The Toronto Maple Leafs held an optional skate at Scotiabank Arena on Friday. The Calgary Flames held a full skate.
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Flames coach Darryl Sutter was asked Friday what adjustments he’s looking for from highly skilled stars like Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.
“It’s just a little bit more of their shot count, shot quality, pace of the game and 200-foot game,” the veteran bench boss explained. “You look at the Toronto Maple Leafs, they play a complete game and their top players have made that adjustment to play a complete game, so you have to try to emulate those teams to have any success here.”
Gaudreau, Monahan and linemate Brett Ritchie have been dumping and chasing the puck more since Sutter took over.
“Whether I’m comfortable with it or not that’s our team, that’s our system right now,” Gaudreau said. “You need to adapt. It doesn’t matter which coach you’re playing for, you need to follow his instructions and make sure you’re playing the right way and the way he wants you to play.”
“We’re trying to limit turnovers,” said Monahan. “We’re trying to hold pucks more in their end. If you get chances off the rush you’re going to take it, but if they’re not there we have to continue to play the right way.”
Calgary had won three straight with Sutter behind the bench before getting shelled 7-3 on Wednesday in Edmonton. After that game, Sutter noted the Flames don’t have the same firepower as other teams in the North Division and have to play a more disciplined style to have success.
“I haven’t found the net too much in the past few games, but we’re 3-1 and that’s all you can really ask for,” said Gaudreau, who has one goal and six shots in the past four outings. “When you’re 3-1 with the new guy, I mean, that’s a recipe for success.”
Sutter isn’t juggling his forward lines tonight pointing out that the groups have played fairly well. The coach cited “needless penalties” as the major issue in Wednesday’s setback. The Oilers scored on three of four power-play chances.
“You see in this division where there are nights like that, basically power-play nights,” said Sutter. “Our team has responded very well. It’s not an issue.”
“We know we have skill on our team,” said Monahan. “We know we can score. We got to check first and that’s when we’ll get our opportunities.”
Flames not looking to play run-and-gun against Leafs: ‘We know how we have to win’
Darryl Sutter brings a more defensive style behind the bench and he’s been preaching to the Flames that playing a run-and-gun game won’t lead to success against teams like the Maple Leafs and Oilers. Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan discuss the new playstyle and what it means for their offence.
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The Flames have lost three of four games to the Leafs this season, but went 1-0-1 during a trip to Toronto last month. The Leafs didn’t score a five-on-five goal against Calgary in those two games.
“We’ve played well against them in the past,” said Gaudreau. “We’ve played these guys pretty well.”
“We know what we’re up against,” Monahan said. “It’s a game we’re looking forward to and we want to set the tone ourselves and get pucks behind them. We want to have the puck more than them and be heavy with it in their end and keep an eye [on] those top guys.”
The Leafs should have a lot of energy thanks to a four-day break between games. The rest has helped top-line centre Auston Matthews recover from a nagging wrist injury. Matthews has three goals, all from in tight, in seven games since returning from a two-game absence.
“Tony keeps pretty even-keeled,” said linemate Mitch Marner. “Our group tries not to get frustrated and stay the same mood at all times. I’m sure it is frustrating for him to not be able to shoot it as well as he’d like, but definitely looks like he’s coming back to normal and it’s a big help for our team.”
Already dealing with a hand injury, Matthews hurt his right wrist in a game against the Flames on Feb. 24 when defenceman Rasmus Andersson checked him hard into the boards.
Leafs Ice Chips: Matthews looking like his old self
The Leafs are ready to resume their season tonight against the Flames. Toronto has been off since losing Sunday night in Ottawa, and this break has helped the group refocus and re-energize after a tough stretch that saw them drop five of six games. The break has been especially helpful for Auston Matthews who has been nursing a nagging wrist injury. As Mark Masters explains, the 23-year-old centre has been looking at lot better in practice this week.
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Alex Galchenyuk will make his Leafs debut tonight slotting in on the second line with John Tavares and William Nylander.
“Seeing what he did with the Marlies, it seemed like he kind of got his swagger back with his confidence with the puck and power-plays seams and just kind of getting his magic back,” Marner observed. “Through practice these last couple days you’ve seen it as well. His chemistry is getting better with JT and Will and hopefully they adapt quickly in this game tonight. Everyone is excited to see him tonight.”
Acquired in a trade with Carolina on Feb. 15, Galchenyuk played six games in the American Hockey League, producing eight points before being recalled by the Leafs this week.
“He’ll get a chance to play with good players tonight and I thought those guys looked really good in practice yesterday,” said coach Sheldon Keefe. “I think the way that he moves the puck and the way that he can score and shoot the puck pairs well with them.”
Galchenyuk to make Leafs debut tonight, will play with Tavares, Nylander
Alex Galchenyuk will make his Maple Leafs debut tonight against the Flames. The 27-year old forward will play on a line with John Tavares and William Nylander, and head coach Sheldon Keefe explained why the timing is right for Galchenyuk to suit up tonight.
