Tag: Sam Scanlon’19
Friar Spotlight: Kendall Jerzky
by The Cowl Editor on October 26, 2017
Athlete of the Week
by Sam Scanlon ’19
Sport Staff
With the Fall season underway, the Providence College Swimming and Diving Program is hoping for a successful season in the pool. This year, the women will be led by an extremely talented group of upperclassmen swimmers and divers, including Kendall Jerzyk ’18, who has already made a splash of her own so far.
The Madison, Connecticut, native has already had a decorated career, earning a spot in the Big East Championships in both her sophomore and junior years. Jerzyk placed third in the 1-meter dive as a sophomore at the tournament, as well as fourth and fifth place finishes in the 1-meter and 3-meter dive, respectively, last season.
This year, however, Jerzyk is off to an extremely hot start. She opened up the season atop the podium in the 1-meter dive, and had a second place finish in the 3-meter dive at the New England Catholic Invitational in Newton, Massachusetts. Her efforts in this meet were good enough to earn her a spot as a Big East Honorable Mention for the week.
Just a few days later, Jerzyk and the Friars traveled down the road to Bryant University. Coming off an impressive weekend performance, Jerzyk’s success carried over as she posted the same scores at Bryant with a first and second in the 1-meter and 3-meter dives, respectively. Less than a week into the season, Jerzyk has already qualified to participate in the Big East Championships for the third season in a row. She will be competing in both the 1-meter and 3-meter dives in the tournament.
Jerzyk is extremely enthusiastic for this season and helping the team win, especially since it is her senior year. Excited about her early qualification into the Big East Championships, she stated, “Qualifying early in the season makes it easier for me to practice dives with a higher difficulty, hopefully I can compete those dives confidently at the Big East and score more points for the team.”
She now has the remainder of the season for trial and error, with ample time to practice more difficult dives and make adjustments so she can land a high spot on the podium when it becomes tournament time. She plans to make improvements to her dives throughout each meet, while also practicing more difficult dives throughout the rest of the season.
Jerzyk, who captained her volleyball and gymnastics teams in high school, is having a lot of fun with her successful diving career at PC. “I came to PC not knowing how to dive so any success I have in the sport is very rewarding. Placing in the Big East for both the 1 meter and 3 meter would be awesome.”
Like any senior, awards aside, Jerzyk is focused on enjoying her last year at Providence College. She closed with “My number one goal for my senior year is to have fun and do my best. Mostly I hope to enjoy my last season with my teammates.”
Keep watch on Jerzyk and the rest of the team as they set their sights on another accomplished season and a successful Big East Championship Tournament.
Forever a Teammate: Garrett Gamez
by The Cowl Editor on September 28, 2017
Friar Sports
photo courtesy of Providence College Hockey
By Sam Scanlon ’19
Sports Staff
A scary moment in the 2017 Men’s Hockey East Quarterfinals left everyone at the Compton Family Ice Arena at the University of Notre Dame in a state of confusion and shock. In the middle of the game, Providence College Men’s Ice Hockey forward Garrett Gamez ’19 collapsed on the bench. After being released the following day, the next few months were a waiting game for Gamez.
After consulting with doctors and looking over the test results, Gamez unfortunately announced that continuing to play hockey would be too much of a risk for his health. Gamez played in 57 games in his two seasons with the Friars, registering 16 points on eight goals and eight assists. His physical presence on the ice, crucial goal scoring ability, and perfect dose of leadership are attributes that are going to be incredibly missed on the Friars’ roster. However, Gamez is not done contributing to the men’s ice hockey team at the College.
Although his career as a player was cut short, Gamez is sticking with the program and is entering this season as a student assistant coach. In this new role, Gamez said that he believes he will be able to “talk to [the coaching staff] about my experience here as a player and let them know what they did that really helped me grow.” As a recent player and classmate of current players on the roster, Gamez’s voice is going to be vital in the communication process between players and coaches.
