is likely to be a finish in the top three of their division with the exceptional play by the team in the Metropolitan Division.
"It's results that really all that matters," said center Brian Boyle. "We need to change our attitude a little bit and find our confidence. We have a very long and hard road trip and we should expect to win every single game."
Los Angeles (22-17-4) finds itself in a similar unaccustomed position to Tampa Bay, outside the top three playoff qualifiers in the Pacific but presently one of the wild-card qualifiers. The Kings uncanny knack for winning overtime games has gone a long way to keep them in the race, their 3-2 overtime win against Winnipeg Saturday improved their record to 9-1 in the extra session and an astounding 21-4 since the start of the 2015-16 season.
"That's a big thing for our club, keeping possession of the puck, not forcing plays or giving it away," explained defenseman Jake Muzzin. "We're just patient with it and wait for our opportunity. When we get it, we've got to capitalize on it and we've been able to do that in most overtimes."
All-Star Jeff Carter was once again the overtime hero, his 23rd of the season was his third overtime and eighth game-winning goal of the season. With Los Angeles offensive struggles throughout the season (tied with Vancouver for the third worst goal production in the Western Conference), Carter's production -- 17 assists to go along with his goal output makes him clearly the team's most valuable player and he could garner some votes for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the overall league MVP.
The Kings other center, Anze Kopitar has struggled offensively (four goals, 20 assists in 38 games), a contributing factor to the team's up and down play but appears to be finding his old form. He registered three assists in the Winnipeg victory and has posted eight points in six games in 2017 (one goal, seven assists) as the Kings have won five of their last seven games. Current linemate Dustin Brown feels it's just a matter of time before Kopitar puts up numbers that mirror his career output sets up Los Angeles for a stretch run towards a division title.
"As players, you try to play the same way," Brown said. "I think Anze has been getting looks, getting better. I feel like every year, right around this time of year, he always finds a way to rack up the points and help us win games."
Preview: Jets (20-22) at Sharks (25-16)
Date: January 16, 2017 4:00 PM EDT
Like many teams, the San Jose Sharks don't want to face an opponent with a desperate streak in them.
That may describe the Winnipeg Jets perfectly.
San Jose will try to avoid a season high-tying third straight loss when it plays host to struggling Winnipeg in a Monday matinee.
The defending Western Conference champions have been atop the Pacific Division for much of the season, but have dropped to third behind the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks.
Winnipeg (20-22-4) is mired in a more pronounced slump as it looks to avoid its fourth straight loss and fifth in six games. The Sharks (25-16-2) and Jets have split the last six meetings, but San Jose's three losses have occurred in the last four matchups.
"You're not going to win a game when the other team is more desperate than you unless you have everything go right." Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said following their 4-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.
All-Star selection Martin Jones has been tagged for eight goals while losing each of his last two starts against the Jets. If Jones, who has allowed 14 goals over his last four games overall sits this one out, Aaron Dell would try to help the Sharks end their skid.
Dell, who lost to the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, has been stellar at SAP Center. In four starts, the rookie is 3-1-0 with a 1.91 goals-against average, and recorded his first career shutout on Dec. 30 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Sharks may have dodged a bullet and expect to have Joe Thornton in the lineup after he was ejected Saturday. Thornton, who is tied with Joe Pavelski for second on the team with 24 assists, was given a major penalty and a game misconduct for spearing Paul Stastny midway through the second period.
Thornton was unavailable for comment after the game, and no disciplinary hearing between Thornton and the NHL appears to have been scheduled as of late Sunday afternoon.
Thornton has a five-game points' streak against Winnipeg with two goals and four assists over that stretch.
The Jets will be trying to salvage a victory as they conclude a three-game road trip. Drew Stafford and Dustin Byfuglien scored power-play goals, but Winnipeg surrendered a one-goal edge in the third period and fell 3-2 in overtime to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.
The Jets have yielded 14 goals during their losing streak. However, coach Paul Maurice was pleased with the effort against Los Angeles.
"You have to like the way you played, feel good about your game. You don't like the end result, but we liked our game," Maurice said. "... It's all about confidence. It's not just about your hands, but it's about how your team plays."
It's not yet known whom Maurice will start in goal, but Michael Hutchinson may have the edge over Connor Hellebuyck after a 35-save showing against the Kings.
"A good confidence booster for him and for our team in front of him," Maurice said of Hutchinson, who is 3-4-3 with a 2.89 goals-against average as a starter on the road.
Hellebuyck was pulled in the first period in each of his last two starts against the Montreal Canadiens and Arizona Coyotes after giving up a total of six goals on 13 shots. Hellebuyck is 6-8-0 in 15 starts on the road, but has a 3.15 GAA.
Hellebuyck won in his only game in San Jose by stopping 27 shots in a 4-1 victory on Jan. 2, 2016.
Jets star Patrik Laine remains out since suffering a concussion on Jan. 7 against the Buffalo Sabres. Despite missing the last four games, Laine continues to lead all rookies with 21 goals and is tied with Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs for the scoring lead with 37 points.
In Laine's absence, Blake Wheeler has picked up the scoring slack, with two goals and three assists in a five-game points streak. Wheeler (13 goals, 23 assists) went on a season-high six-game run from Nov. 27 to Dec. 6 and again from Dec. 15 to Dec. 29.
Wheeler also leads all current Jets players in scoring against the Sharks with 11 points (four goals, seven assists), all coming over the last seven matchups.
Date: January 16, 2017 4:00 PM EDT
Like many teams, the San Jose Sharks don't want to face an opponent with a desperate streak in them.
That may describe the Winnipeg Jets perfectly.
San Jose will try to avoid a season high-tying third straight loss when it plays host to struggling Winnipeg in a Monday matinee.
The defending Western Conference champions have been atop the Pacific Division for much of the season, but have dropped to third behind the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks.
Winnipeg (20-22-4) is mired in a more pronounced slump as it looks to avoid its fourth straight loss and fifth in six games. The Sharks (25-16-2) and Jets have split the last six meetings, but San Jose's three losses have occurred in the last four matchups.
"You're not going to win a game when the other team is more desperate than you unless you have everything go right." Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said following their 4-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.
All-Star selection Martin Jones has been tagged for eight goals while losing each of his last two starts against the Jets. If Jones, who has allowed 14 goals over his last four games overall sits this one out, Aaron Dell would try to help the Sharks end their skid.
Dell, who lost to the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, has been stellar at SAP Center. In four starts, the rookie is 3-1-0 with a 1.91 goals-against average, and recorded his first career shutout on Dec. 30 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Sharks may have dodged a bullet and expect to have Joe Thornton in the lineup after he was ejected Saturday. Thornton, who is tied with Joe Pavelski for second on the team with 24 assists, was given a major penalty and a game misconduct for spearing Paul Stastny midway through the second period.
Thornton was unavailable for comment after the game, and no disciplinary hearing between Thornton and the NHL appears to have been scheduled as of late Sunday afternoon.
Thornton has a five-game points' streak against Winnipeg with two goals and four assists over that stretch.