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Wayne Simmonds returns to the Leafs lineup tonight after missing six weeks with a broken wrist.
“It’s been a long time coming for him,” said Keefe. “He’s the kind of guy who has a ton of energy and he hasn’t been able to utilize a great deal of that in a competitive environment. Just to be in the practices was real good for him and we wanted to see how he responded coming in here today, but he feels good and we’re happy to have him back in the mix.”
Simmonds will start on the fourth line with Pierre Engvall and Jason Spezza and resume his role as the net-front guy on the top power-play unit. His mere presence on the bench is also expected to provide a spark.
“He’s got a strong voice, a loud voice, you know, a guy who will stand up and kind of yell or encourage the group from one end to the other,” Keefe noted. “He also has a strong voice on the ice with his linemates and with the opposition. He’s got a lot of respect in the league.”
‘An amazing teammate’: Simmonds returns to Leafs’ lineup against Flames
Wayne Simmonds will return to the Maple Leafs’ lineup tonight against the Flames after being out since February 6th due to a broken wrist. Simmonds’ teammates discussed what he brings to the team.
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After giving up seven goals on 30 shots in Wednesday’s loss to the Oilers, Jacob Markstrom gets the start again for Calgary.
“He had a rough night last game and we’re looking for a bounce-back game tonight out of him,” said Sutter. “That’s what I’m looking for.”
Frederik Andersen starts for the Leafs. Jack Campbell will be the backup goalie. It is the first time Campbell has dressed in a game since aggravating a leg injury on Feb. 27 in Edmonton.
Andersen aims to regain confidence; admits injury still a factor
The Maple Leafs’ hold on the North division has been shaken by losing five of six. Goalie Frederik Andersen’s not the only one to blame, but he has been shaky lately. And while Andersen has been known to get out of ruts before during his time in Toronto, he’s facing both a mental and physical challenge now. TSN’s Mark Masters has more.
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Sutter will be coaching against a familiar foe tonight in Joe Thornton. The pair have seen a lot of each other over the years in the Pacific Division.
“I have a ton of respect for him. It’s not just how long he’s played, but [also] the success and how he’s played and how he’s played at playoff time,” said Sutter. “What gets overlooked is his playoff performances. He’s a guy who’s knocked on the door lots, but his playoff performance has been immaculate and his ability to recover and play through tough injuries is remarkable.”
Thornton has 133 points in 179 career playoff games.
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board declined Friday to confirm media reports that India has decided against playing any games in host Pakistan during next year’s Champions Trophy.
“My view is if there’s any problems, they (India) should tell us in writing,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. “I’ll share that with the media as well as with the government as soon as I get such a letter.”
Indian media reported Friday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its concerns to all the Champions Trophy stakeholders, including the PCB, over the Feb. 19-March 9 tournament and would not play in arch-rival Pakistan.
The Times of India said that “Dubai is a strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue” for the 50-over tournament.
Such a solution would see Pakistan having to travel to a neutral venue to play India in a group match, with another potential meeting later in the tournament if both teams advanced from their group. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Pakistan with the specific venue not yet decided.
“Our stance is clear,” Naqvi said. “They need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”
Political tensions have stopped bilateral cricket between the two nations since 2008 and they have competed in only multi-nation tournaments, including ICC World Cups.
“Cricket should be free of politics,” Naqvi said. “Any sport should not be entangled with politics. Our preparations for the Champions Trophy will continue unabated, and this will be a successful event.”
The PCB has already spent millions of dollars on the upgrade of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi which are due to host 15 Champions Trophy games. Naqvi hoped all the three stadiums will be ready over the next two months.
“Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here (in Pakistan),” Naqvi said. “I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter, and I don’t expect they will. I expect the tournament will be held at the home of the official hosts.”
Eight countries – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan – are due to compete in the tournament, the schedule of which is yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.
“Normally the ICC announces the schedule of any major tournament 100 days before the event, and I hope they will announce it very soon,” Naqvi said.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Ottawa‘s Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand are through to the doubles final at the WTA Finals after a 7-6 (7), 6-1 victory over Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the United States and Australia’s Ellen Perez in semifinal action Friday.
Dabrowski and Routliffe won a hard-fought first set against serve when Routliffe’s quick reaction at the net to defend a Perez shot gave the duo set point, causing Perez to throw down her racket in frustration.
The second seeds then cruised through the second set, winning match point on serve when Melichar-Martinez couldn’t handle Routliffe’s shot.
The showdown was a rematch of last year’s semifinal, which Melichar-Martinez and Perez won in a super tiebreak.
Dabrowski and Routliffe will face the winner of a match between Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, and Hao-Ching Chan and Veronika Kudermetova in the final on Saturday.
