Tampa Bay Lightning Defeat Dallas Stars 3-2 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

“And the series is even. The best of seven is a best of five.” – Doc Emrick

“What a game. It had everything…we got ourselves a series.” – Eddie Olczyk

“After having a shaky Game 1…it’s been a good bounce back outing for the Tampa Bay netminder.” – Brian Boucher on Lightning Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy

STAMFORD, Conn. – Sept. 21, 2020 – NBC Sports continued its exclusive presentation of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final tonight with Game 2 between the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on NBCSN. All Stanley Cup Final games are being played at Rogers Place.

Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, and Brian Boucher called the game along with Pierre McGuire providing reports and player interviews. Olczyk, Boucher and McGuire were on site at Rogers Place, while Emrick called the action from a home studio. Kathryn Tappen, Keith Jones, Anson Carter and Patrick Sharp provided studio commentary during intermissions from NBC Sports’ headquarters in Stamford, Conn. John Forslund also provided commentary from Rogers Place during pre-game coverage.

Following are notes and quotes from Game 2:

THIRD PERIOD & POST-GAME

Emrick: “And the series is even. The best of seven is a best of five.”

Olczyk: “What a game. It had everything, did it not, Doc? It had big hits, bad penalties by Dallas to put them behind the eight ball and you had tremendous goaltending at either end. Outstanding efforts to put the puck in the back of the net. We got ourselves a series.”

Boucher on Tampa Bay G Andrei Vasilevskiy: “(After) having a shaky Game 1, he needed to stand tall and he certainly did in the second period. Even though he gave up a goal on one of those 18 shots, I think several of his saves allowed his team to remain with the lead and it’s been a good bounce back outing for the Tampa Bay netminder.”

Olczyk on Dallas’ inability to pull the goalie late in the game: “Tampa just absolutely smothering the Dallas Stars as they exit the zone.”

Olczyk on C Mattias Janmark’s goal, 3-2 Lightning: “He goes to the net, stops on the blue paint and he has a strong, bottom handle on the stick. You go to that area, you’re going to get five free goals every year you play. And what a pass, a brilliant pass by (John) Klingberg.”

Carter: “If anyone came into tonight’s game thinking it was going to be a short series, they were mistaken. Tampa Bay responded exactly how I thought they would respond…both teams punched and counterpunched, and that’s what you expect to see in a Stanley Cup Final.”

Sharp: “That was a good hockey game. We saw some power-play goals from the Lightning earlier, some beautiful plays from Nikita Kucherov, some saves from both goaltenders, some bad blood, a lot of big hits. It’s shaping up to be a pretty good series.”

Jones: “The fight back from the Dallas Stars really stood out to me. I thought Tampa was going to run away with the game. I wondered if (Anton) Khudobin would even start the second period. Dallas left him in there and Tampa found a way to win a hockey game where I don’t think they necessarily played a great game. I think they played a great first period, but there’s more in the tank for Tampa in this series.”

SECOND INTERMISSION

Sharp on Stars’ response in second period: “I liked how they responded at the start of the second period being down 3-0. Nowhere in the playoff handbook does it say just because you’re down three goals in a playoff game that you have to go away nicely…they are angry…it was scrums, it was physical play, it was getting under the skin of the Tampa Bay Lightning.”

SECOND PERIOD

Emrick: “First period impressive for Tampa Bay. Second period impressive for Dallas…it’s been crunching, scuffling and artistic.”

Boucher on Dallas C Joe Pavelski’s deflected goal, 3-1 Lightning: “One of the best in the business at redirecting pucks…no chance for (Andrei) Vasilevskiy, what a thing of beauty by Pavelski.”

Olczyk on Tampa Bay RW Nikita Kucherov: “It’s been a well-rounded game in a lot of areas. I think he could probably do without the collision below the goal line, the incidental contact with (Jamie) Benn. Sometimes coaches will tell you ‘hit or be hit’ and he took a couple of hits early and followed those with a couple nice primary assists the first couple of goals this game for his club.”

FIRST PERIOD

Emrick: “A house of horrors first period for the Stars.”

Olczyk on Tampa Bay C Brayden Point’s opening goal: “(Anton) Khudobin is moving right, the puck goes left. He’s expecting a fastball, ends up seeing a knuckle curve.”

Olczyk on LW Ondrej Palat’s goal, 2-0 Lightning: “Alex Killorn is causing so much havoc in front of the net. Bad penalty, puck ends up in the back of the net.”

Boucher on D Kevin Shattenkirk’s goal, 3-0 Lightning: “Sometimes when you give up a couple of quick goals, things can come at you really fast and that’s exactly what’s happening to the Dallas Stars right now.”

