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'Super underrated' Evan Rodrigues' record-tying Stanley Cup start is no surprise to past, present teammates

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'Super underrated' Evan Rodrigues' record-tying Stanley Cup start is no surprise to past, present teammates

SUNRISE, Fla. — Evan Rodrigues smiled wide Monday night when a Toronto columnist asked what he would have said before the Stanley Cup Final had he been told two games in that he’d be outscoring Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, who combined for 127 regular-season goals.

“It’s pretty cool,” the Florida Panthers forward said, then shifting into wise-veteran mode and showing some humility in not giving the Edmonton Oilers, down 0-2 in the best-of-seven championship series, extra motivation going back home.

“I’m not too worried about the point totals or goals. At the end of the day, we’re looking for wins here and, yeah, that’s all I care about. It’s nice to contribute. It’s nice to contribute to a win.”

The 30-year-old Rodrigues isn’t only outscoring those three talents 3-0 on the goal blotter two games into the Final. He’s outscoring the 13 Oilers forwards who have dressed by the same margin.

An undrafted player out of Boston University playing on his fourth team in five years, Rodrigues’ three goals are tied for the most in NHL history through a player’s first two Cup Final games. On Monday night, in a 4-1 Florida victory during which Rodrigues scored a pair of third-period goals, he became the first player in Panthers history with a multi-goal game in the Final. His three goals in two games this series have matched his total from Florida’s 17 games in the first three rounds.

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Rodrigues’ first goal — a snapshot after an Evan Bouchard turnover — came three minutes into the third period, breaking a 1-1 tie. It stood as Rodrigues’ first game-winning goal in 35 career playoff games. His second goal snapped Edmonton’s run of 34 consecutive penalty kills over 12 games.

“So happy for him, proud of him,” said Matthew Tkachuk, whose line Rodrigues joined during the Eastern Conference final series against the New York Rangers. “Playing with him the last few games, he reads the game so well. That’s two games in a row scoring some big goals for us. He’s a super smart player and I’m really happy to see him get rewarded right now.”

Tkachuk believed Rodrigues’s impact in Game 2 went beyond his goals. He played steady hockey, moved his feet well and forechecked. The Panthers had more than 70 percent of the expected goal share with him on the ice at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Rodrigues signed with the Buffalo Sabres out of college, but his breakout didn’t come until after the Pittsburgh Penguins traded for him. The Penguins dealt with early-season injuries in 2021-22, which led to Rodrigues getting more opportunity. He capitalized, scoring a career-high 19 goals and 43 points. Still, he didn’t land a long-term contract in free agency, so he went to the Colorado Avalanche, then the defending champions, on a one-year, $2 million deal. He continued to prove his worth with the Avalanche, averaging a career high in ice time (17:51 per game) and playing in the Avalanche’s top six.

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“He’s super underrated and can do a lot of different things in a lot of situations,” said Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel, who played with Rodrigues at Boston University and in Buffalo.

“The more opportunity he’s gotten over his career, the better he’s done,” said Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, who credited Rodrigues with being able to play alongside top players. “I think he’s really comfortable in his own skin, knows what his strengths are.”

But a long playoff run eluded Rodrigues before this season. He was on the ice when Artemi Panarin eliminated the Penguins with a Round 1, Game 7 overtime winner in 2022. He was on the ice again the next year as Colorado couldn’t find an equalizer in the dying seconds of its Round 1, Game 7 loss to Seattle.

Rodrigues had never made it out of the first round until joining the Panthers. He was so excited for the Stanley Cup Final to start, he said, that he wished Game 1 could have been a 1 p.m. start.

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Florida general manager Bill Zito signed Rodrigues to a four-year, $3 million average annual value contract last summer — the longest, most lucrative contract of the forward’s career. He’s proven to be worth the commitment. After a 39-point regular season — his third year in a row with more than 35 — he’s given the Panthers six goals and 11 points in 19 playoff games.