The Jets will be trying to salvage a victory as they conclude a three-game road trip. Drew Stafford and Dustin Byfuglien scored power-play goals, but Winnipeg surrendered a one-goal edge in the third period and fell 3-2 in overtime to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.
The Jets have yielded 14 goals during their losing streak. However, coach Paul Maurice was pleased with the effort against Los Angeles.
"You have to like the way you played, feel good about your game. You don't like the end result, but we liked our game," Maurice said. "... It's all about confidence. It's not just about your hands, but it's about how your team plays."
It's not yet known whom Maurice will start in goal, but Michael Hutchinson may have the edge over Connor Hellebuyck after a 35-save showing against the Kings.
"A good confidence booster for him and for our team in front of him," Maurice said of Hutchinson, who is 3-4-3 with a 2.89 goals-against average as a starter on the road.
Hellebuyck was pulled in the first period in each of his last two starts against the Montreal Canadiens and Arizona Coyotes after giving up a total of six goals on 13 shots. Hellebuyck is 6-8-0 in 15 starts on the road, but has a 3.15 GAA.
Hellebuyck won in his only game in San Jose by stopping 27 shots in a 4-1 victory on Jan. 2, 2016.
Jets star Patrik Laine remains out since suffering a concussion on Jan. 7 against the Buffalo Sabres. Despite missing the last four games, Laine continues to lead all rookies with 21 goals and is tied with Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs for the scoring lead with 37 points.
In Laine's absence, Blake Wheeler has picked up the scoring slack, with two goals and three assists in a five-game points streak. Wheeler (13 goals, 23 assists) went on a season-high six-game run from Nov. 27 to Dec. 6 and again from Dec. 15 to Dec. 29.
Wheeler also leads all current Jets players in scoring against the Sharks with 11 points (four goals, seven assists), all coming over the last seven matchups.
Preview: Capitals (28-9) at Penguins (26-11)
Date: January 16, 2017 7:00 PM EDT
PITTSBURGH --The Washington Capitals steamroll into Pittsburgh with a nine-game winning streak in tow but without a chip on their shoulder.
"Just playing to our potential, I think," Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen said after he scored twice Sunday in a 5-0 win over Philadelphia. "We feel like we can be a really good team when we play a certain way and have a good shot to win every single night. Guys have been bringing it. It's been fun."
The Capitals (29-9-5) moved into first place in the NHL heading into their game Monday against the rival Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
Washington has a 40-11 goals edge during its streak, including four shutouts in its past six games. It has not allowed an even-strength goal since Jan. 3 against Toronto, a stretch of 369 minutes, 14 seconds.
"I think we're just a little more aggressive," Nicklas Backstrom said of the Capitals' strong five-on-five play. "We're making plays in the offensive zone. But at the same time, we're good at managing the puck in the neutral zone."
One of Washington's wins during its streak was a 5-2 job against visiting Pittsburgh on Wednesday. No. 1 goaltender Braden Holtby made several strong saves in that game, and while Philipp Grubauer picked up the shutout Sunday, Holtby is expected to start Monday against the Penguins.
Holtby this season is 2-0-1 in three starts against Pittsburgh with 1.62 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage. During the winning streak, he has three shutouts.
"He looks big out there," teammate Justin Williams told the Washington Post. "It doesn't seem like there are any holes in him. He's controlling rebounds. He's just composed."
Pittsburgh (26-11-5) has lost three games in a row, beginning with Wednesday's game at Washington, after not having lost back-to-back regulation games since mid-December 2015. The losing streak came on a three-game road trip.
While the Penguins have struggled on the road, dropping to 8-9-3, they have the league's best home record, 18-2-2.
Evgeni Malkin somewhat boldly predicted Pittsburgh would even things up in its three games this week, beginning with the game against the Capitals.
"Of course, we're not happy. We lost the three games," he said. "I believe we'll (bounce) back. These next three games, we should win. If we want to be a good team, make the playoffs, we need to start with the next game against Washington. We play at home. Just play right."
Pittsburgh has been outscored 15-6 during its three-game slide. Sidney Crosby said the team has hurt itself by helping opponents.
"There are sometimes when you can kind of get away with making mistakes, and sometimes it goes like this, were every mistake, it feels like it's a big one and a really good chance (for the opponent)," he said. "So, when that happens, you've just got to tighten up. Those details are even more important when it's going like this so you've just got to bear down all over the ice."
Penguins top defenseman Kris Letang left Saturday's 6-3 loss at Detroit with what appeared to be a left leg or knee issue. The team was off Sunday and there was no update on his status or his availability for the game against Washington.
Date: January 16, 2017 7:00 PM EDT
PITTSBURGH --The Washington Capitals steamroll into Pittsburgh with a nine-game winning streak in tow but without a chip on their shoulder.
"Just playing to our potential, I think," Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen said after he scored twice Sunday in a 5-0 win over Philadelphia. "We feel like we can be a really good team when we play a certain way and have a good shot to win every single night. Guys have been bringing it. It's been fun."
The Capitals (29-9-5) moved into first place in the NHL heading into their game Monday against the rival Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
Washington has a 40-11 goals edge during its streak, including four shutouts in its past six games. It has not allowed an even-strength goal since Jan. 3 against Toronto, a stretch of 369 minutes, 14 seconds.
"I think we're just a little more aggressive," Nicklas Backstrom said of the Capitals' strong five-on-five play. "We're making plays in the offensive zone. But at the same time, we're good at managing the puck in the neutral zone."
One of Washington's wins during its streak was a 5-2 job against visiting Pittsburgh on Wednesday. No. 1 goaltender Braden Holtby made several strong saves in that game, and while Philipp Grubauer picked up the shutout Sunday, Holtby is expected to start Monday against the Penguins.
Holtby this season is 2-0-1 in three starts against Pittsburgh with 1.62 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage. During the winning streak, he has three shutouts.
"He looks big out there," teammate Justin Williams told the Washington Post. "It doesn't seem like there are any holes in him. He's controlling rebounds. He's just composed."
Pittsburgh (26-11-5) has lost three games in a row, beginning with Wednesday's game at Washington, after not having lost back-to-back regulation games since mid-December 2015. The losing streak came on a three-game road trip.
While the Penguins have struggled on the road, dropping to 8-9-3, they have the league's best home record, 18-2-2.
Evgeni Malkin somewhat boldly predicted Pittsburgh would even things up in its three games this week, beginning with the game against the Capitals.
"Of course, we're not happy. We lost the three games," he said. "I believe we'll (bounce) back. These next three games, we should win. If we want to be a good team, make the playoffs, we need to start with the next game against Washington. We play at home. Just play right."
Pittsburgh has been outscored 15-6 during its three-game slide. Sidney Crosby said the team has hurt itself by helping opponents.
"There are sometimes when you can kind of get away with making mistakes, and sometimes it goes like this, were every mistake, it feels like it's a big one and a really good chance (for the opponent)," he said. "So, when that happens, you've just got to tighten up. Those details are even more important when it's going like this so you've just got to bear down all over the ice."
Penguins top defenseman Kris Letang left Saturday's 6-3 loss at Detroit with what appeared to be a left leg or knee issue. The team was off Sunday and there was no update on his status or his availability for the game against Washington.
