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Alums Lovejoy, Boyle, Make Impact on First Night of Stanley Cup Playoffs

By Matthew LaRochelle / USPHL.com, 04/11/19, 1:00PM EDT

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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


Columbus Blue Jackets vs Tampa Bay Lightning (Game 1 - CBJ Leads, 1-0)


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)

 


Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators (Game 1 - DAL Leads, 1-0)


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.

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.

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

 


Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders (Game 1 - NYI Leads, 1-0)


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.

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

 


St. Louis Blues vs Winnipeg Jets (Game 1 - STL Leads, 1-0)


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

 


Vegas Golden Knights vs San Jose Sharks (Game 1 - SJ Leads, 1-0)

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