“He’s a bit of a chameleon,” said Kyle Okposo, who also played with Rodrigues in Buffalo. “If you look at the teams that he’s played on and who he’s played with, it’s not an easy thing to go play with some of the top players in the world.

“He has a unique confidence about him where at times when guys are playing with those top guys, they just want to give him the puck and get out of their way, and Evan is a guy that he makes a lot of plays and he has the confidence to keep it on a stick and make the right play at the right time. And I think that that’s why he’s had so much success everywhere he’s gone.”

Monday night was an example of that. He started on the second line with Sam Bennett and Tkachuk, then was elevated to the top line in the third period with Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart until Barkov got hurt midway through the period.

Coach Paul Maurice has said this postseason that he likes to play Carter Verhaeghe next to Barkov in short spurts of games, but they usually have an expiration date. Maurice saw something during Game 2 that made him elevate Rodrigues.

Rodrigues went on what Maurice called “a world tour of our lineup” throughout the regular season. Early on, the coach had him on Barkov’s line but thought he, understandably, was too deferential to his linemates. Now he’s found his game and can fit in wherever Florida needs.

“It’s something I’ve taken pride in my whole career, being able to play up and down the lineup, power play, penalty kill,” Rodrigues said. “It’s nice to contribute to wins. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who it is. … We’re looking for wins here, and we’re happy with the results.”

When Rodrigues was on the Avalanche in 2022-23, he watched the team raise its 2022 Stanley Cup banner ahead of the season opener. Though Rodrigues wasn’t part of the championship-winning team, he felt chills as tribute videos played and the banner rose into the rafters.

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Now, in large part thanks to his early series heroics, he’s two wins away from another banner night — this time one where he’d be fully a part of the celebration.

(Photo: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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There’s just something the New York Knicks love about those Villanova products in the NBA. 

The Knicks have reportedly struck a trade with the Brooklyn Nets to bring Mikal Bridges, a former teammate of Knicks stars, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo during their time at Villanova, to Madison Square Garden in a blockbuster deal. 

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In this first trade between both teams since 1983, the Knicks will send veteran forward Bogdan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick via the Milwaukee Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-round pick in exchange for Bridges, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Jalen Brunson #11 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks talk to Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets after the game on March 23, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Knicks saw exactly what former college teammates could do on the floor together in the NBA last season, as Brunson, DiVincenzo and Hart all had stellar campaigns during the team’s playoff run. 

Now, Bridges reunites with teammates he won multiple NCAA national titles with during his college days. 

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KENDRICK PERKINS CALLS BRIAN SCALABRINE ‘COWARD’ AFTER FORMER TEAMMATE CLAIMS HE’S BANNED FROM CELTICS PARADE

Bridges’ reaction was likely that of all Knicks fans, as he posted on social media. 

“This is crazy lol,” Bridges simply posted on X. 

Bridges, the 10th overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft who was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, has developed into a star with the Nets since he was dealt before the deadline in the 2022-23 campaign. 

He jumped from 17.2 points per game to 26.1 over 27 contests that season as a Net, and last year’s production was solid as well. 

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Mikal Bridges gets rebound

Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats grabs a rebound in front of teammates Donte DiVincenzo #10 and Jalen Brunson #1 against the Providence Friars at the Wells Fargo Center on January 23, 2018, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Bridges averaged 19.6 points per game with 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while shooting 43.6% from the field over all 82 regular-season games. 

The Philly native, who was a 2021-22 All-Defensive team honoree, figures to slot right into the starting lineup alongside his Villanova brothers, including the All-Star Brunson who exploded for an All-NBA nod after averaging a career-high 28.7 points per contest. 

The news of Bridges’ addition comes as OG Anunoby, the Knicks’ traded-for wing last season, reportedly opted out of his contract and decided to test free agency. 