Preview: Coyotes (13-23) at Oilers (23-15)
Date: January 16, 2017 9:00 PM EDT
EDMONTON, Alberta -- It really doesn't add up.
A team with as many players in prolonged slumps as the Edmonton Oilers shouldn't be winning games at a regular clip. But the Oilers continue to be in the mix for the Pacific Division lead, and have won their most recent pair of games -- though one of those wins came in overtime and the other was decided in a shootout.
The Oilers hope to continue their winning ways when they host the Arizona Coyotes on Monday night at Rogers Place.
Right winger Jordan Eberle hasn't scored since Dec. 6. Milan Lucic, who is making $6 million US this season, has no goals and just three assists in his last 10 games. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has one goals in his last eight games.
So many key players going through simultaneous droughts would be murder for most teams. But, thanks to the production of NHL scoring leader Connor McDavid (50 points), the surprising production of the red-hot Patrick Maroon -- seven goals in his last six games -- and Leon Draisaitl, who has 16 goals this season, has somehow given the chance for other Oilers to find their games, while the team remains solidly in the hunt for playoff position.
Because of the heavy reliance on the top line, the Oilers are grinding out wins, like 2-1's shootout decision over Calgary.
"You can tell this group is growing as a team and these tough games, we believe we are going to come out on top, whereas maybe last year where we may have found a way to lose," said Oilers goalie Cam Talbot. "We are finding ways to win these right now."
Monday's game is the fourth of the six-game homestand for the Oilers. They have won two of the first three, and the three remaining games are all against teams that are below them in the standings. It's vital for the Oilers to take advantage of the favourable January schedule, because things will get awfully tough after this stretch.
"After this homestand we play 12 of 16 on the road," said coach Todd McLellan. "We want to bank some points."
Monday's game starts a three-game road trip for the Coyotes, who were shut out by Anaheim on Saturday and have won just 13 of 42 games this season.
Coyotes coach Dave Tippett says Alexander Burmistrov, who was claimed off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 2, will likely play his first game in a Coyotes jersey on Monday night.
"He's a skill player, we'll see," said Tippett. "We'll get him up and going here. He hasn't played in a while so it will take him a few games to get going. But he's certainly a quick, skilled guy that will add that element to our lineup."
And Tippett said that center Ryan White -- who has been out since Dec. 21 with a lower-body injury, will be go on the road trip, though his status for the Edmonton game is uncertain. Defenseman Jordan Martinook, who hasn't played since Jan. 6, will also go on the trip/Martinook and White both go on the trip.
"Hopefully, we've got some numbers to push it along," Tippett said.
Defenseman Michael Stone said that the Coyotes have to learn from Saturday's shutout defeat and simplify their offense.
"Just hit the net. There's no magic solution. You just have got to bear down on what you are doing and just execute it."
On Sunday night, the Oilers have recalled defenseman Jordan Oesterle from the AHL. The 24-year-old has six assists in 23 career NHL games with Edmonton. It is unclear if he will play Monday.
Date: January 16, 2017 9:00 PM EDT
EDMONTON, Alberta -- It really doesn't add up.
A team with as many players in prolonged slumps as the Edmonton Oilers shouldn't be winning games at a regular clip. But the Oilers continue to be in the mix for the Pacific Division lead, and have won their most recent pair of games -- though one of those wins came in overtime and the other was decided in a shootout.
The Oilers hope to continue their winning ways when they host the Arizona Coyotes on Monday night at Rogers Place.
Right winger Jordan Eberle hasn't scored since Dec. 6. Milan Lucic, who is making $6 million US this season, has no goals and just three assists in his last 10 games. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has one goals in his last eight games.
So many key players going through simultaneous droughts would be murder for most teams. But, thanks to the production of NHL scoring leader Connor McDavid (50 points), the surprising production of the red-hot Patrick Maroon -- seven goals in his last six games -- and Leon Draisaitl, who has 16 goals this season, has somehow given the chance for other Oilers to find their games, while the team remains solidly in the hunt for playoff position.
Because of the heavy reliance on the top line, the Oilers are grinding out wins, like 2-1's shootout decision over Calgary.
"You can tell this group is growing as a team and these tough games, we believe we are going to come out on top, whereas maybe last year where we may have found a way to lose," said Oilers goalie Cam Talbot. "We are finding ways to win these right now."
Monday's game is the fourth of the six-game homestand for the Oilers. They have won two of the first three, and the three remaining games are all against teams that are below them in the standings. It's vital for the Oilers to take advantage of the favourable January schedule, because things will get awfully tough after this stretch.
"After this homestand we play 12 of 16 on the road," said coach Todd McLellan. "We want to bank some points."
Monday's game starts a three-game road trip for the Coyotes, who were shut out by Anaheim on Saturday and have won just 13 of 42 games this season.
Coyotes coach Dave Tippett says Alexander Burmistrov, who was claimed off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 2, will likely play his first game in a Coyotes jersey on Monday night.
"He's a skill player, we'll see," said Tippett. "We'll get him up and going here. He hasn't played in a while so it will take him a few games to get going. But he's certainly a quick, skilled guy that will add that element to our lineup."
And Tippett said that center Ryan White -- who has been out since Dec. 21 with a lower-body injury, will be go on the road trip, though his status for the Edmonton game is uncertain. Defenseman Jordan Martinook, who hasn't played since Jan. 6, will also go on the trip/Martinook and White both go on the trip.
"Hopefully, we've got some numbers to push it along," Tippett said.
Defenseman Michael Stone said that the Coyotes have to learn from Saturday's shutout defeat and simplify their offense.
"Just hit the net. There's no magic solution. You just have got to bear down on what you are doing and just execute it."
On Sunday night, the Oilers have recalled defenseman Jordan Oesterle from the AHL. The 24-year-old has six assists in 23 career NHL games with Edmonton. It is unclear if he will play Monday.
Grand Salami - January
The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.
Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.
*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.
NHL GRAND SALAMI
Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
1/1 3 16 19 OVER
1/2 3 15.5 13 UNDER
1/3 7 37.5 40 OVER
1/4 6 33.5 29 UNDER
1/5 7 37.5 45 OVER
1/6 6 32.5 26 UNDER
1/7 12 64.5 68 OVER
1/8 6 31.5 36 OVER
1/9 4 21 20 UNDER
1/10 7 37.5 41 OVER
1/11 4 21.5 26 OVER
1/12 9 48.5 54 OVER
1/13 7 37 40 OVER
1/14 12 64 80 OVER
1/15 4 20.5 16 UNDER
1/16 7 - - -
1/17 9 - - -
1/18 5 - - -
1/19 8 - - -
1/20 6 - - -
1/21 11 - - -
1/22 6 - - -
1/23 6 - - -
1/24 10 - - -
1/25 4 - - -
1/26 13 - - -
1/27 No games scheduled - - -
1/28 No games scheduled - - -
1/29 No games scheduled - - -
1/30 No games scheduled - - -
1/31 14 - - -
The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.
Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.
*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.