Olczyk on the Dallas-Tampa Bay physical matchup: “When you look at the teams Tampa has played against in these playoffs with the Islanders, Boston and Columbus, the most physical team without question was the Columbus Blue Jackets. The one thing that Dallas can do is they can play equal to that, but they have more guys who really get up and get there and that takes its toll…bit of a different animal Tampa is facing with the Dallas Stars.”

Olczyk on the Lightning’s lineup of 12 forwards and 6 defensemen: “With only 11 forwards, that’s more ice time, the extended games, overtimes, the physicality. I think it (having 12 forwards) gives the forwards a little more quality of ice time instead of quantity.”

Emrick just before puck drop: “I am like Corey Perry during the anthem, jumping up and down at the bench. This is just great.”   

PRE-GAME

Sharp on Dallas’ defensemen: “They get involved in the offense, they’re all great skaters. I like it, it’s a trend that we’ve seen all across the playoffs with a lot of teams this year. It’s offense from the defense position. I think it’s important when you get in the offensive zone to make those wingers work defensively.”

McGuire on Dallas G Anton Khudobin: “They used to have the Bulin Wall (Nikolai Khabibulin) down in Tampa. Well, this is Anton Khudobin Wall. This guy has been phenomenal…(reminds me of) 2011 Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins, who played the position like a linebacker.”

Forslund: “So he’s a linebacker out of the KFL – the Kazakhstan Football League.”

Olczyk on the veteran leadership of offseason acquisitions Stars RW Corey Perry and C Joe Pavelski: “That’s why they went out and got them. The experience of a guy like Corey Perry who has won a Stanley Cup and a guy like Joe Pavelski, who has been in a Stanley Cup Final. They’ve been big-time performers…these are experienced guys that give quality minutes…this is where you really count on your leadership and the guys that have been there. I think it was two tremendous signings by Dallas general manager Jim Nill.”

–NBC SPORTS–

Pre-Game Coverage Begins with NHL Live at 7 p.m. ET

2020 NHL Awards Presented by Las Vegas to Reveal Winners of Five Regular-Season Trophies at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN

Zdeno Chara: Made For This Docuseries to Premiere Tonight at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN

STAMFORD, Conn. – Sept. 21, 2020 – The 2020 Stanley Cup Final between the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning continues tonight with exclusive coverage of Game 2 at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Pre-game coverage begins with NHL Live at 7 p.m. ET.

The Stars won the opening game of the Cup Final 4-1 behind 35 saves, including 22 in the third period, by goaltender Anton Khudobin on Saturday. During Game 1, ‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst Brian Boucher discussed Khudobin’s performance:

Boucher on Khudobin: “What a story (Anton) Khudobin has been. Keep in mind this is his 11^th season and he should not have been the starting goaltender for the Dallas Stars in these playoffs. Ben Bishop is their number one goaltender, but this guy has been ready. As his career has worn on, he has become a fantastic 1b option for any team he has played on. You can see five different NHL organizations, and he is loved by his teammates, works hard in practice, he is supportive of his teammates, and now they are supporting him. He is getting a great opportunity to play in his first Stanley Cup Final. He was there as a third-string goaltender for the Bruins in 2011, it was a great learning experience, but this is his first kick at the can at being a number one in the biggest stage.”

For additional notable quotes from the matchup, click here.

Eight-time Emmy Award-winner Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick will handle play-by-play duties alongside U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Brian Boucher (‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst). Emmy Award-winner Pierre McGuire will provide commentary throughout the game and contribute to intermission and post-game reports. All Stanley Cup Final games are taking place at Rogers Place in the NHL bubble in Edmonton, Alberta.

Kathryn Tappen will host tonight’s studio coverage alongside studio analysts Keith Jones, Anson Carter and Patrick Sharp.

The 2020 NHL Awards Presented by Las Vegas will reveal winners of five regular-season trophies at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN. The 30-minute program will be co-hosted by NBC Sports’ Kenny Albert and Scott Oake of Sportsnet, who will announce the winners of the 2019-20 Calder Memorial Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, James Norris Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award and Vezina Trophy.

The first episode of Zdeno Chara: Made For This, a four-episode docuseries celebrating the historic career of Boston Bruins’ captain Zdeno Chara and detailing his first-person account of childhood, family and on-ice leadership as a member of the Boston Bruins for the past nearly year-and-a-half, will premiere tonight at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN, leading into the 2020 NHL Awards program. An encore presentation of the episode will air following NHL Overtime at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

Following is tonight’s schedule on NBCSN:

Date	Coverage	Network	Time (ET)	Commentators
Mon., Sept. 21	Zdeno Chara: Made For This – Episode 1	NBCSN	6 p.m.
	2020 NHL Awards Presented by Las Vegas	NBCSN	6:30 p.m.	Kenny Albert, Scott Oake
	NHL Live	NBCSN	7 p.m.	Kathryn Tappen, Keith Jones, Anson Carter, Patrick Sharp
	Game 2 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay	NBCSN	8 p.m.	Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher, Pierre McGuire

 

NBC SPORTS RADIO STANLEY CUP FINAL BROADCAST DETAILS

In conjunction with Westwood One, NBC Sports Radio will broadcast every game of the Stanley Cup Final. Kenny Albert and Joe Micheletti will call the Cup Final, while Steve Goldstein will serve as host during pre- and post-game and intermissions.

