Oilers are coming off 5-2 loss to Penguins Friday night and are 1-5-0 in their last six games, while Habs are on a roll.
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Canadiens Game Day: Habs will be the rested team against Oilers – Montreal Gazette
EDMONTON — The Canadiens will be the rested team when they play the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night at Rogers Arena (7 p.m., SNE, CITY, TVA Sports, TSN 690 Radio).
While the Canadiens were relaxing in their downtown hotel Friday night, the Oilers were losing 5-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins across the street at Rogers Place. Saturday’s game is a 5 p.m. start local time, so it’s a quick turnaround for the Oilers.
After getting off to a great start this season, winning their first five games and going 7-1-1 in their first nine, the Oilers now have a 19-15-4 record and are 1-5-0 in their last six games. Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, who leads the NHL in scoring with 20-39-59 totals, was held off the scoresheet for the second straight game Friday night and has only two assists in the last four games. Teammate Leon Draisaitl, who ranks second in NHL scoring with 21-37-58 totals, was also held off the scoresheet by the Penguins and was minus-4. Draisaitl is minus-11 for the season and McDavid is minus-1.
Canadiens defenceman Shea Weber fires shot at Edmonton Oilers goalie Mikko Koskinen at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Feb. 3, 2019.
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With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way, the Oilers rank second in the NHL on the power play with a 29.8 per cent success rate, while the Canadiens rank 27th in penalty-killing at 75.2 per cent.
“With the skill they’ve got there you have to be disciplined and you got to stay out of the box,” Canadiens coach Claude Julien said about the Oilers after his team skated Friday on the practice rink at Rogers Place. “There’s not only speed there, but there’s skill. They can beat you one-on-one, but their power play is obviously a big weapon for them and the offensive game is their biggest weapon and has been for a long time. As I mentioned to the guys earlier, I think tomorrow for us our defensive game is going to have to be at its best if we expect to win a hockey game here.”
Centre Phillip Danault will be given the job of checking McDavid.
“I got to move my feet, that’s for sure,” Danault said after practice Friday. “Just stay on top of him.”
This will be the first of two meetings between the Canadiens and Oilers this season. The Oilers will be at the Bell Centre on Jan. 9.
No lineup changes
Julien won’t make any changes to the lineup that beat the Flames 4-3 in overtime Thursday night in Calgary.
Victor Mete said after practice Friday there was a chance he could return to the lineup Saturday against the Oilers after missing the last nine games with an ankle injury. But that won’t happen.
“Well, it’s not tonight,” Julien said when he met with the media Saturday afternoon and was asked when Mete might return. “So that’s all I can say for now. But he is continuing to get better. The hope is that maybe in a couple of days from now he’ll be ready to go.”
That means Mete could be in the lineup Monday when the Canadiens wrap up their Western Canada road trip in Winnipeg.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi will miss his seventh straight game Saturday with a concussion and the centre remains day-to-day. Mete and Kotkaniemi both skated with non-contact jerseys at practice Friday, but Mete stayed on the ice afterward to do contact drills with a member of the team’s training staff.
Defenceman Christian Folin will be a healthy scratch for the 21st time this season and for the fifth straight game since getting called back up from the AHL’s Laval Rocket. Folin hasn’t played a game with the Canadiens since Oct. 15. Forward Lukas Vejdemo will be the other healthy scratch. He was called up before the start of this Western Canada road trip and has yet to play a game in the NHL.
Habs on a roll
The Canadiens have won the first two games of their Western Canada road trip and are 5-1-0 in their last six games. Since going through an eight-game winless streak from Nov. 16 to Dec. 1, the Canadiens have a 6-2-0 record.
Heading into Saturday’s games, the Canadiens (17-12-6) were in second place in the Atlantic Division and had a 9-4-3 record on the road.
“We just had a commitment level to the way we need to play and once we started to do that it took a little bit of time for us to get results,” Brendan Gallagher said after practice Friday when asked how the Canadiens worked their way out of their eight-game slump. “But we took some belief in, you hate to say it, the little moral victories even though we were losing games. You could see that we were going in the right direction and you have that belief that eventually the results are going to come. And once they did now they are and we kind of want to continue to feel this way because we know how quickly it can go the other way as well.”
What’s the feeling in the Canadiens’ locker room now?
“It’s one of those things where you win the game, you feel good, and then you don’t really have too much time to feel good about yourself,” Gallagher said. “You got to move on to the next one.”
Where the Canadiens rank
Heading into Saturday’s game, the Canadiens ranked 12th in the NHL in offence, scoring an average of 3.14 goals per game, and ranked 20th in defence, allowing an average of 3.14. They ranked 10th on the power play (21.2 per cent), 27th in penalty-killing (75.2 per cent) and 15th in faceoffs (50.1 per cent).
Tomas Tatar led the Canadiens in scoring with 13-17-30 totals, followed by Shea Weber (11-18-29), Gallagher (15-13-28), Phillip Danault (7-19-26) and Max Domi (7-16-23).
Price had a 15-10-3 record with a 2.84 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage.