NHL GRAND SALAMI
Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
1/1 3 16 19 OVER
1/2 3 15.5 13 UNDER
1/3 7 37.5 40 OVER
1/4 6 33.5 29 UNDER
1/5 7 37.5 45 OVER
1/6 6 32.5 26 UNDER
1/7 12 64.5 68 OVER
1/8 6 31.5 36 OVER
1/9 4 21 20 UNDER
1/10 7 37.5 41 OVER
1/11 4 21.5 26 OVER
1/12 9 48.5 54 OVER
1/13 7 37 40 OVER
1/14 12 64 80 OVER
1/15 4 20.5 16 UNDER
1/16 7 - - -
1/17 9 - - -
1/18 5 - - -
1/19 8 - - -
1/20 6 - - -
1/21 11 - - -
1/22 6 - - -
1/23 6 - - -
1/24 10 - - -
1/25 4 - - -
1/26 13 - - -
1/27 No games scheduled - - -
1/28 No games scheduled - - -
1/29 No games scheduled - - -
1/30 No games scheduled - - -
1/31 14 - - -
NHL
Monday’s games
Home side won seven of last nine Dallas-Buffalo games; Dallas Stars lost three of their last five games in western NY. Six of last eight series games stayed under total. Dallas lost five of its last seven games but split its last four on road; five of their last six games went over total. Sabres won last two home games but are 3-5 in last eight games overall; four of their last five games went over total.
Boston won five of its last six games with the Islanders, but New York won three of last five visits here- three of last four series games here stayed under total. Islanders lost four of last five games, are 2-4 in last six away games; seven of their last ten games went over. Bruins are 0-3 in game following their last three wins; they’re 3-4 in last seven games overall. Three of their last four games went over.
Home side won six of last seven Montreal-Detroit games; Canadiens won three of last five visits to Motor City (under 4-1). Montreal won five of last seven games, four of last five on road. Over is 5-0-1 in their last six games. Red Wings lost six of last eight home games, three of last four games overall. Detroit’s last four games all went over the total.
Kings won seven of last nine games with Tampa Bay; home side won five of last six series games. Lightning lost last four visits to Staples, scoring total of five goals- they lost five of last six games overall, were outscored 14-4 in losing their last three road games. Five of last six Tampa Bay games went over total. Los Angeles won five of its last seven games, three of last four at home; over is 3-0-1 in their last four games.
Road team won five of last seven Winnipeg-San Jose games; Jets won three of last four visits to San Jose. Over is 4-4-2 in last ten series games. Winnipeg lost its last three games, allowing 14 goals; they also lost their last three road games. Over is 6-2-1 in their last nine games. San Jose lost five of last seven overall, three of last four at home; over is 3-1-1 in their last five games.
Home side won last seven Washington-Pittsburgh games; Caps lost their last four visits to Steel City, with last three of those all in OT/SO. Over is 3-0-1 in last four series games. Washington is won its last nine games; they allowed total of three games in their last six games. Caps won last three on road, outscoring foes 11-3. Penguins lost last three games, outscored 15-6, but they’ve also won their last five home games. Over is 4-1 in their last five games.
Arizona won five of its last six games with Edmonton; they won three of last four visits here. Four of last five series games stayed under. Coyotes lost eight of last ten games; they were outscored 10-4 in losing last three road games. Under is 7-3 in last ten Arizona games. Oilers won four of last six games; their last three wins were all in OT/SO- they’re 3-2 in their last five home games.
Monday’s games
Home side won seven of last nine Dallas-Buffalo games; Dallas Stars lost three of their last five games in western NY. Six of last eight series games stayed under total. Dallas lost five of its last seven games but split its last four on road; five of their last six games went over total. Sabres won last two home games but are 3-5 in last eight games overall; four of their last five games went over total.
Boston won five of its last six games with the Islanders, but New York won three of last five visits here- three of last four series games here stayed under total. Islanders lost four of last five games, are 2-4 in last six away games; seven of their last ten games went over. Bruins are 0-3 in game following their last three wins; they’re 3-4 in last seven games overall. Three of their last four games went over.
Home side won six of last seven Montreal-Detroit games; Canadiens won three of last five visits to Motor City (under 4-1). Montreal won five of last seven games, four of last five on road. Over is 5-0-1 in their last six games. Red Wings lost six of last eight home games, three of last four games overall. Detroit’s last four games all went over the total.
Kings won seven of last nine games with Tampa Bay; home side won five of last six series games. Lightning lost last four visits to Staples, scoring total of five goals- they lost five of last six games overall, were outscored 14-4 in losing their last three road games. Five of last six Tampa Bay games went over total. Los Angeles won five of its last seven games, three of last four at home; over is 3-0-1 in their last four games.
Road team won five of last seven Winnipeg-San Jose games; Jets won three of last four visits to San Jose. Over is 4-4-2 in last ten series games. Winnipeg lost its last three games, allowing 14 goals; they also lost their last three road games. Over is 6-2-1 in their last nine games. San Jose lost five of last seven overall, three of last four at home; over is 3-1-1 in their last five games.
Home side won last seven Washington-Pittsburgh games; Caps lost their last four visits to Steel City, with last three of those all in OT/SO. Over is 3-0-1 in last four series games. Washington is won its last nine games; they allowed total of three games in their last six games. Caps won last three on road, outscoring foes 11-3. Penguins lost last three games, outscored 15-6, but they’ve also won their last five home games. Over is 4-1 in their last five games.
Arizona won five of its last six games with Edmonton; they won three of last four visits here. Four of last five series games stayed under. Coyotes lost eight of last ten games; they were outscored 10-4 in losing last three road games. Under is 7-3 in last ten Arizona games. Oilers won four of last six games; their last three wins were all in OT/SO- they’re 3-2 in their last five home games.
NBA roundup: New acquisition Dunleavy helps Hawks win
By The Sports Xchange
ATLANTA -- It didn't take long for Mike Dunleavy to change his mind about the trade that brought him to Atlanta.
The 14-year veteran almost sought a buyout when he was acquired by the Hawks in a deal that sent Kyle Korver to Cleveland on Jan. 7. But after he was persuaded to join the club by Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, it seems like a great fit for both the player and the team.
Dunleavy, playing only his second game since the trade, scored a season-high 20 points and helped the Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwaukee Bucks 111-98 on Sunday at Philips Arena.
Dunleavy was 4 for 5 on 3-pointers and posted his first 20-point game since April 5, 2015, when he played for Chicago.
Atlanta has won for the eighth time of its last nine games.
Atlanta also got 24 points from guard Kent Bazemore, who had four 3-pointers, and 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists from forward Paul Millsap.
Milwaukee (20-19) was led by forward Giannis Antetokounmpo with 33 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Thunder 122, Kings 118
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Russell Westbrook scored 36 points to record his 20th triple-double of the season, and Evan Kanter came off the bench to score 29 as Oklahoma City beat Sacramento at the Golden 1 Center.
Westbrook also collected 11 rebounds and 10 assists for the 57th triple-double of his career. He is two behind Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird for fifth on the NBA's all-time list.