2020 STANLEY CUP FINAL SCHEDULE

Date	Coverage	Network	Time (ET)
Mon., Sept. 21	Game 2 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 23	Game 3 – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 25	Game 4 – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas	NBC	8 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 26	Game 5 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay*	NBC	8 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 28	Game 6 – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas*	NBC	8 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 30	Game 7 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay*	NBC	8 p.m.

* If Necessary

–NBC SPORTS–

Dallas Stars Defeat Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

“Collisions galore, but a goaltender was magnificent.” – Doc Emrick on Game 1 and Dallas Stars G Anton Khudobin

“The Tampa Bay Lightning found their game in the third period, but just weren’t able to beat the No. 1 star of the game (Anton Khudobin).” – Eddie Olczyk

“What a show Anton Khudobin is putting on in this third period.” – Brian Boucher

STAMFORD, Conn. – Sept. 19, 2020 – NBC Sports began its exclusive presentation of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final tonight with Game 1 between the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on NBC. All Stanley Cup Final games are being played at Rogers Place.

Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, and Brian Boucher called the game along with Pierre McGuire providing reports. Olczyk, Boucher and McGuire were on site at Rogers Place, while Emrick called the action from a home studio. Kathryn Tappen, Keith Jones and Patrick Sharp provided studio commentary during intermissions from NBC Sports’ headquarters in Stamford, Conn.

Following are notes and quotes from Game 1:

THIRD PERIOD

Emrick on Game 1: “Collisions galore, but a goaltender was magnificent.”

Emrick on Anton Khudobin: “As we move on in the series, you talk about the mental composure of a goaltender and how he probably lost sight of the dream long ago and he didn’t have the mental stability, but here he is in the Stanley Cup Final and he has won yet again.”

Olczyk: “The Tampa Bay Lightning found their game in the third period, but just weren’t able to beat the No. 1 star of the game (Anton Khudobin).”

Boucher on Anton Khudobin: “What a story (Anton) Khudobin has been. Keep in mind this is his 11^th season and he should not have been the starting goaltender for the Dallas Stars in these playoffs. Ben Bishop is their number one goaltender, but this guy has been ready. As his career has worn on, he has become a fantastic 1b option for any team he has played on. You can see five different NHL organizations, and he is loved by his teammates, works hard in practice, he is supportive of his teammates, and now they are supporting him. He is getting a great opportunity to play in his first Stanley Cup Final. He was there as a third-string goaltender for the Bruins in 2011, it was a great learning experience, but this is his first kick at the can at being a number one in the biggest stage.”

Boucher: “The Lightning threw everything they could at Anton Khudobin…It’s been all Tampa Bay in this period, but credit to Khudobin.”

Boucher: “What a show Anton Khudobin is putting on in this third period…He’s been sharp, and they’ve needed him in this third period.”

Olcyzk on Tampa Bay LW Patrick Maroon’s 10-minute misconduct at the end of the second period: “Tampa, who has dressed 11 forwards here in game one, they are down one for 10 minutes because of the penalty by (Patrick) Maroon…for Jon Cooper, you have been playing 7-11, seven defensemen, 11 forwards, here for the last couple of weeks and it has worked extremely well. But we talked about it at the top of the show, right before puck drop, advantage Dallas going into this game with the way the schedule has been, and Dallas is well rested here the last four-plus days. So, now you got a lot more ice time for some tired players, some of who are banged up as well.”

Boucher: “A good start here for Tampa Bay early on. Much more noticeable here at the start of this third period than what we’ve seen through 40 minutes so far.”

SECOND INTERMISSION

Jones on Dallas’ defense: “They have 15 goals from the blue line so far in the playoffs. They’ve been outstanding. It’s a theme they want to continue in the Final.”

Jones on the Lightning’s game plan heading into the third period: “Get pucks in deep and work, that’s their game…If Tampa is going to win, they are going to need that (first) line to play effectively and also produce offensively.”

Sharp on the Dallas Star defense: “It would be nice to play in the offensive zone if you are Tampa, but Dallas has proven throughout these playoffs they are capable and comfortable being comfortable in the D zone. They did a nice job against the Vegas Golden Knights, who love to play down low, behind the net, both behind the top of the circles. So, Tampa has quite a challenge there playing against this Dallas defense.”