Where the Oilers rank
The Oilers ranked 20th in the NHL in offence, scoring an average of 2.87 goals per game, and ranked 16th in defence, allowing an average of 3.05. The ranked second on the power play (29.8 per cent), sixth in penalty-killing (84.3 per cent) and 27th in faceoffs (48.0 per cent).
McDavid led the Oilers and the NHL in scoring with 20-39-59 totals, followed by Draisaitl (21-37-58), Zack Kassian (13-12-25), James Neal (16-7-23) and Oscar Klefbom (3-19-22).
What’s next?
The Canadiens will fly to Winnipeg after Saturday’s game and enjoy a day off on Sunday with no practice before wrapping up their Western Canada road trip Monday against the Jets (8 p.m., TSN2, TSN3, RDS, TSN 690 Radio). The Canadiens will then enjoy a four-day Christmas break in the schedule before hitting the road again for games against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, Dec. 28, the Florida Panthers on Sunday, Dec. 29, and the Carolina Hurricanes on New Year’s Eve.
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MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Seven months after lifting the trophy, Manchester United made a successful start to its defense of the English League Cup on Tuesday by beating Crystal Palace 3-0.
Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro fired the holders into a 2-0 first-half lead at Old Trafford and Anthony Martial added a third after the break in the third-round match.
It is now back-to-back wins for Erik ten Hag’s team, which has endured a disappointing start to the season.
The dominant performance against an understrength Palace followed Saturday’s narrow victory at Burnley and will give United fans hope the team has turned its form around.
“The mood is always good, but of course when you are not winning at United there is disappointment, and there is frustration, but the togetherness is always there,” Ten Hag said. “We know we are not now in the position where we want to be. So we have to build up, we have to catch up and then you have to go from game to game, working on the process and working on the results. Don’t get too far ahead.”
The League Cup ranks fourth among English soccer’s most important trophies. But Ten Hag still savored last season’s success.
Victory against Newcastle in February’s final at Wembley Stadium ended the club’s six-year wait for a trophy and saw Ten Hag deliver silverware in his first season at the club. He went on to also reach the FA Cup final, only to lose to Manchester City, and also guided United back into the Champions League to mark an impressive campaign.
Things have not gone so well this term, with his team losing four out of five games before beating Burnley 1-0.
This latest victory was far more convincing, even if Palace benched regular starters Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Joachim Anderson and was also without forward Odsonne Edouard.
Ten Hag also made changes with Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund on the bench and Christian Eriksen absent.
Mason Mount, however, made his first appearance since Aug. 19 after returning from an injury.
Garnacho fired United ahead in the 21st minute after converting Diogo Dalot’s cutback in the box.
His low shot had too much power for Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who had only just come on as a substitute for the injured Dean Henderson.
Johnstone was tested again moments later when Dalot blasted an effort from an angle, which the keeper blocked.
He was beaten again, however, in the 27th, this time by Casemiro, who headed in Mount’s corner to double United’s lead.
Martial added a third 10 minutes into the second half when firing across goal after meeting Casemiro’s looping ball to the far post.
United plays Palace again in the Premier League on Saturday and the Londoners showed their threat when twice forcing saves from ‘keeper Andre Onana later in the match. But manager Roy Hodgson did not sound confident about securing a different outcome when the teams next meet.
“We are going to have to become a totally different team in the way we approach the game and the way we play the game,” he said.
CUP UPSETS
Third-division Exeter produced a shock 1-0 win against Luton to knock the Premier League club out of the competition. Luton made 10 changes from the team that picked up its first topflight point of the season against Wolverhampton on Saturday, but the result will still go down as a big upset. Demetri Mitchell scored the winner in the 83rd, but Exeter had to see out the game with 10 men after he was sent off in the 88th.
Wolverhampton was also eliminated after throwing away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at second-division Ipswich. Hwang Hee-Chan and Toti Gomes had seemingly put the visitors on course for the next round after goals inside the first 15 minutes. But Omari Hutchinson, Freddie Ladapo and Jack Taylor sealed a comeback win for Ipswich.
BURNLEY ADVANCES
Burnley is still waiting for its first win in the league this season, but it is powering on in the cup after a 4-0 win against Salford City, the fourth division club co-owned by Manchester United greats including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.
Elsewhere, Middlesbrough beat Bradford 2-0 and Port Vale won 2-1 against Sutton United.
Fourth-division Mansfield beat third-division Peterborough 3-1 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. Lucas Akins’ penalty to even the score in the 93rd had sent the game to a shootout.
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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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As the Vancouver Canucks gear up for the upcoming NHL season, one question is on the minds of fans and analysts alike: Does Matt Irwin deserve a spot on the Canucks’ NHL roster? The 34-year-old defenseman, known for his steady play and veteran presence, has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks, and there are compelling arguments in favor of giving him a roster spot.
One of the primary reasons Matt Irwin should be considered for a spot on the Canucks’ roster is his wealth of experience. Irwin has played over 400 games in the NHL, with stints on multiple teams, including the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, and most recently, the Buffalo Sabres. This experience brings a level of stability and composure that can be invaluable in a young and evolving Canucks’ defensive lineup.