Gamez is also planning on helping out by serving as an extra resource and mentor for his teammates.
He explained that he vows to help his teammates with any “difficult challenges they may face here at PC, whether that be with school, on the ice, or with family.” These are conversations that may not happen with coaches, so Gamez’s vision is to help his teammates in any way that the coaching staff may not be able to. This role with his teammates will allow the team to develop further cohesiveness and benefit their play on the ice.
Obviously, these past few months have been difficult for Gamez. However, continuing his journey as a member of the men’s ice hockey team is something that he is extremely excited about and grateful for. “In the athletic department, from Mr. Driscoll down, everyone has made an amazing effort to keep me involved with the team and I can’t describe how thankful I am for them to do that.”
With his junior and senior years ahead of him, Gamez still has plenty of time to put his stamp on this program. He had nothing but praise and kind words for the outpour and support from his teammates, the staff, and the entire PC community.
He concludes, “I look forward to all of the opportunities that I will have to help the team out. Those guys on that team are all brothers to me and I am very grateful that I get to be by their side for the next two years and be a part of such an amazing program.”
Don’t miss Gamez and the Friars this season as their road to a National Championship begins Oct. 6 at Miami University (OH).
Men’s Hockey Looks to Light the Lamp this Season
by The Cowl Editor on September 15, 2017
Friar Sports
By Sam Scanlon ’19
Sports Staff
One month until the puck drops in Ohio for the Friars’ 2017-2018 season opener against the Miami (OH) Redhawks. Two seasons removed from a National Championship, the once gritty, tough, and rugged Providence Friars have now evolved into a squad full of skillful offensive weapons and elusive skaters. Veteran leadership on defense was the story for the Friars last season, now they must rely on a younger, quicker group of players to get the job done. This year’s roster includes a rather young team bolstered by key returners and upperclassmen, potential breakout players, and a slew of new talent.
Senior captain Brian Pinho ’18 is one of those key returning players. Last year’s Lou Lamoriello award winner as the team’s Most Valuable Player led the Friars in both assists (28) and points (40). His offensive prowess is going to be heavily relied on as the Friars go up against great defenses and goaltenders this year. Erik Foley ’19 had 15 goals last year; good enough for the team lead. He and Josh Wilkins ’20, who had an explosive rookie season last year, are also key offensive players returning in the lineup who will aim to compliment Pinho and generate plenty offensive opportunities.
A veteran goaltender is one of the most coveted pieces to a college hockey lineup. The Friars have exactly that in Hayden Hawkey ’19. As a junior, Hawkey has a full season as a starter under his belt, as well as a year backing up Nick Ellis ’17, who had a record-breaking 2015-2016 season. Hawkey’s experience is extremely beneficial for the success of this team. His confidence and poise will be higher this season, which will prove to be dangerous for opponents.
This year could very well be the year of the Sophomore. Along with Wilkins, Kasper Björkqvist ’20, Brandon Duhaime ’20 and Jacob Bryson ’20 are expected to step into larger roles this season. Björkqvist and Duhaime, 2016 NHL Draft 2nd and 4th round picks respectively, experienced limited offensive roles last season. Known for their goal scoring ability, they should find themselves more comfortable and put together breakout seasons.
Bryson definitely impressed last season, earning himself a 4th round selection in the 2017 NHL Draft, but was unable to get out of the shadow cast by the veteran defensemen. The smooth skating, puck moving defensemen is going to see a huge increase in ice time this season. His playmaking ability is a great accent to the talented offense. However, he also has goal scoring ability with an extremely powerful slap shot.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the new season is welcoming the new faces to Friartown. Four defensemen, three forwards, and a goalie step in to replace the class of 2017 who graduated in the spring. Led by defensemen Ben Mirageas ’21, the 2017 3rd round NHL Draft pick is a talented two-way defenseman who will fill the void left by the departure of Jake Walman. Jake Ryczek ’21, a 2016 7th round draft pick, and Jeff Baum ’21 add to the depth of young, two-way defensemen. The Friars also acquired a 5th year transfer student from Princeton in Tommy Davis ’18. Davis is a great addition to add veteran experience to the young defensive group. Up front, Bailey Conger ’21, Jason O’Neill ’21, and Greg Printz ’21 add some size and skill to an offensive unit that could potentially be a top scoring offense in the country.