Dabrowski is aiming to become the first Canadian to win a WTA Finals title.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.
Inter Milan winger Tajon Buchanan, recovered from a broken leg suffered in training at this summer’s Copa America, is back in Jesse Marsch’s Canada squad for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.
The 25-year-old from Brampton, Ont., underwent surgery July 3 to repair a fractured tibia in Texas.
Canada, ranked 35th in the world, plays No. 136 Suriname on Nov. 15 in Paramaribo. The second leg of the aggregate series is four days later at Toronto’s BMO Field.
There is also a return for veteran winger Junior Hoilett, who last played for Canada in June in a 4-0 loss to the Netherlands in Marsch’s debut at the Canadian helm. The 34-year-old from Brampton, now with Scotland’s Hibernian, has 15 goals in 63 senior appearances for Canada.
Midfielder Ismael Kone, recovered from an ankle injury sustained on club duty with France’s Marseille, also returns. He missed Canada’s last three matches since the fourth-place Copa America loss to Uruguay in July.
But Canada will be without centre back Derek Cornelius, who exited Marseille’s win Sunday over Nantes on a stretcher after suffering an apparent rib injury.
The Canadian men will prepare for Suriname next week at a camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
“We are looking forward to getting the group together again with the mindset that there is a trophy on the line,” Marsch said in a statement. “We want to end 2024 the right way with two excellent performances against a competitive Suriname squad and continue building on our tremendous growth this past summer.”
The quarterfinal winners advance to the Nations League Finals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., with the two semifinals scheduled for March 20 and the final and third-place playoff March 23, and qualify for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Thirteen of the 23 players on the Canadian roster are 25 or younger, with 19-year-old defender Jamie Knight-Lebel, currently playing for England’s Crewe Alexandra on loan from Bristol City, the youngest.
Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies captains the side with Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan Osorio, Richie Laryea, Alistair Johnston and Kamal Miller adding veteran support.
Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Theo Bair are joined in attack by Minnesota United’s Tani Oluwaseyi.
Niko Sigur, a 21-year-old midfielder with Croatia’s Hadjuk Split, continues in the squad after making his debut in the September friendly against Mexico.
Suriname made it to the Nations League quarterfinals by finishing second to Costa Rica in Group A of the Nations League, ahead of No. 104 Guatemala, No. 161 Guyana and unranked Martinique and Guadeloupe.
“A good team,” Osorio said of Suriname. “These games are always tricky and they’re not easy at all … Suriname is a (former) Dutch colony and they’ll have Dutch players playing at high levels.”
“They won’t be someone we overlook at all,” added the Toronto FC captain, who has 81 Canada caps to his credit.
Located on the northeast coast of South America between Guyana and French Guiana, Suriname was granted independence in 1975 by the Netherlands.
Canada has faced Suriname twice before, both in World Cup qualifying play, winning 4-0 in suburban Chicago in June 2021 and 2-1 in Mexico City in October 1977.
The Canadian men, along with Mexico, the United States and Panama, received a bye into the final eight of the CONCACAF Nations League.
Canada, No. 2 in the CONCACAF rankings, drew Suriname as the best-placed runner-up from League A play.
Canada lost to Jamaica in last year’s Nations League quarterfinal, ousted on the away-goals rule after the series ended in a 4-4 draw. The Canadians lost 2-0 to the U.S. in the final of the 2022-23 tournament and finished fifth in 2019-20.
Canada defeated Panama 2-1 last time out, in an Oct. 15 friendly in Toronto.
Goalkeepers Maxime Crepeau and Jonathan Sirois, defenders Joel Waterman, Laryea and Miller and Osorio took part in a pre-camp this week in Toronto for North America-based players.
Canada Roster
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Portland Timbers (MLS); Jonathan Sirois, CF Montreal (MLS); Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota United FC (MLS).
Defenders: Moise Bombito, OGC Nice (France); Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich (Germany); Richie Laryea, Toronto FC (MLS); Alistair Johnston, Celtic (Scotland); Jamie Knight-Lebel. Crewe Alexandra, on loan from Bristol City (England); Kamal Miller, Portland Timbers (MLS); Joel Waterman, CF Montreal (MLS).
Midfielders: Ali Ahmed. Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS); Tajon Buchanan, Inter Milan (Italy); Mathieu Choiniere, Grasshopper Zurich (Switzerland); Stephen Eustaquio, FC Porto (Portugal); Junior Hoilett, Hibernian FC (Scotland); Ismael Kone, Olympique Marseille (France); Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC (MLS); Jacob Shaffelburg, Nashville SC (MLS); Niko Sigur, Hadjuk Split (Croatia).
Forwards: Theo Bair, AJ Auxerre (France); Jonathan David, LOSC Lille (France); Cyle Larin, RCD Mallorca (Spain); Tani Oluwaseyi, Minnesota United (MLS).
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.