Victor Oladipo added 23 points and made two free throws with 11.4 seconds left to help Oklahoma City hold off a furious 14-4 charge by Sacramento down the stretch that cut the Thunder lead to 118-116. Oladipo scored 17 in the first half.
Bulls 108, Grizzlies 104
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Doug McDermott scored 31 points -- including two free throws with 6.6 seconds left -- and Chicago survived a late rally by Memphis to earn a victory at the FedExForum.
McDermott, who was averaging 9.7 points entering the game, had struggled in his past four outings by going 7-of-31 shooting with only 21 points. At the half, he recorded 22 points and the Bulls had a 52-46 lead.
With Dwyane Wade sitting out the game to rest, McDermott picked up the scoring slack. He finished 9-of-16 shooting with six rebounds and was 10-of-11 from the free-throw line.
Pistons 102, Lakers 97
LOS ANGELES -- Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris scored 23 points apiece, and Detroit snapped a three-game losing streak with a defeat of Los Angeles at Staples Center.
Andre Drummond collected 15 points and 17 rebounds for the Pistons, who ended a six-game skid at Staples. Reggie Jackson chipped in 16 points and five assists for the Pistons.
Lou Williams delivered 26 points off the bench for the Lakers, who lost their fourth in a row and the eighth setback in 11 games. Los Angeles guards D'Angelo Russell contributed 20 points and seven assists and Jordan Clarkson had 16 points.
Raptors 116, Knicks 101
TORONTO - DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points for Toronto, which outscored New York 27-8 in the third quarter to take control.
Norman Powell contributed 21 points off the bench for the Raptors, and DeMarre Carrroll added 20 points. Kyle Lowry chipped in with 16 points, nine assists and four rebounds.
The Raptors have won three in a row overall and have won five straight meetings with the Knicks.
Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 18 points, Justin Holiday scored 17 points and Derrick Rose added 16 points and three assists. The loss was the fourth in five games for the Knicks.
Rockets 137, Nets 112
NEW YORK -- James Harden recorded his 12th triple-double of the season with 22 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds as Houston ended its two-game losing streak.
Eric Gordon hit four 3-pointers and paced Houston with 24 points. Trevor Ariza tied a season best with six 3-pointers and added 23 point.
The Nets rested Brook Lopez for the fourth time and lost their 10th straight game. Trevor Booker paced the Nets with 18 points.
Mavericks 98, Timberwolves 87
DALLAS - The Mavericks had six players score in double figures as they ended Minnesota's three-game winning streak
Dallas was led by Wesley Matthews' 19 points and Dirk Nowitzki's 17.
Timberwolves forward Gorgui Dieng scored a team-high 21 points. Karl-Anthony finished with 18 points and nine rebounds to end a streak of 10 consecutive double-doubles.
Andrew Wiggins had 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists for the Timberwolves.
By The Sports Xchange
ATLANTA -- It didn't take long for Mike Dunleavy to change his mind about the trade that brought him to Atlanta.
The 14-year veteran almost sought a buyout when he was acquired by the Hawks in a deal that sent Kyle Korver to Cleveland on Jan. 7. But after he was persuaded to join the club by Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, it seems like a great fit for both the player and the team.
Dunleavy, playing only his second game since the trade, scored a season-high 20 points and helped the Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwaukee Bucks 111-98 on Sunday at Philips Arena.
Dunleavy was 4 for 5 on 3-pointers and posted his first 20-point game since April 5, 2015, when he played for Chicago.
Atlanta has won for the eighth time of its last nine games.
Atlanta also got 24 points from guard Kent Bazemore, who had four 3-pointers, and 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists from forward Paul Millsap.
Milwaukee (20-19) was led by forward Giannis Antetokounmpo with 33 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Thunder 122, Kings 118
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Russell Westbrook scored 36 points to record his 20th triple-double of the season, and Evan Kanter came off the bench to score 29 as Oklahoma City beat Sacramento at the Golden 1 Center.
Westbrook also collected 11 rebounds and 10 assists for the 57th triple-double of his career. He is two behind Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird for fifth on the NBA's all-time list.
Victor Oladipo added 23 points and made two free throws with 11.4 seconds left to help Oklahoma City hold off a furious 14-4 charge by Sacramento down the stretch that cut the Thunder lead to 118-116. Oladipo scored 17 in the first half.
Bulls 108, Grizzlies 104
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Doug McDermott scored 31 points -- including two free throws with 6.6 seconds left -- and Chicago survived a late rally by Memphis to earn a victory at the FedExForum.
McDermott, who was averaging 9.7 points entering the game, had struggled in his past four outings by going 7-of-31 shooting with only 21 points. At the half, he recorded 22 points and the Bulls had a 52-46 lead.
With Dwyane Wade sitting out the game to rest, McDermott picked up the scoring slack. He finished 9-of-16 shooting with six rebounds and was 10-of-11 from the free-throw line.
Pistons 102, Lakers 97
LOS ANGELES -- Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris scored 23 points apiece, and Detroit snapped a three-game losing streak with a defeat of Los Angeles at Staples Center.
Andre Drummond collected 15 points and 17 rebounds for the Pistons, who ended a six-game skid at Staples. Reggie Jackson chipped in 16 points and five assists for the Pistons.
Lou Williams delivered 26 points off the bench for the Lakers, who lost their fourth in a row and the eighth setback in 11 games. Los Angeles guards D'Angelo Russell contributed 20 points and seven assists and Jordan Clarkson had 16 points.
Raptors 116, Knicks 101
TORONTO - DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points for Toronto, which outscored New York 27-8 in the third quarter to take control.
Norman Powell contributed 21 points off the bench for the Raptors, and DeMarre Carrroll added 20 points. Kyle Lowry chipped in with 16 points, nine assists and four rebounds.
The Raptors have won three in a row overall and have won five straight meetings with the Knicks.
Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 18 points, Justin Holiday scored 17 points and Derrick Rose added 16 points and three assists. The loss was the fourth in five games for the Knicks.
Rockets 137, Nets 112
NEW YORK -- James Harden recorded his 12th triple-double of the season with 22 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds as Houston ended its two-game losing streak.
Eric Gordon hit four 3-pointers and paced Houston with 24 points. Trevor Ariza tied a season best with six 3-pointers and added 23 point.
The Nets rested Brook Lopez for the fourth time and lost their 10th straight game. Trevor Booker paced the Nets with 18 points.
Mavericks 98, Timberwolves 87
DALLAS - The Mavericks had six players score in double figures as they ended Minnesota's three-game winning streak
Dallas was led by Wesley Matthews' 19 points and Dirk Nowitzki's 17.
Timberwolves forward Gorgui Dieng scored a team-high 21 points. Karl-Anthony finished with 18 points and nine rebounds to end a streak of 10 consecutive double-doubles.
Andrew Wiggins had 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists for the Timberwolves.
Monday’s NBA Game of the Day: Cavaliers at Warriors
Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors (-7.5, 224.5)
The Cleveland Cavaliers blamed a lack of practice time for some lackluster performances of late but got two straight days off over the weekend to work out some kinks and prepare for another NBA Finals rematch. The Cavaliers will return to Golden State for the first time since winning Game 7 of the NBA Finals last spring when they visit the Warriors on Monday.
