With the NHL playoffs in full swing, there are plenty of players with Prince Albert and Saskatchewan connections in the running to hoist the most storied trophy in hockey.
Former Prince Albert Raider captain Josh Morrissey had a goal and an assist for the Winnipeg Jets as they defeated the Colorado Avalanche 7-6 in a wild Game 1 victory. For Colorado, former Prince Albert Minto Josh Manson recorded one assist with a minus-three rating in the contest.
Morrissey is one of two players on the Jets with Saskatchewan connections. The team also includes former Swift Current Bronco Adam Lowry. Manson is the only player with Saskatchewan connections suiting up for the Avalanche.
The Jets and Avs are the second and third seeds respectively in the Central Division.
The New York Rangers captured a 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Former Raider Aliaksei Protas recorded an assist on the only goal of the game for Washington. Former Prince Albert Minto Braden Schneider was held pointless, but recorded 16:35 time on ice for New York.
Porotas is one of four Capitals with Saskatchewan connections, while Schneider is the province’s lone representative on the Ranger roster. New York finished with the best record in the NHL, while Washington squeezed into the playoffs with a win in their final regular season game.
The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings began their first round series on Monday night at Rogers Place. Results were not available as of press time. Former Raider Leon Draisaitl and former Lethbridge Hurricane Stuart Skinner are amongst Oiler players with WHL connections.
Former Raider Noah Gregor did not dress for the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 1 as the Leafs fell 5-1 to the Boston Bruins. Results from Monday’s Game 2 were not available as of press time.
Gregor is one of three Leafs with Saskatchewan connections. The list also includes former Moose Jaw Warriors Morgan Rielly and Joel Edmundson. Former Swift Current Bronco Jake DeBrusk is the only Bruin with Saskatchewan connections.
This is the first time since 2019 the Leafs and Bruins have met in the playoffs. Boston has won six straight playoffs series against Toronto.
The defending Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights match up with the Dallas Stars in the first round. Dallas will dress former Regina Pat captain Sam Steel while Vegas’ roster includes former Pat Chandler Stephenson, former Moose Jaw Warrior Brett Howden, and Davidson’s Brayden McNabb.
The two teams faced off for Game 1 on Monday. Results were not available by press time.
In other series’ around the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Nashville Predators 4-2 to take a 1-0 series lead. sports@paherald.sk.ca