Bridges, at 6-foot-6, has the ability to guard just about any player on the floor, and head coach Tom Thibodeau loves players with that extra hustle, which he provides every night. 

New York is clearly a win-now team after going 50-32 last season to earn the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. But they’ve lost in the conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons, so adding another playmaker who can thrive on both ends of the floor was paramount for their squad this offseason. 

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Mikal Bridges runs on court

Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after making a shot in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 01, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

That box is checked with the addition of Bridges, who shouldn’t have any trouble getting acclimated with his new team.

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i, who won multiple WWE tag team titles with his brother Afa and is the father of current WWE star Roman Reigns, died Tuesday. He was 79.

His death was announced by nephew Jahrus Anoa’i on Instagram.

Jahrus wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Former Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i. He passed away peacefully on June 25th. He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika.”

Anoaʻi was born on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa on April 5, 1945. He and his family (he had 13 siblings) moved to San Francisco when he was 14 and he joined the Merchant Marines in 1963 before leaving in 1969 at the behest of Afa to become a pro wrestler.

Sika and Afa were known as “The Wild Samoans” and joined the WWE (then known as the WWWF), managed by Lou Albano, in 1980, winning the tag titles just four months after their debut by defeating Tito Santana and Ivan Putski. They lost, then won them again later in 1980, then again in 1983. He had limited success as a singles wrestler, but anyone who saw “The Wild Samoans,” with their wild hair, sarong and wrestling barefoot in the ring, will never forget them. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

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Sika trained wrestlers after retiring and helped launch the careers of many, including Yokozuna, Virgil, Billy Kidman, Batista, Rikishi, Tonga Kid, Virgil, Michael P.S. Hayes and Snitsky.

Anoaʻi’s son, Joseph, better known as Roman Reigns, is the top star in WWE currently and members of his extended family make up the faction known as “The Bloodline,” which has led WWE to renewed success in recent years. Reigns headlined the last two WrestleManias, including the 2023 event at SoFi Stadium.

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

The Stanley Cup is back in Florida, as the Panthers won a thrilling Game 7 over the Edmonton Oilers, 2-1, on Monday night. 

The team wasted no time parading Lord Stanley’s Cup around South Florida, as Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad and many others were spotted in Fort Lauderdale celebrating their victory less than 24 hours after defeating Edmonton. 

And since it is summer in Florida, what other way would you celebrate than by taking the Cup to the beach. 

Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup after their 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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Tkachuk, surrounded by teammates and fans alike, took the Cup across the street to the beach, where he decided to take it into the Atlantic Ocean. 

Think of it as a sort of baptism for the Cup, as it’s the first time in Panthers franchise history they have won the hardware. 

Panthers fans were screaming as Tkachuk, Ekblad and others held the Cup above their heads, giving it the customary kiss all while the waves came rolling in from the ocean. 

PANTHERS WIN STANLEY CUP IN THRILLING GAME 7 OVER OILERS

Tkachuk said after the victory to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan that winning the Cup was no longer a dream – it’s reality. And it was a grueling two years for the Panthers – they lost in the Final to the Vegas Golden Knights last season in five games – to finally get that inaugural trophy in the team building. 

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So, this celebration is a culmination of tons of hard work, and the Panthers are clearly letting loose now that their names will forever be etched on the precious metal. 

Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup win

Panthers players share champagne after beating the Edmonton Oilers at the Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

Through the Panthers’ 24 games in these playoffs, Tkachuk posted 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) to help Florida get the job done. 

He joined the Panthers last season after the Calgary Flames traded him following six seasons with the squad that drafted him sixth overall in 2016. 

Tkachuk posted a 109-point season in 2023, and though he would have 88 this past regular season, every Panthers fan knows the importance he makes at left wing for this hockey club. 

Matthew Tkachuk raise Stanley Cup

Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers lifts the Stanley Cup after beating the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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The celebration has only begun for Tkachuk and the rest of his Florida teammates, who will have their team parade on Sunday.  

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