The 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway, and over 20 alumni from the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), Eastern Hockey Federation (EHF), and their member organizations are battling it out for NHL supremacy. To see the full listing of alumni, CLICK HERE
GAME SUMMARY
In a stunning turn of events, the Blue Jackets overcame a three-goal deficit to steal Game 1 from the Lightning, 4-3, in Tampa Bay.
All three USPHL alums witnessed the series opener away from the bench, as each one was given the night off for various reasons.
ALUMNI STATISTICS - COLUMBUS
Keith Kinkaid (CBJ) - DNP (Scratched)
Andrew Peeke (CBJ) - DNP (Scratched)
ALUMNI STATISTICS - TAMPA BAY
Ryan Callahan (TB) - DNP (Unknown)
GAME SUMMARY
Despite a late, third-period comeback attempt by Nashville, the Stars were able to hang on and take Game 1 by a final score of 3-2. With the win on the road, Dallas takes over home-ice advantage heading into a pivotal Game 2 for both teams.
For Dallas, it was former Jr. Monarch Ben Lovejoy who helped set up the eventual game-winning goal. Lovejoy ripped a shot from the right point that was saved by Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne, but the puck went right to Dallas’ Mats Zuccarello for the rebound and score.
Lightning quick reaction from @zuccarello36 here. #GoStars pic.twitter.com/WU0n8pROZP
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 11, 2019
Roope Hintz provided plenty of opportunities on offense for Dallas, leading the way with six shots on goal.
For Nashville, Brian Boyle played an important role in their late-period comeback attempt, earning the primary assist on the P.K. Subban goal to cut the deficit to one goal, 3-2.
Come for the toe drag. Stay for the celly. @PKSubban1 goes top shelf! #StanleyCup
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) April 11, 2019
Stream the Playoffs here: https://t.co/gVAb0cu03e pic.twitter.com/q5OzQB7J79
ALUMNI STATISTICS - DALLAS
Ben Lovejoy (DAL) - 0G | 1A | 1P | +/- 0 | 1 SOG | 18:45 TOI
Roope Hintz (DAL) - 0G | 0A | 0P | +/- 0 | 6 SOG | 14:42 TOI
ALUMNI STATISTICS - NASHVILLE
Brian Boyle (NSH) - 0G | 1A | 1P | 1 | 1 SOG | 14:45 TOI
GAME SUMMARY
For the first time in four years, the Stanley Cup Playoffs returned to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The Islanders had no intention of marking the occasion with a loss.
After surrendering the lead with 90 seconds remaining in regulation, Josh Bailey would find the back of the net 4:39 into overtime to seal the victory for New York.
Both USPHL alums saw action for the Penguins, with Brian Domoulin registering an assist for Pittsburgh’s first goal of the game.
PHIL.
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) April 10, 2019
Watch more #StanleyCup Playoffs here: https://t.co/71R36CO138 pic.twitter.com/LfxijAMmKQ
ALUMNI STATISTICS - PITTSBURGH
Brian Dumoulin (PIT) - 0G | 1A | 1P | -2 | 4 SOG | 19:40 TOI
Zach Aston-Reese (PIT) - 0G | 0A | 0P | -1 | 1 SOG | 8:43 TOI
GAME SUMMARY
Thanks to some last-second heroics from goaltender Jordan Binnington, the St. Louis Blues took Game 1 in their Western Conference First Round series, 2-1, over the Winnipeg Jets in Winnipeg.
ALUMNI STATISTICS - ST. LOUIS
Zach Sanford (STL) - 0G | 0A | 0P | +/- 0 | 0 SOG | 6:30 TOI
ALUMNI STATISTICS - WINNIPEG
Kevin Hayes (WPG) - 0G | 0A | 0P | -1 | 0 SOG | 15:19 TOI
GAME SUMMARY
Three-unanswered goals was all San Jose needed as they went on to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights, 5-2 in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round series in San Jose.
Alex Tuch, one of Vegas’ leaders on offense (20-32-52), had a fairly quiet evening for the Golden Knights with a single shot on net.
It was a similar result for Sharks forward, and New Jersey Rockets alum, Kevin Labanc, tallying one SOG in 10:14 of ice time.
ALUMNI STATISTICS - SAN JOSE
Kevin Labanc (SJ) - 0G | 0A | 0P | +/- 0 | 1 SOG | 10:14 TOI
ALUMNI STATISTICS - VEGAS
Alex Tuch (VGS) - 0G | 0A | 0P | +/- 0 | 1 SOG | 13:05 TOI