The Friars have an exciting year ahead, including a trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland for the Friendship Four Tournament and a visit to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the Three Rivers Classic. Is it October yet?
Freshmen Incoming!
by The Cowl Editor on September 12, 2017
Friar Sports
by Sam Scanlon ’19
Sports Staff
With the 2017-2018 season just around the corner, Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ed Cooley has reeled in a new wave of talented recruits looking to make a splash here in Friartown. Four new faces have been added to the roster to complement the skillful group of upperclassmen. The Friars are returning Kyron Cartwright ’18, Emmitt Holt ’18, Jalen Lindsey ’18, and Rodney Bullock ’18, who have proven to be extremely vital to the success of this team. However, the focus this year will turn to the Class of 2021, and what their role will be in giving the Friars the final push into being a top Big East Championship contender.
The highly touted point guard, Makai Ashton-Langford ’21, will be a pivotal piece to the puzzle by adding depth to Cartwright and Maliek White ’20 at the guard position. Ashton-Langford has been extremely anticipated as he is a four-star recruit, ranking 38th on the 2017 ESPN 100 recruiting list and capturing an overall scouting grade of 89. Look for him to have a sizable offensive role for an underclassman, as he will be a great accent to Cartwright.
The Friars also added two big men from Virginia who bring some serious size to the Friars’ roster. Standing at 6’10″ and 260 lbs., Nate Watson ’21 will look to be the starting center in this year’s lineup. His size will greatly benefit and add some much needed depth to the big men up front. His counterpart and fellow center, Dajour Dickens ’21, is a 7’0″ 220-pounder who is an outstanding rebounder, something that this squad is desperately looking for. Rebounding has been an issue for the Friars, as they finished sixth in the Big East for rebounds last season. In addition to the rebound problem being addressed, the Friars have lacked a true center for the last two seasons, but now Holt will be able to return to his position at forward, where he is more comfortable and effective.
Another guard has been added to the roster as well. Andrew Fonts ’21, a local kid hailing from Portsmouth, Rhode Island, will look to be a threat from beyond the arc and add depth for three-point shooting, another area that could use improvement.
This season is one that the Friar Fanatics should be excited about. The Class of 2021 additions are the perfect pieces that were missing from this team. With everyone remaining healthy, our size up front to go along with the speed and scoring ability in the back court is going to be tough for any opponent to stop. As returning players gain another year of experience, and with most of the talent lying in the senior class, Ashton-Langford, Alpha Diallo ’20, and Kalif Young ’20 should slide into their roles and complement the senior class perfectly. With everyone performing to their potential, the Friars will certainly be in the Big East Championship conversation once the postseason comes around.
Professional Sports Moments of the Year: Fifth Lombardi to Foxborough
by thecowl.sports on May 4, 2017
Professional Sports
By: Sam Scanlon ’19
28-3 with a little over two minutes remaining in the third quarter. The New England Patriots were trailing the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI and the chance to etch their names into the history books forever was slipping through their fingers. Tom Brady’s opportunity to be set apart as the winningest Super Bowl quarterback seemed as though it was not meant to be.
Sloppy play by the Patriots allowed for the Falcons to control the first half. Tom Brady and the Patriots struggled to move the ball downfield, as Brady had been sacked or forced to throw the ball away throughout the half.