Cleveland overcame a 14-point, fourth-quarter deficit on Christmas Day to earn a 109-108 home win over the Warriors in the first regular-season meeting, stretching their winning streak in the rivalry to four straight dating back to Game 5 of the Finals. Cleveland is playing the finale of a six-game road trip and pulled out of a two-game skid with a 120-108 win at Sacramento on Friday. Golden State has been off since knocking off Detroit 127-107 at home on Thursday and is focused on long-term goals. “We always try to focus on the process and keep getting better,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters after the win. “That’s all it’s about, continuing on with the work in progress and we made a good step (against the Pistons)."
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT
LINE HISTORY: The Warriors opened as 7.5-point favorites for this NBA Finals rematch and as of Sunday evening the spread has not moved. The total hit the board at 225.5 and went down full point to 224.5.
INJURY REPORT:
Cavaliers - SG J. Smith (Late March, thumb), PF C. Anderson (Out For Season, knee).
Warriors - No injuries to report.
POWER RANKINGS: Cavaliers (-7.9) - Warriors (-14.5) + home court (-3) = Warriors -9.6
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (29-10 SU, 16-20-2 ATS, 19-19 O/U): Kyrie Irving knocked down the go-ahead 3-pointer in Game 7 of the Finals last spring and hit the winning jumper with 3.4 seconds left in the Christmas meeting as well. Irving battled a shooting slump in two losses last week - going a combined 9-of-34 from the field in the two contests - and started to pick up the pace by pouring in 26 points on 10-of-22 shooting in Sacramento. Irving was able to hoist up that many shots against the Kings because LeBron James decided to show off his skills as a passer while racking up 15 assists.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (34-6 SU, 16-23-1 ATS, 19-21 O/U): Two-time reigning MVP Stephen Curry struggled to 40.3 percent from the floor in the Finals last spring and did not enjoy any more success at Cleveland on Christmas, when he was limited to 15 points on 4-of-11 shooting. Kevin Durant got his first taste of the rivalry in that Christmas meeting and collected 36 points and 15 rebounds but tripped on his way up the court on the final play and could not get off a shot at the buzzer. Durant scored at least 25 points in each of the last five games and is 8-of-15 from 3-point range in the last three contests.
TRENDS:
* Cavaliers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
* Warriors are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
* Under is 5-1 in Cavaliers' last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
* Over is 5-1 in Warriors' last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
* Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
* Under is 5-0-2 in the last 7 meetings in Golden State.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors (-7.5, 224.5)
The Cleveland Cavaliers blamed a lack of practice time for some lackluster performances of late but got two straight days off over the weekend to work out some kinks and prepare for another NBA Finals rematch. The Cavaliers will return to Golden State for the first time since winning Game 7 of the NBA Finals last spring when they visit the Warriors on Monday.
Cleveland overcame a 14-point, fourth-quarter deficit on Christmas Day to earn a 109-108 home win over the Warriors in the first regular-season meeting, stretching their winning streak in the rivalry to four straight dating back to Game 5 of the Finals. Cleveland is playing the finale of a six-game road trip and pulled out of a two-game skid with a 120-108 win at Sacramento on Friday. Golden State has been off since knocking off Detroit 127-107 at home on Thursday and is focused on long-term goals. “We always try to focus on the process and keep getting better,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters after the win. “That’s all it’s about, continuing on with the work in progress and we made a good step (against the Pistons)."
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT
LINE HISTORY: The Warriors opened as 7.5-point favorites for this NBA Finals rematch and as of Sunday evening the spread has not moved. The total hit the board at 225.5 and went down full point to 224.5.
INJURY REPORT:
Cavaliers - SG J. Smith (Late March, thumb), PF C. Anderson (Out For Season, knee).
Warriors - No injuries to report.
POWER RANKINGS: Cavaliers (-7.9) - Warriors (-14.5) + home court (-3) = Warriors -9.6
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (29-10 SU, 16-20-2 ATS, 19-19 O/U): Kyrie Irving knocked down the go-ahead 3-pointer in Game 7 of the Finals last spring and hit the winning jumper with 3.4 seconds left in the Christmas meeting as well. Irving battled a shooting slump in two losses last week - going a combined 9-of-34 from the field in the two contests - and started to pick up the pace by pouring in 26 points on 10-of-22 shooting in Sacramento. Irving was able to hoist up that many shots against the Kings because LeBron James decided to show off his skills as a passer while racking up 15 assists.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (34-6 SU, 16-23-1 ATS, 19-21 O/U): Two-time reigning MVP Stephen Curry struggled to 40.3 percent from the floor in the Finals last spring and did not enjoy any more success at Cleveland on Christmas, when he was limited to 15 points on 4-of-11 shooting. Kevin Durant got his first taste of the rivalry in that Christmas meeting and collected 36 points and 15 rebounds but tripped on his way up the court on the final play and could not get off a shot at the buzzer. Durant scored at least 25 points in each of the last five games and is 8-of-15 from 3-point range in the last three contests.
TRENDS:
* Cavaliers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
* Warriors are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
* Under is 5-1 in Cavaliers' last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
* Over is 5-1 in Warriors' last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
* Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
* Under is 5-0-2 in the last 7 meetings in Golden State.
Preview: Hawks (22-17) at Knicks (18-22)
Date: January 16, 2017 1:00 PM EDT
NEW YORK - The New York Knicks are cautiously optimistic they will have their star second-year forward Kristaps Porzingis available for their next four games, which they play in six nights.
The 21-year-old missed his second straight game, a 116-101 loss at Toronto on Sunday, with a sore left Achilles, and is questionable for Monday when the Knicks (18-23) host the Atlanta Hawks (23-17) at Madison Square Garden.
New York faces Boston on Wednesday, Washington on Thursday and Phoenix on Saturday.
Porzingis' replacement, Lance Thomas, sustained a fractured orbital bone and had concussion-like symptoms after being hit with an inadvertent elbow from Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas during Sunday's game. The Knicks announced Thomas' condition after the game, saying that the 28-year-old would be re-evaluated on Monday and is expected to sit out Monday's game.
At one point in the third quarter on Sunday, the Knicks trailed by 38 points, their largest deficit of the season.
If Porzingis is unable to play or his minutes are limited against the Hawks, Mindaugas Kuzminskas will likely see some action next to Carmelo Anthony in the frontcourt.
The Knicks could certainly use Porzingis' 7-foot-3 presence at both ends. He is averaging two blocks and seven rebounds a game for a team that gives up 108 points a night, the sixth highest in the league.
Porzingis is also second to Carmelo Anthony in scoring, averaging 19.4 points.
"I need to get it 100 percent before I step back on the court again," Porzingis told Newsday. "I need to take my time, calm down a little bit. I'm just too anxious to be out there.
"We have a tough schedule ahead of us. I want to be back as soon as possible. But at the same time, I want to make sure I'm healthy and that I can be 100 percent for the team."
Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek is cautious about Porzingis returning to action too soon.
"We've got a lot of games," Hornacek said. "These games in January are coming at you, so it's bad timing, but it is what it is. We were able to win the other night (104-89 over Chicago) without him, so we've got to try to do it again."
The Hawks are soaring, having won eight of their last nine games after Sunday's 111-98 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Mike Dunleavy, playing only his second game since being traded from Cleveland for Kyle Korver, scored a season-high 20 points. Dunleavy made two 3-pointers and scored six points in 15 minutes in Friday's loss to Boston.
"It's only two games and we have to be careful not to put too much into it," Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. "It's always been a belief that this would be a good place for him to play, a good way from him to play, moving and cutting and all of those things.
"It's early, but he's relishing his opportunity and we've welcomed him with open arms. The challenge will be for him to come out and do it every night and I know he will."
Date: January 16, 2017 1:00 PM EDT
NEW YORK - The New York Knicks are cautiously optimistic they will have their star second-year forward Kristaps Porzingis available for their next four games, which they play in six nights.
The 21-year-old missed his second straight game, a 116-101 loss at Toronto on Sunday, with a sore left Achilles, and is questionable for Monday when the Knicks (18-23) host the Atlanta Hawks (23-17) at Madison Square Garden.
New York faces Boston on Wednesday, Washington on Thursday and Phoenix on Saturday.
Porzingis' replacement, Lance Thomas, sustained a fractured orbital bone and had concussion-like symptoms after being hit with an inadvertent elbow from Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas during Sunday's game. The Knicks announced Thomas' condition after the game, saying that the 28-year-old would be re-evaluated on Monday and is expected to sit out Monday's game.
At one point in the third quarter on Sunday, the Knicks trailed by 38 points, their largest deficit of the season.
If Porzingis is unable to play or his minutes are limited against the Hawks, Mindaugas Kuzminskas will likely see some action next to Carmelo Anthony in the frontcourt.
The Knicks could certainly use Porzingis' 7-foot-3 presence at both ends. He is averaging two blocks and seven rebounds a game for a team that gives up 108 points a night, the sixth highest in the league.
Porzingis is also second to Carmelo Anthony in scoring, averaging 19.4 points.
"I need to get it 100 percent before I step back on the court again," Porzingis told Newsday. "I need to take my time, calm down a little bit. I'm just too anxious to be out there.
"We have a tough schedule ahead of us. I want to be back as soon as possible. But at the same time, I want to make sure I'm healthy and that I can be 100 percent for the team."
Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek is cautious about Porzingis returning to action too soon.
"We've got a lot of games," Hornacek said. "These games in January are coming at you, so it's bad timing, but it is what it is. We were able to win the other night (104-89 over Chicago) without him, so we've got to try to do it again."
The Hawks are soaring, having won eight of their last nine games after Sunday's 111-98 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Mike Dunleavy, playing only his second game since being traded from Cleveland for Kyle Korver, scored a season-high 20 points. Dunleavy made two 3-pointers and scored six points in 15 minutes in Friday's loss to Boston.
"It's only two games and we have to be careful not to put too much into it," Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. "It's always been a belief that this would be a good place for him to play, a good way from him to play, moving and cutting and all of those things.
"It's early, but he's relishing his opportunity and we've welcomed him with open arms. The challenge will be for him to come out and do it every night and I know he will."
Preview: Trail Blazers (18-24) at Wizards (20-19)
Date: January 16, 2017 2:00 PM EDT
WASHINGTON -- Here's a message for Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers: Be warned. The Washington Wizards just don't lose at home anymore.
Fueled by John Wall's mid-game surge, the Wizards ran past the Philadelphia 76ers 109-93 on Saturday night for their 11th straight win at home, the longest active streak in the NBA. Washington (20-19) hadn't won 11 in a row at home since a 15-game streak during the 1988-89 season as the Washington Bullets.
The chance for a dozen straight comes Monday afternoon against Portland when the teams meet on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday for a second straight season.
"It's just been our defense and just us getting after it and playing with energy," Wizards guard Bradley Beal said of their winning ways beyond a supportive home crowd. "It makes everything easier on offense when we get out and run."
Washington's performance was slow going against Philadelphia, continuing a recent and unwanted trend. The 76ers, led by center Jahlil Okafor, were shredding the Wizards' defense and led 43-30 in the second quarter. Yet by halftime the score was tied and the Wizards led by 15 points after three quarters and 24 in the fourth quarter.
What changed?
The point guard's play, for one. Wall closed the first half with energetic play and drained three 3-pointers in a row during the third quarter. He finished with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists despite not playing in the fourth quarter and dealing with multiple injuries. His painful right pinky required a splint for stabilization.
"It starts with me," said Wall, who is averaging 22.9 points, 10.2 assists and 2.2 steals. "When I'm not aggressive on both ends of the floor, it kind of slows our team down. I have to do a better job of that. 1/8In the second quarter 3/8 I started to pick it up and then everyone else started to pick it up and we started to play better."
Washington started the season 2-8, but now sits above .500 having won four of its last five games. The Wizards are 14-7 since Dec. 5.
Over that same stretch, Portland (18-24) has gone the other way. After defeating the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 5, the Trail Blazers dropped 14 of 20 games, yet still hold the eighth best record in the Western Conference. Portland, sixth in scoring and 27th in points allowed, is 4-3 in January.
"We want to be a playoff team," Lillard recently told the Oregonian. "And if (the playoffs) started today, we'd be in. We're still trying to find our way. But the encouraging thing is that we're starting to play much better basketball. Going forward, I believe things will go in our favor and we'll start winning a lot more of these games."
Portland dropped its final game, 115-109 against the Orlando Magic on Friday, before embarking on a four-game road trip. That snapped a two-game winning streak including 102-86 victory over the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers.
"I think we're starting to see a little light," big man Ed Davis said. "That's all we need. We're a team that, once we start playing with confidence, we get rolling and we get hot."
Trail Blazers starting forward Moe Harkless did not play Friday with a calf strain.
Lillard and CJ. McCollum, among the top starting backcourts in the NBA along with Wall and Beal, average 50.1 points per game.
Portland won both games in the series last season including 108-98 in Washington.
Date: January 16, 2017 2:00 PM EDT
WASHINGTON -- Here's a message for Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers: Be warned. The Washington Wizards just don't lose at home anymore.
Fueled by John Wall's mid-game surge, the Wizards ran past the Philadelphia 76ers 109-93 on Saturday night for their 11th straight win at home, the longest active streak in the NBA. Washington (20-19) hadn't won 11 in a row at home since a 15-game streak during the 1988-89 season as the Washington Bullets.
The chance for a dozen straight comes Monday afternoon against Portland when the teams meet on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday for a second straight season.
"It's just been our defense and just us getting after it and playing with energy," Wizards guard Bradley Beal said of their winning ways beyond a supportive home crowd. "It makes everything easier on offense when we get out and run."
Washington's performance was slow going against Philadelphia, continuing a recent and unwanted trend. The 76ers, led by center Jahlil Okafor, were shredding the Wizards' defense and led 43-30 in the second quarter. Yet by halftime the score was tied and the Wizards led by 15 points after three quarters and 24 in the fourth quarter.