SECOND PERIOD

Olczyk on goal by Dallas D Jamie Oleksiak: “It was just a matter of time for the Dallas Stars in the second period.”

Boucher following Oleksiak’s goal: “A good second period here for this Stars team as they seem to be fast and on the hunt.”

Boucher on Jamie Oleksiak: “This postseason, he’s elevated his play. We think about (John) Klingberg and (Miro) Heiskanen, but let’s not sleep on Jamie Oleksiak as he’s had a hot stick all playoffs long and is showing how he can finish on that beautiful 2-1 goal for Dallas.”

Emrick on Dallas G Anton Khudobin: “A magical run for a guy that worked 14 years to become an overnight sensation.”

Olczyk on Dallas’ third goal: “A weak goal given up here by Vasilevskiy.”

FIRST INTERMISSION

Sharp on his former teammate Dallas captain Jamie Benn: “It seems like he gets better and better every year, especially come playoff time.”

Sharp on playing the Final in Edmonton with no fans: “These two teams we are watching now are playing in front of an empty building in Edmonton, Alberta. They got the support of their team and their fan bases at home, but they are playing for each other, for their families that they left at home two months ago. If this 20 minutes is an indication of what we are going to see here in the playoffs, it is going to be a pretty good series.”

FIRST PERIOD

Olczyk on Stars D Joel Hanley’s goal: “The referees say play on, which is the right call (following a hard hit on Lightning C Brayden Point). Defensemen being active, a theme for both of these teams. So far, for the Dallas Stars, they’ve dictated the terms and had the jump, but it all started with the forecheck by Dallas.”

Olcyzk on the speed of Dallas: “This is the first time (Tampa Bay has) seen a really quick team… Tampa played Columbus, Boston and the Islanders. You got a couple of burners on those teams, but not like the overall speed that the Dallas Stars have. It’s something Tampa is going to have to get used to and get used to pretty darn quickly.”

Boucher on Dallas G Anton Khudobin and Tampa Bay’s pinball-like first goal: “It doesn’t get any more bad luck than that.”

Boucher on possible fatigue for Tampa Bay G Andrei Vasilevskiy: “We have yet to see a real bad performance from (Andrei) Vasilevskiy so far in these playoffs. I am not saying he is due for one… For Vasilevskiy there could be some fatigue, there could be some nerves as well. It is the Stanley Cup Final, you never know how you are going to respond. He gave up an early goal, so it can be unsettling, unnerving for a goaltender. Even one that we consider to be one of the very best in the National Hockey League. So, let’s see if he settles into this game.”

–NBC SPORTS–

Stanley Cup Final Preview Conference Call Highlights from Mike “Doc” Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher, Pierre McGuire and Sam Flood

“Everybody talks about this asterisk, about winning the Stanley Cup this year, and I just can’t understand the logic behind that. I mean, to me, it’s an exclamation mark.” – Brian Boucher

 “Without him, I don’t see how Dallas could be in the Stanley Cup Final.” – Pierre McGuire on Stars Goalie Anton Khudobin

STAMFORD, Conn. – Sept. 19, 2020 – The 2020 Stanley Cup Final between the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning begins tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Dallas is in search of its first Stanley Cup title in 21 years, while Tampa Bay hopes to hoist the trophy for the first time in 16 years.

Eight-time Emmy Award-winner Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick will handle play-by-play duties alongside U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Brian Boucher (‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst). Emmy Award winner Pierre McGuire will provide commentary throughout the game and contribute to intermission reports.

All Stanley Cup Final games will take place at Rogers Place in the NHL bubble in Edmonton, Alberta.

2020 STANLEY CUP FINAL SCHEDULE

Date	Coverage	Network	Time (ET)
Sat., Sept. 19	Game 1 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay	NBC	7:30 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 21	Game 2 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 23	Game 3 – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 25	Game 4 – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas	NBC	8 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 26	Game 5 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay*	NBC	8 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 28	Game 6 – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas*	NBC	8 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 30	Game 7 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay*	NBC	8 p.m.

* If Necessary

DALLAS STARS

The Dallas Stars advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 20 years with a 3-2 overtime Game 5 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday. This will mark the third Cup Final appearance for the franchise since relocating to Dallas, having also made it in 1999 (won) and 2000.

Dallas became the fourth team to overcome a deficit in each of its three series-clinching wins to reach the Stanley Cup Final since the four-round playoff format was introduced in 1975. Goaltender Anton Khudobin has been in net for all three of the Stars’ series-clinching wins this postseason.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

The Tampa Bay Lightning reached the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2015 following their Eastern Conference Final 2-1 overtime win in Game 6 over the New York Islanders on Thursday. Anthony Cirelli netted his first career playoff overtime goal to propel the Lightning into the Cup Final for the third time in franchise history (2004 [won], 2015, 2020). In the matchup, Victor Hedman scored his ninth goal of the postseason to move into a tie for the third-most goals by a defenseman in a single playoff year.