The second quarter was an absolute feeble performance by the Patriots. Runningback LeGarrette Blount fumbled on the Falcons’ 29-yard line, and the Falcons took this opportunity to strike. Falcons’ runningback Devonta Freeman, who had been running all over the Patriots defense, marched untouched and leapt into the end zone, drawing first blood. With the Matt Ryan to Julio Jones connection fueling, and Freeman being impossible to tackle, it seemed that the Falcons’ offense was going to dominate the game.
The Patriots’ woes continued as the offense still struggled. Ryan was picking apart the their defense. He then slung a pin-point pass to Austin Hooper in the end zone. The “no team has ever come back from a two-touchdown deficit in the Super Bowl” rumors were beginning to swirl. However, it got worse.
Brady threw an interception to Robert Alford, who returned it 82 yards for the score. 21-0. It was over. The Patriots managed to make a field goal as the half expired and were looking at a 21-3 deficit. But, it still got worse.
Ryan continued his dominance and was able to march the Falcons downfield once more, throwing another touchdown pass. 28-3 Falcons. The Patriots scraped up six points to end the third, but still looked at a 28-9 deficit. Then, the fourth quarter happened.
The wheels finally started to turn for the Patriots. Brady started to look like Brady, connecting with an array of different weapons as they started to claw their way back into the game.
Next up to make some noise was the Patriots’ defense. Linebacker Dont’a Hightower sprung by the Falcons offensive line and drilled Ryan, causing a fumble that was recovered by the Patriots. A few plays later, Brady found Danny Amendola in the end zone. James White dove in for the two-point conversion and the Patriots were within eight points of the Falcons.
As time was running out, the Falcons looked to put the game out of reach. Jones made an impossible catch that seemed to seal the Patriots’ fate. However, a massive sack by Trey Flowers and a Falcons penalty moved them out of field goal range. After a few solid plays, Brady aired a pass that was deflected, but somehow Julian Edelman was able to keep an eye on it and come down with a miraculous catch. This eventually led to another Patriots touchdown and two-point conversion that tied the game with under a minute remaining.
In overtime, the Patriots won the toss and Brady made several incredible passes. From the two yard-line, James White made a heroic second effort and lunged into the end zone, completing the historic comeback. The New England Patriots became Super Bowl Champions. It was an incredible performance that culminated with 31 unanswered points to win the game in overtime. This comeback was not only one of the most incredible moments of the year, but will go down as one of the most incredible sports moments of all time.
Athlete of the Week: Jarrod Neumann ’17
by thecowl.sports on April 27, 2017
Athlete of the Week
by Sam Scanlon ’19
The Providence College Men’s Lacrosse team certainly does not lack offensive firepower. However, the core of this squad can be found in its defensive unit. Led by Jarrod Neumann ’17, the Friars’ defense has been an outstanding complement to their fast paced offense.
Neumann has emerged as one of the best defensive players in the Big East Conference and in the region. The 6’4″ defender has been in charge of shutting down the opposing team’s top scoring threats, including some of the best attackmen in the country. He has been rather successful in his efforts, as he has been awarded All-Big East First Team honors for two straight years, including a unanimous decision in 2016 after leading the Friars to the Big East Championship for the first time in program history. Also, Neumann received an All-New England Second Team spot after the 2016 campaign.
Throughout his career, Neumann has played an essential role for this team as the face of the solid defensive unit that has proven to be vital to help win games this season. Currently, the Friars are ranked eighth in Division I lacrosse for scoring defense, carrying only a 7.86 goals-per-game average. Neumann’s help securing each team’s top offensive threats has been an essential asset to keeping teams off the scoreboard.
Recently, Neumann was recognized and received the honor of being named the Big East Defensive Player of the Week after capturing an impressive 9-7 win at home against a talented Marquette University team. The win helped the Friars clinch a Big East tournament spot for the second straight year. Holding the reigning Big East Champions to seven goals was a remarkable feat. Neumann played the lead role, as he has the entire season, in allowing his team to win games by being a big presence in key scoring areas, making it difficult for opponents to generate scoring opportunities.