What changed?
The point guard's play, for one. Wall closed the first half with energetic play and drained three 3-pointers in a row during the third quarter. He finished with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists despite not playing in the fourth quarter and dealing with multiple injuries. His painful right pinky required a splint for stabilization.
"It starts with me," said Wall, who is averaging 22.9 points, 10.2 assists and 2.2 steals. "When I'm not aggressive on both ends of the floor, it kind of slows our team down. I have to do a better job of that. 1/8In the second quarter 3/8 I started to pick it up and then everyone else started to pick it up and we started to play better."
Washington started the season 2-8, but now sits above .500 having won four of its last five games. The Wizards are 14-7 since Dec. 5.
Over that same stretch, Portland (18-24) has gone the other way. After defeating the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 5, the Trail Blazers dropped 14 of 20 games, yet still hold the eighth best record in the Western Conference. Portland, sixth in scoring and 27th in points allowed, is 4-3 in January.
"We want to be a playoff team," Lillard recently told the Oregonian. "And if (the playoffs) started today, we'd be in. We're still trying to find our way. But the encouraging thing is that we're starting to play much better basketball. Going forward, I believe things will go in our favor and we'll start winning a lot more of these games."
Portland dropped its final game, 115-109 against the Orlando Magic on Friday, before embarking on a four-game road trip. That snapped a two-game winning streak including 102-86 victory over the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers.
"I think we're starting to see a little light," big man Ed Davis said. "That's all we need. We're a team that, once we start playing with confidence, we get rolling and we get hot."
Trail Blazers starting forward Moe Harkless did not play Friday with a calf strain.
Lillard and CJ. McCollum, among the top starting backcourts in the NBA along with Wall and Beal, average 50.1 points per game.
Portland won both games in the series last season including 108-98 in Washington.
Preview: 76ers (12-26) at Bucks (20-18)
Date: January 16, 2017 3:30 PM EDT
MILWAUKEE -- It'll be "The Process" vs "The Greek Freak" Monday afternoon when the Milwaukee Bucks host the Philadelphia 76ers in a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day matinee at the Bradley Center.
Both Milwaukee and Philadelphia are resurrecting their franchises on the backs of young, promising talents; the Bucks have forward Giannis Antetokounmpo while the Sixers are growing around center Joel Embiid.
Antetokounmpo has emerged as a dominant force, leading Milwaukee in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals per game. He appears on track to become the first Bucks player to appear in an NBA All-Star Game since Michael Redd in 2004 and first elected by fan voting since Sidney Moncrief in 1984.
And after injuries kept him off the court for two seasons after being drafted No. 3 overall in 2014, Embiid has been on a tear, averaging 19.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks while playing 25.2 minutes in 27 games.
But relying on young talent comes with risk. The Sixers are still in the early stages of their rebuild and come into the game 27th in the league, scoring 99.1 points per game, 28th in shooting (43.3) and 2nd in turnovers with 16.8 per game.
There have also been a lot of blown leads, as was the case Saturday when Philadelphia went into halftime tied at 56 but got routed over the final two quarters in a 109-93 loss at Washington, snapping a three-game winning streak.
"Late second quarter, you could feel the gym turning, you could feel our guys turn," Philadelphia coach Brett Brown said.
Embiid sat that game out as he still isn't playing both ends of back-to-backs, but will be ready to go Monday in Milwaukee.
"We didn't have that extra oomph," Brown said. "Obviously, the omission of Joel Embiid clearly is impactful, but that's the challenge. We just didn't have it tonight."
The Bucks have struggled to hold leads often this season, as well. They come into the game Monday just a game above .500 thanks in large part to poor third quarter play. Milwaukee's 19 loss all seem to have a similar script with stagnant ball movement and defensive lapses.
Such was the story Sunday afternoon when the Bucks allowed Atlanta to shoot 52.5 percent and 13-for-26 from beyond the arc in a 111-98 loss to the Hawks.
"One thing we'll start to understand is that coach (Jason) Kidd has been around this league for quite some time and he is not only a fortune teller, but he just knows," said Bucks veteran Jason Terry. "At some point, we're going to have to understand what he's telling us is going to come to fruition. Are we going to be ready to execute the game plan? We did not do that (Sunday) and you see the results."
Monday marks the first meeting of the season between Milwaukee and Philadelphia. The Bucks have won 12 of their last 14 meetings with the Sixers, including 10 of the last 11 games in Milwaukee.
Date: January 16, 2017 3:30 PM EDT
MILWAUKEE -- It'll be "The Process" vs "The Greek Freak" Monday afternoon when the Milwaukee Bucks host the Philadelphia 76ers in a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day matinee at the Bradley Center.
Both Milwaukee and Philadelphia are resurrecting their franchises on the backs of young, promising talents; the Bucks have forward Giannis Antetokounmpo while the Sixers are growing around center Joel Embiid.
Antetokounmpo has emerged as a dominant force, leading Milwaukee in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals per game. He appears on track to become the first Bucks player to appear in an NBA All-Star Game since Michael Redd in 2004 and first elected by fan voting since Sidney Moncrief in 1984.
And after injuries kept him off the court for two seasons after being drafted No. 3 overall in 2014, Embiid has been on a tear, averaging 19.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks while playing 25.2 minutes in 27 games.
But relying on young talent comes with risk. The Sixers are still in the early stages of their rebuild and come into the game 27th in the league, scoring 99.1 points per game, 28th in shooting (43.3) and 2nd in turnovers with 16.8 per game.
There have also been a lot of blown leads, as was the case Saturday when Philadelphia went into halftime tied at 56 but got routed over the final two quarters in a 109-93 loss at Washington, snapping a three-game winning streak.
"Late second quarter, you could feel the gym turning, you could feel our guys turn," Philadelphia coach Brett Brown said.
Embiid sat that game out as he still isn't playing both ends of back-to-backs, but will be ready to go Monday in Milwaukee.
"We didn't have that extra oomph," Brown said. "Obviously, the omission of Joel Embiid clearly is impactful, but that's the challenge. We just didn't have it tonight."
The Bucks have struggled to hold leads often this season, as well. They come into the game Monday just a game above .500 thanks in large part to poor third quarter play. Milwaukee's 19 loss all seem to have a similar script with stagnant ball movement and defensive lapses.
Such was the story Sunday afternoon when the Bucks allowed Atlanta to shoot 52.5 percent and 13-for-26 from beyond the arc in a 111-98 loss to the Hawks.
"One thing we'll start to understand is that coach (Jason) Kidd has been around this league for quite some time and he is not only a fortune teller, but he just knows," said Bucks veteran Jason Terry. "At some point, we're going to have to understand what he's telling us is going to come to fruition. Are we going to be ready to execute the game plan? We did not do that (Sunday) and you see the results."
Monday marks the first meeting of the season between Milwaukee and Philadelphia. The Bucks have won 12 of their last 14 meetings with the Sixers, including 10 of the last 11 games in Milwaukee.