PREVIEW OF DALLAS-TAMPA BAY 2020 STANLEY CUP FINAL

On Friday, NHL on NBC commentators Emrick, Olczyk, Boucher and McGuire as well as NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood previewed the 2020 Stanley Cup Final on a media conference call yesterday. Below are highlights:

Emrick on the honor of calling playoff hockey games this year: “To still have the excitement that did not enable me to sleep a lot after that overtime win last night, because it was less than 12 hours ago that I got to see and maybe you share with me what makes me so grateful to be around this sport… I’m honored to be able to watch athletes like this because they’re so committed to a team sport… They came back from 13 different countries and entered training camp again for a second time, and they are doing all of this and putting on this marvelous show.”

Olczyk: “Just being in the building, understanding it is different, but also understanding that when that puck is in play and there is nothing normal for any of us currently, it seems normal to myself, and that is incredible by these athletes and these teams and the dedication and the understanding of what’s going on. It’s been just great to be a part of.”

Boucher on the Stanley Cup Playoffs: “From the players’ standpoint, I think they deserve a lot of credit for what has taken place. Everybody talks about this asterisk, about winning the Stanley Cup this year, and I just can’t understand the logic behind that. I mean, to me, it’s an exclamation mark.”

McGuire on Anton Khudobin: “I think he’s probably been the biggest surprise of any player here in the Western Conference Playoffs, and without him I don’t see how Dallas could be in the Stanley Cup Final.”

Boucher on Andrei Vasilevskiy: “I’ve been really impressed…I just see a much more mature goaltender now that we knew had physical abilities and all the talent in the world starting to put it all together now.”

McGuire on the Edmonton bubble: “It’s not just here in the community. It’s the healthcare professionals. It’s the hotel workers. It’s the people that work in the restaurants. We’ve become like a little family here in the Edmonton bubble.”

Flood on the NHL’s Restart: “We are really excited this Stanley Cup Final is even happening. After all the craziness and madness of this past year, to have the NHL pull this off and create these two bubbles in Toronto and then in Edmonton and have it all work so seamlessly and have these thousands and thousands of tests with no positives is just a tribute to Gary Bettman, Bill Daly and his leadership team for getting us to this point… I’m really proud and thankful for all the people that have committed so much to make this such a special Stanley Cup Final, one that will never be forgotten.”

–NBC SPORTS–

Dial 800-353-6461 to Participate; Passcode: 9781970

Stanley Cup Final Game 1 Tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC

Complete Stanley Cup Final Broadcast Details

STAMFORD, Conn. – Sept. 18, 2020 – NHL on NBC commentators Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher and Pierre McGuire as well as NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood will preview the 2020 Stanley Cup Final between the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning on a media conference call today, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. ET.

Media interested in participating should call 800-353-6461; Passcode: 9781970.

• WHAT: 2020 Stanley Cup Final Media Conference Call
• WHO: Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher, Pierre McGuire, Sam Flood
• WHEN: Today, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. ET
• NUMBER: 800-353-6461
• PASSCODE: 9781970

The 2020 Stanley Cup Final between the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning begins tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

2020 STANLEY CUP FINAL SCHEDULE

Following is NBC Sports’ 2020 Stanley Cup Final schedule:

Date	Coverage	Network	Time (ET)
Sat., Sept. 19	Game 1 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay	NBC	7:30 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 21	Game 2 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 23	Game 3 – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 25	Game 4 – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas	NBC	8 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 26	Game 5 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay*	NBC	8 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 28	Game 6 – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas*	NBC	8 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 30	Game 7 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay*	NBC	8 p.m.

* If Necessary

—NBC SPORTS—

Stanley Cup Final Schedule Set

Mike “Doc” Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher, Pierre McGuire and Sam Flood to Preview Stanley Cup Final on Media Conference Call – Friday at 11 a.m. ET

STAMFORD, Conn. – Sept. 17, 2020 – The 2020 Stanley Cup Final between the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning begins Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

Following tonight’s 2-1 overtime win vs. the New York Islanders, the Tampa Bay Lightning reached the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2015. The Dallas Stars advanced to the Cup Final for the first time in 20 years with a 3-2 overtime victory in Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday.

All games will take place at Rogers Place in the NHL bubble in Edmonton, Alberta.

2020 STANLEY CUP FINAL SCHEDULE

Date	Coverage	Network	Time (ET)
Sat., Sept. 19	Game 1 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay	NBC	7:30 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 21	Game 2 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 23	Game 3 – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 25	Game 4 – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas	NBC	8 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 26	Game 5 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay*	NBC	8 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 28	Game 6 – Tampa Bay vs. Dallas*	NBC	8 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 30	Game 7 – Dallas vs. Tampa Bay*	NBC	8 p.m.