Not only does he help the team win by playing his position well, he exerts his leadership ability across the entire team, inspiring his teammates to focus on winning. A captain since his sophomore season, Neumann has been able to gain the respect of the entire team. He is the type of player who is always locked in on his task, and as the leader of the team, every other player does the same, focusing on their role to help the team reach its maximum potential. While leading this team, the Friars have improved tremendously.
Defense wins championships. Neumann’s outstanding play in the defensive end limiting goals allowed has put the Friars in an excellent position this season. They are winning games because their opponents are struggling to find the back of the net against them. Defense only proves to be more and more important at this point in the season, so Neumann will definitely give the Friars an opportunity to make a splash in the postseason.
PCI: Who is the Best in the MLB?
by The Cowl Editor on April 6, 2017
Sports
by Kevin Skirvin ’18
Co-Editor
Boston Red Sox
The 2016 Cy Young award was handed to Rick Porcello of the Boston Red Sox. Last season Porcello pitched a total of 223 innings, the most in a single season during his career, and racked up 22 wins along the way. Porcello elevated his status in the MLB to being considered one of the elite pitchers on the mound. While critics shout to the heavens how Detroit’s Justin Verlander was more deserving of the award, the fact of the matter is this: Porcello is the defending Cy Young Award winner, and he’s also the third best starting pitcher for the Sox.
The acquisition of Chris Sale from the White Sox this offseason was a monumental move towards success. It was the classic, “focus on today, worry about the future later” type of move, as Boston gave up the unanimous number one prospect in Yoan Moncada. Sale is going to be the ace in 2017 that David Price was supposed to be last year. Price has caught a lot of hate for his “disappointing year” in 2016, but it was only considered such because that’s the potential Price has.
As for the rest of the lineup, the Sox have an excellent mix of veterans, like Dustin Pedroia, combined with the future of the league in Andrew Benintendi and Mookie Betts. Obviously, losing one of the greatest hitters of all time is not ideal, but Hanley Ramirez has been looking great and should fill in the DH spot just fine. Holding that disappointing first round playoff exit close, the Red Sox are on to 2017.
by Sam Scanlon ’19
Sports Staff
Chicago Cubs
Becoming back-to-back champions is an incredibly difficult feat in any sport. Before last season, the last time the Chicago Cubs were crowned World Series Champions was 108 years ago—as back-to-back champions.
Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, and Kyle Hendricks are an outstanding pitching trio for the Cubs. A dominant pitching staff is crucial to have in order to claim a World Series trophy. The Cubs have exactly that as they have emerged as one of the top performing pitching rotations in the MLB.
This talented squad finds its core in the infield with a perfect combination of youth and depth. Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo lead the charge as great two way players that double as offensive powerhouses and defensive weapons. Also, Addison Russell, Javier Baez, and Ben Zobrist bring the defensive flare as they provide their share of lockdown defense along with offensive spark. With the three of them seeing time, the depth of the infield gives the Cubs a major advantage.
After missing practically all of the regular season last year due to injury, Kyle Schwarber is back in the lineup and will be a huge asset in a solid group of outfielders. If he remains healthy all season, he will definitely improve the lineup.
The Cubs have all the intangibles and have a great looking team in terms and depth. As the MLB Vegas odds see the Cubs winning again, it is certainly tough to bet against them this year.
Brain Blast! Rugby Team Advances Research
by The Cowl Editor on March 23, 2017
Sports
by Sam Scanlon ’19
Sports Staff
The Providence College Men’s Rugby Team is taking a stance off of the field. One of the most popular and recognizable club sports on campus, this program is no stranger to philanthropic activity. In the past, players from the team have volunteered at events such as the Special Olympics, Turkey Drives, as well as bringing the whole team to paint a local police station. However, this time around is different.
