MLB playoffs
it’s going to be an emotional one, too. Poignant tributes are expected to pour in from both ends of the ice, honoring the 58 who lost their lives and the nearly 500 who were injured.
Heavy checks and heavy hearts.
KANTOWSKI American League Division Series
■ Houston 5, Boston 4, Houston wins series 3-1
■ New York 7, Cleveland 3, series tied 2-2
National League Division Series
■ Chicago 2, Washington 1, Chicago leads series 2-1
■ Los Angeles 3, Arizona 1, Los Angeles wins series 3-0
▶ Coverage, Page 7C
itto3-0.
That may provide a little extra energy as the Knights look to sweep the home-and-home series with the Arizona Coyotes after they defeated them 2-1 in overtime Saturday at Gila River Arena.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of different emotions,” Knights defenseman Deryk Engelland said. “Obviously, the city is still healing from the tragedy, and as players we’re aware of that. But hopefully we can go out and perform and take everyone’s mind off of what happened for a couple of hours.”
The team did not reveal its pregame ceremony plans. However, it is scheduled for 15 minutes, and fans who are planning to attend are urged to arrive well ahead of the 7:30 p.m. scheduled puck drop. There were still tickets available as of late Monday afternoon, mostly the expensive seats down by the glass.
“It will be a respectful and dignified ceremony,” general manager
George Mcphee said Monday.
For coach Gerard Gallant, the challenge Tuesday is to keep the players’ focus on what happens on the ice.
“No question it’s going to be difficult,” Gallant said after Monday’s practice. “It’s going to be an incredible ceremony. But they’re professional athletes. I have no doubt they’ll be ready to play.”
Engelland said: “We’ve never had an experience like this. We’ve got to get ready to go. We’ve got a very good team coming in. But we’ll try help the community and make them proud again with a win on home ice.”
Tuesday begins a seven-game homestand, and it’s a chance for the Knights to not only pick up some points but establish their home ice as a tough place to play.
Forward Jonathan Marchessault said: “I think we’re ready. It’s going to be emotional for us, but we know they’re going to do a great job memorializing those people and helping everyone move forward.
“Everyone is excited about the start. We want to build on that.”
Goaltender Marc-andre Fleury,
who will start Tuesday, said of the unique circumstances surrounding the home opener: “I think we’re all excited to be home and have the chance to play in front of our fans.