* If Necessary

2020 STANLEY CUP FINAL CONFERENCE CALL

NHL on NBC commentators Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher and Pierre McGuire as well as NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood will preview the 2020 Stanley Cup Final on a media conference call Friday, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. ET.

Media interested in participating should call 800-353-6461; Passcode: 9781970.

PREVIEW OF DALLAS-TAMPA BAY 2020 STANLEY CUP FINAL

NHL on NBC studio analysts Patrick Sharp and Anson Carter discussed the Stars and Lightning advancing to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final and previewed the matchup:

Sharp on the Stars: “There’s just something special about this Dallas Stars team. Time and time again, they come back and win games that they get outplayed in, they play for each other, having fun inside that bubble…every reason you have to doubt the Dallas Stars, they answer the bell right away.”

Carter on Victor Hedman: “The whole postseason, he’s been unbelievable. He’s the leader of this hockey club. No Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman is the de-facto captain as far as I’m concerned with the Tampa Bay Lightning because he can do a little bit of everything…He’s the reason why I give the Lightning an edge over the Dallas Stars.”

 

–NBC SPORTS–

Eastern Conference Final Game 6 Tonight – Lightning Lead Series 3-2

Dallas Stars Advance to First Stanley Cup Final in 20 Years

Mike “Doc” Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher, Pierre McGuire and Sam Flood to Preview Possible Game 7 and 2020 Stanley Cup Final on Media Conference Call – Tomorrow at 11 a.m. ET; Dial-In: 800-353-6461; Passcode: 9781970

Hockey Culture Interview with St. Louis Blues’ Ryan O’Reilly Available Now

STAMFORD, Conn. – Sept. 17, 2020 – The Tampa Bay Lightning look to advance to their first Stanley Cup Final in five years with a win against the New York Islanders in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final tonight at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN, while the Islanders hope to extend the series and force a Game 7. Pre-game coverage begins with a one-hour edition of NHL Live at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

The Islanders fought off elimination in the series and forced a Game 6 when Jordan Eberle netted the winning goal in a 2-1 double-overtime victory over the Lightning on Tuesday.

Tampa Bay has appeared in two Stanley Cup Finals during the franchise’s history (2004 and 2015). Their sole Stanley Cup victory in 2004 was a seven-game thriller against the Calgary Flames.

Eight-time Emmy Award-winner Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick will handle play-by-play duties alongside U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Brian Boucher (‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst).

Kathryn Tappen will host tonight’s studio coverage alongside studio analysts Patrick Sharp and Anson Carter.

On Monday, the Dallas Stars advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 20 years on an overtime winning-goal from rookie Denis Gurianov to beat Vegas 3-2.

2020 STANLEY CUP FINAL CONFERENCE CALL

NHL on NBC commentators Emrick, Olczyk, Boucher and Pierre McGuire as well as NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood, will preview a possible ECF Game 7 and the 2020 Stanley Cup Final on a media conference call tomorrow, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. ET.

Media interested in participating should call 800-353-6461; Passcode: 9781970.

Earlier this week, Hockey Culture debuted an interview with St. Louis Blues forward Ryan O’Reilly as part of the initiative, led by Anson Carter, dedicated to bringing equality and inclusion to the sport of hockey. O’Reilly and Carter discussed his childhood growing up with foster siblings and how those experiences have a played a role in his hockey career as well as his thoughts on how to increase inclusiveness within the sport. Highlighted quotes from the conversation are below:

O’Reilly on growing up with foster siblings: “Learning how to live with them and get along, it’s something that has carried over to everything and I really hope I can give my kids the same experience because you learn so much from it. Especially in hockey, playing on a team with guys that have different backgrounds, but be able to relate and develop a friendship is so important.”

O’Reilly on how his childhood experiences have played a role in his hockey career: “It’s helped me so much in being to help include everyone. Seeing when someone is having a hard time with something, being able to notice it, and bring them in closer to be a part of this family and team.”

O’Reilly on inclusiveness in hockey: “There’s so much room for improvement, especially early in the game…in my household and growing up with my parents, the lesson was that you’re responsible for each other’s well-being. That’s got to be the golden rule…it’s more than just a game, and we need to…help people be better people and be responsible for each other.” 