Last month, 30 players on the men’s rugby team pledged to donate their brains posthumously for research on the long term effects of playing contact sports and how they can lead to the development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This is the first full team in any sport and largest single group to pledge to donate their brains. CTE is a brain disease most common in athletes that have had repeated head injuries and brain trauma. It has affected many athletes around the world, such as Junior Seau, an NFL Hall of Famer who took his own life due to the disease shortly after his 20-year-long career in the NFL.
The pledge was introduced to the team by PC rugby alumnus Michael Burke ’16. Burke currently works for a non-profit organization called The Concussion Legacy Foundation. The Foundation has a main goal of fully understanding CTE, as it conducts its research at the Boston University CTE Center, where their brains will go after they die. However, this pledge is not legally binding, so if any players no longer wish to have their brains researched, then they will not have to.
A current member of the rugby team, and one of 30 players to make the pledge, is James Lesniak ’19. “We just want to help raise awareness. Research in football has been pretty big, but rugby research is really far behind because it’s not as common, so they don’t have as many people to research. We can make a difference by providing the needed research for rugby players because it’s just as physical as football,” Lesniak noted in a conversation. Rugby research is extremely lacking, and with the growth of the sport, research needs to be done in order to benefit future players. The PC rugby team is taking matters into their own hands as they lead the charge for much needed rugby brain research.
Lesniak has played rugby throughout high school and is now in his second year playing in college, so he has been exposed to contact sports for quite some time. Still, he falls under the category of never having a “diagnosed” concussion. Players like himself will be extremely beneficial to the research because they can potentially show that they have experienced head injuries, but have just failed to report it or not had it diagnosed, which is a common issue among athletes.
Lesniak even admitted, “Well I’ve never been diagnosed with one, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I have had one before.” It will be valuable because of the variety of research tests ranging from brains that have experienced multiple severe concussions and those affects, to brains similar to Lesniak’s where perhaps they have still experienced brain trauma, but just did not know it.
The foundation has pledges from many athletes including former NFL linebacker Ted Johnson, former NHL player Shawn McEachern, and NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. All different types of athletes are being researched, and now rugby will have sufficient research thanks to the overwhelming support of players from Providence College pledging to donate their brains.
Hockey Program Bids Farewell to Seniors
by The Cowl Editor on March 2, 2017
Sports
By Sam Scanlon ’19
As both the Providence College Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey teams wrapped up their regular season play, we said goodbye to the five women and six men graduating who have donned the black and white for the past four years. Arianna Buxman ’17, Ariana Reid ’17, Kendra Goodrich ’17, Lauren Klein ’17, and Cassidy Carels ’17 have all taken their last strides at Schneider Arena, but were honored before the last regular season home game against an outstanding Boston College Eagles squad.
The Friars jumped out to an early lead as Christina Putigna ’19 received a favorable bounce when her shot found the back of the net less than a minute into the contest. Putigna’s goal proved to be a major momentum lift as the Friars kept the pressure on the Eagles for the entire game. Kathleen McHugh ’20 registered two goals during the evening, and was later awarded Hockey East Pro Ambitions Rookie of the Week for her performance. Another offensive weapon, Cassidy MacPherson ’19, slid the puck past the Eagles goaltender with a nifty individual effort. The Friars pulled away with a 4-1 win with a stellar effort to upset the sixth ranked Eagles.
Unfortunately, the Friars were unable to keep rolling into the playoffs and were defeated in a heartbreaking Hockey East Quarterfinals series to the University of Vermont. The excellent leadership of Carels and Klein will be deeply missed as they have led this team for two years together. The veteran experience from Buxman, Reid, and Goodrich will also be missed, as well as the great effect they had on the locker room, but the Friars are loaded with young talent. The Class of 2020 has a skilled group of girls that consistently contributes every weekend. Although the Class of 2017 is going to be missed, the Friars are looking at a promising future and will continue to improve as the journey to the next season begins.