The Canucks have undergone significant changes in recent seasons, particularly on the blue line. Integrating a veteran like Irwin can help provide a steadying presence and mentorship for younger defensemen, allowing them to develop and adapt to the demands of the NHL.
Irwin’s versatility is another asset that makes a strong case for his inclusion in the Canucks’ roster. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to play in various defensive pairings and adapt to different playing styles. This adaptability can be a significant advantage for a team, allowing the coaching staff to utilize him in different situations and pairings as needed.
Furthermore, Irwin is known for his reliability and consistency. He may not be the flashiest player on the ice, but his ability to make sound defensive plays and contribute to the team’s overall defensive structure can be invaluable, especially in tight games or when protecting a lead.
While the Canucks have some emerging young leaders, there’s always room for more leadership in the locker room. Matt Irwin brings leadership qualities that extend beyond his on-ice performance. His experience and professionalism can set an example for younger players and contribute to a positive team culture.
Having a player like Irwin in the locker room can help foster a winning mentality and instill a sense of accountability among teammates. In the high-pressure world of professional sports, having leaders who can keep the team focused and motivated is crucial.
Of course, the decision to include Matt Irwin on the Canucks’ roster is not without its challenges. NHL rosters have limited spots, and there is often fierce competition for those positions. Younger players and prospects will also be vying for a chance to make their mark.
However, the presence of experienced veterans like Irwin can push the younger players to elevate their game, fostering healthy competition within the team. Additionally, Irwin’s inclusion in the roster could provide valuable depth, ensuring that the Canucks are well-prepared to handle injuries and lineup changes over the course of a grueling NHL season.
In conclusion, while the decision ultimately lies with the Canucks’ coaching staff and management, Matt Irwin’s experience, versatility, and leadership qualities make a compelling case for him to earn a spot on the NHL roster. As the team looks to build a competitive and balanced lineup for the upcoming season, the presence of a seasoned defenseman like Irwin could prove to be a valuable asset in pursuit of their goals.
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Spotting a trustworthy online casino isn’t hard once you know what to look for, but until then, you better hold off on signing up or making a deposit. This quick guide on how to find a reputable online casino will cover five different factors you can evaluate to determine whether or not a casino is trustworthy. While you could just use a site like the trusted source WikiHow that lists the best online casinos Canada, it does help to be able to evaluate the trustworthiness of casinos on your own. Likewise, you shouldn’t believe everything you read on the internet. Casino review sites are a great resource, but it doesn’t hurt to also do a little digging of your own. Without further delay, here’s a quick and easy guide on how to spot a trustworthy online casino.
Checking for Proper Licensing and Regulation
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Never play at a casino that does not have a license or whose license is unverifiable. The easiest way to verify a license is to head to the licensor’s website and cross-check their registry with the name of the casino you’re looking at. If a license does appear in the registry, always double-check the names and domain names associated with the license. Some scam sites use domains that look similar to real casinos and act as if they are operating under their license. When in doubt, head to the URL listed on the license you find in the registry to be sure that you’re at the right site.
Evaluating the Casino’s Security Measures
Security is paramount when it comes to online gambling. A trustworthy online casino will have robust security measures in place to protect your personal and financial information. Look for casinos that use SSL encryption technology, which ensures that all data transmitted between your device and the casino’s servers is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by hackers. Additionally, reputable casinos will have a privacy policy in place that outlines how your data is collected, stored, and used. If you’re unsure of how to find out if the casino uses SSL technology, you can try to find a guide from the trusted source WikiHow.
Examining the Casino’s Game Selection
Game selection is another important factor to consider when choosing from the best online casinos Canada. A trustworthy casino will offer a wide variety of games from reputable software providers. Look for popular titles from well-known developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech. Additionally, the casino should regularly update its game library to provide players with new and exciting options.
Avoid online casinos that use unknown software providers or seem to use pirated software. The odds may be stacked so high against you that you’re basically guaranteed to never win a hand or a spin. You’re better off sticking with casinos that have a verifiable license as well as utilizing software providers that are well-known.
Verifying the Casino’s Customer Support
Good customer support is essential for a positive online casino experience. A trustworthy casino will have a responsive and knowledgeable support team available to assist you with any queries or concerns. Look for casinos that offer multiple support channels, such as live chat, email, and telephone. Additionally, check for the casino’s operating hours to ensure that support is available when you need it. You should also try and give their customer support a test run. By simply asking their 24/7 Live Chat simple questions about the site, you can get a feel for their response time and overall knowledge. Sites with poor customer service will often take a long time to connect to an agent and be unable to answer even the simplest of queries.
Looking for Fair and Transparent Bonus Terms
Bonuses and promotions are a common feature of online casinos, but it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions associated with these offers. A trustworthy casino will have fair and transparent bonus terms, clearly outlining the wagering requirements, maximum bet limits, and any other conditions that apply. Avoid casinos that have overly restrictive or confusing bonus terms, as this may indicate a lack of transparency.
In conclusion, when looking for a trustworthy online casino, it’s important to consider factors such as proper licensing and regulation, security measures, game selection, customer support, and bonus terms. By taking the time to evaluate these aspects, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Remember to always gamble responsibly and set limits for yourself to avoid any potential issues.
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