Hockey Culture also features, among others, the following interviews:

• Vegas Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves
• Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi commentator Harnarayan Singh
• Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse

Following is the upcoming Eastern Conference Final schedule:

Date	Coverage	Network	Time (ET)	Commentators
Thurs., Sept. 17	NHL Live	NBCSN	7 p.m.	Kathryn Tappen, Patrick Sharp, Anson Carter
	Game 6 – (2) Tampa Bay vs. (6) N.Y. Islanders	NBCSN	8 p.m.	Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher
Sat., Sept. 19	Game 7 – (6) N.Y. Islanders vs. (2) Tampa Bay*	NBC	7:30 p.m.	Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher

*If Necessary

KEITH JONES AND ANSON CARTER ON ISLANDERS-LIGHTNING DOUBLE-OVERTIME GAME 5

On Tuesday night, studio analysts Keith Jones and Anson Carter discussed the Islanders 2-1 double-overtime victory over the Lightning to stay alive in the series and force Game 6:

Jones on Jordan Eberle: “When he has confidence, he’s a very dangerous player and I can’t imagine how much more confidence he can get than scoring an overtime-winning goal to allow his team to extend (the series).”

Carter on the physicality that took place in the double-overtime matchup: “With both teams playing with shortened benches, it’s going to take its toll. Guys like playing with a short bench because you get to play more, but as you see the series go on…it starts to add up over time.” 

NBC SPORTS RADIO STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS BROADCAST SCHEDULE

In conjunction with Westwood One, NBC Sports Radio will broadcast every remaining game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the Conference Finals and the Stanley Cup Final. The following is tonight’s NBC Sports Radio and Westwood One’s Conference Finals broadcast schedule:

Date	Coverage	Time (ET)	Commentators
Thurs., Sept. 17	Game 6 – Tampa Bay vs. N.Y. Islanders	7:45 p.m.	Sam Rosen, Joe Micheletti

 

–NBC SPORTS–

Eastern Conference Final Game 5 Tonight at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN – Lightning Lead Series 3-1

Dallas Stars Advance to First Stanley Cup Final in 20 Years

Sticks & Stones Curling Competition Featuring Stars’ Joe Pavelski and Lightning’s Alex Killorn Presented Tonight at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN

Hockey Culture Interview with St. Louis Blues’ Ryan O’Reilly Available Now

STAMFORD, Conn. – Sept. 15, 2020 – The Tampa Bay Lightning look to advance to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2015 with a win against the New York Islanders in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final tonight at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Pre-game coverage begins with NHL Live at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

The Lightning moved within one win of the Stanley Cup Final when Tampa Bay scored four unanswered goals, including two in a 12-second span, in a 4-1 victory over the Islanders in Game 4 on Sunday on NBC.

Tampa Bay has appeared in two Stanley Cup Finals during the franchise’s history (2004 and 2015). Their sole Stanley Cup victory in 2004 was a seven-game thriller against the Calgary Flames.

Eight-time Emmy Award-winner Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick will handle play-by-play duties alongside U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Brian Boucher (‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst).

Liam McHugh will host tonight’s studio coverage alongside studio analysts Keith Jones and Anson Carter.

Last night, the Dallas Stars advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 20 years on an overtime winning-goal from rookie Denis Gurianov to beat Vegas 3-2.

Sticks & Stones, a special that features stars of the NHL, U.S. women’s national hockey team and USA Curling taking part in a round-robin curling competition, will be presented tonight at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Participating in the event are Stars forward Joe Pavelski, Lightning forward Alex Killorn, NHL on NBC analyst AJ Mleczko, 2018 Winter Olympics women’s hockey gold medalist Kendall Coyne Schofield and 2018 U.S. Olympic curling gold medalist John Shuster, among others. A trailer for tonight’s one-hour program can be viewed here.

Earlier today, Hockey Culture debuted an interview with St. Louis Blues forward Ryan O’Reilly as part of the initiative, led by Anson Carter, dedicated to bringing equality and inclusion to the sport of hockey. O’Reilly and Carter discussed his childhood growing up with foster siblings and how those experiences have a played a role in his hockey career as well as his thoughts on how to increase inclusiveness within the sport. Highlighted quotes from the conversation are below:

O’Reilly on growing up with foster siblings: “Learning how to live with them and get along, it’s something that has carried over to everything and I really hope I can give my kids the same experience because you learn so much from it. Especially in hockey, playing on a team with guys that have different backgrounds, but be able to relate and develop a friendship is so important.”

O’Reilly on how his childhood experiences have played a role in his hockey career: “It’s helped me so much in being to help include everyone. Seeing when someone is having a hard time with something, being able to notice it, and bring them in closer to be a part of this family and team.”

O’Reilly on inclusiveness in hockey: “There’s so much room for improvement, especially early in the game…in my household and growing up with my parents, the lesson was that you’re responsible for each other’s well-being. That’s got to be the golden rule…it’s more than just a game, and we need to…help people be better people and be responsible for each other.” 