The men’s ice hockey class of 2016 was a very difficult act to follow as last year’s seniors played an integral role in both the program’s rebuild and subsequent National Championship. However, comprised of Brendan Leahy ’17, Kyle McKenzie ’17, Niko Rufo ’17, Anthony Florentino ’17, Josh Monk ’17, and Conor MacPhee ’17, the Class of 2017 has faced a great deal of adversity leading a young team back from a rocky first half of the season to a remarkably successful second half. Not to mention they have enjoyed a great amount of success as they have tallied 95 wins, four consecutive 20-plus win seasons, and three (hopefully four) consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
Needless to say, this class of seniors is nothing short of impressive. In the regular season finale on senior night, the Friars hosted the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Offensively, the Friars relied on Garrett Gamez ’19 as he collected his third marker of the season. UMass bounced back in the second period to even the scoring at 1-1, but the rest of regulation remained scoreless. In overtime, it was Gamez again redirecting a shot from the blue line that clinched the Friars victory.
Although small in quantity, the Class of 2017 has made an immense impact on this hockey program. They have served as role models and leaders for a young team looking to make a name for themselves. The six seniors will need to display their experience throughout the postseason run as they have three playoff runs under their belt. Under captains Monk and McKenzie, this tight knit squad will battle in a tough Hockey East Tournament, beginning this Friday night at Schneider, and will make a splash in the NCAA tournament as well.
PCI: Who Will Win the Stanley Cup?
by The Cowl Editor on February 16, 2017
Sports
by Max Anderson ’19
The Minnesota Wild are currently sitting at the top of the Western Conference standings with a record of 37-13-6 (7-2-1 in their last 10 games), hoping to continue their momentum and capture the franchise’s first Stanley Cup. The Wild possess excellent veteran leadership, a plethora of scoring talent, and a hot goaltender which concocts their recipe for success.
Captain Mikko Koivu has emerged as one of the league’s best leaders, as well as his co-leaders, assistant captains Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. Eric Staal, who captained the 2006 Carolina Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup, has proved to be a key off-season acquisition to provide additional veteran leadership. Comprising the majority of the offensive talent are Parise and 24-year-old offensive weapons Charlie Coyle, Nino Niederreiter, and Mikael Granlund.
Goaltender Devan Dubnyk is currently leading all NHL goaltenders in both wins and save percentage. Goaltending is essential for a deep playoff run, and with the way Dubnyk has been performing this season, he has proven to be tough to beat. With their recent disappointment in playoff appearances and performance, the Wild have a chance to finally click this post-season.
Minnesota stands atop the highly competitive Central Division that includes Mid-West powerhouses Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues. With a deep and talented roster, along with great success thus far, the Minnesota Wild are making a name for themselves in the Stanley Cup conversation.
by Sam Scanlon ’19
As nervous as I am to say this, I believe this is finally the year that the Washington Capitals will bring home the coveted Stanley Cup trophy. The Capitals are undoubtedly the hottest team in the NHL right now, leading the entire league with a record of 39-11-6, including an incredible mark of 18-3 since the start of the new year. Center Nicklas Backstrom has been sensational and is currently tied for second in the NHL in points with 60. Braden Holtby has also elevated his game this year, and is second in the NHL with a 2.02 GAA, and a record of 29-8-4. But perhaps the biggest reason why I am so confident in the Capitals to win it all this year lies in three-time Hart Trophy winner Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin is having another incredible year, already recording 26 goals to go along with 25 assists, for a total of 51 points.
Since Ovechkin entered the league in 2004, the Capitals have been to the playoffs eight times and won their respective division six times. However, despite the division titles and playoff appearances in the past 13 years, the Capitals have never advanced past the second round since Ovechkin has been there, leading many to criticize the star’s clutch factor.
I believe Ovechkin is on a mission to prove his doubters wrong this year and will put the team on his back in the postseason. Ultimately, it will be up to him to get Washington to bring home their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.