Hockey Culture also features, among others, the following interviews:

• Vegas Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves
• Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi commentator Harnarayan Singh
• Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse

Following is tonight’s Eastern Conference Final schedule:

Date	Coverage	Network	Time (ET)	Commentators
Tues., Sept. 15	NHL Live	NBCSN	7 p.m.	Liam McHugh, Keith Jones, Anson Carter
	Game 5 – (6) N.Y. Islanders vs. (2) Tampa Bay	NBCSN	8 p.m.	Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher

PATRICK SHARP AND ANSON CARTER DISCUSS DALLAS STARS ADVANCING TO STANLEY CUP FINAL FOR FIRST TIME IN 20 YEARS

Last night, studio analysts Patrick Sharp and Anson Carter discussed the Dallas Stars advancing to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 20 years:

Sharp: “There’s just something special about this Dallas Stars team. Time and time again, they come back and win games that they get outplayed in, they play for each other, having fun inside that bubble…every reason you have to doubt the Dallas Stars, they answer the bell right away.”

Carter: “That celebration told me everything. There’s a game-winning goal scored at the other end, and half the team piles off the bench to celebrate with your netminder. That tells me that those guys love playing for Anton Khudobin.”

NBC SPORTS RADIO STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS BROADCAST SCHEDULE

In conjunction with Westwood One, NBC Sports Radio will broadcast every remaining game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the Conference Finals and the Stanley Cup Final. The following is tonight’s NBC Sports Radio and Westwood One’s Conference Finals broadcast schedule:

Date	Coverage	Time (ET)	Commentators
Tues., Sept. 15	Game 5 – N.Y. Islanders vs. Tampa Bay	7:45 p.m.	Sam Rosen, Joe Micheletti

 

–NBC SPORTS–

Western Conference Final Game 5 Tonight at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN – Stars Lead Series 3-1

Lightning vs. Islanders Game 5 Tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN – Lightning Lead Series 3-1

Sticks & Stones Curling Competition Featuring Stars’ Joe Pavelski and Lightning’s Alex Killorn Premieres Tonight and Tomorrow at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN

STAMFORD, Conn. – Sept. 14, 2020 – The Dallas Stars can advance to their first Stanley Cup Final in 20 years with a win against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final tonight at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Pre-game coverage begins with NHL Live at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

The Stars moved within one win of the Stanley Cup Final with a 2-1 victory in Game 4 on Saturday on NBC, as goaltender Anton Khudobin made 32 saves and Jamie Benn and Joe Pavelski each found the back of the net.

The Stars last reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2000 where they fell to the New Jersey Devils in six games, following their Stanley Cup victory in 1999 over the Buffalo Sabres. The 1999 Stanley Cup victory marked the first Cup win for the franchise.

John Forslund (play-by-play), U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Emmy Award winner Pierre McGuire (‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst) will call Game 5 from Rogers Place in the NHL bubble in Edmonton, Alberta.

Kathryn Tappen will host tonight’s studio coverage alongside studio analysts Anson Carter and Patrick Sharp.

The Tampa Bay Lightning will have the chance to advance to the Stanley Cup Final tomorrow night at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN with a win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Islanders.

Eight-time Emmy Award-winner Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick will handle play-by-play duties alongside Olczyk (analyst) and Brian Boucher (‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst).

Sticks & Stones, a two-part special that features stars of the NHL, U.S. women’s national hockey team and USA Curling taking part in a round-robin curling competition, will premiere tonight and tomorrow at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Participating in the event are Stars forward Joe Pavelski, Lightning forward Alex Killorn, NHL on NBC analyst AJ Mleczko, 2018 Winter Olympics women’s hockey gold medalist Kendall Coyne Schofield and 2018 U.S. Olympic curling gold medalist John Shuster, among others. A trailer for tonight’s one-hour program can be viewed here.

Following is tonight’s Western Conference Final schedule:

Date	Coverage	Network	Time (ET)	Commentators
Mon. Sept. 14	NHL Live	NBCSN	7 p.m.	Kathryn Tappen, Anson Carter, Patrick Sharp
	Game 5 – (3) Dallas vs. (1) Vegas	NBCSN	8 p.m.	John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire

 

NBC SPORTS RADIO STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS BROADCAST SCHEDULE

In conjunction with Westwood One, NBC Sports Radio will broadcast every remaining game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the Conference Finals and the Stanley Cup Final. The following is tonight and tomorrow’s NBC Sports Radio and Westwood One’s Conference Finals broadcast schedule:

Date	Coverage	Time (ET)	Commentators
Mon., Sept. 14	Game 5 – Dallas vs. Vegas	7:45 p.m.	Alex Faust, Jim Fox
Tues., Sept. 15	Game 5 – N.Y. Islanders vs. Tampa Bay	7:45 p.m.	Sam Rosen, Joe Micheletti

 

–NBC SPORTS–