Rick Tocchet expressed a sentiment Tuesday that NHL head coaches almost never convey when an oppo...

<p>Rick Tocchet expressed a sentiment Tuesday that NHL head coaches almost never convey when an opposing player receives supplemental discipline, admitting he was disappointed that Edmonton Oilers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> received a three-game suspension for cross-checking.</p><p>McDavid earned his ban for cross-checking <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4659">Conor Garland</a>, while Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers was suspended the same length of time for the same infraction on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a>. Both incidents took place in the final seconds of the Canucks' 3-2 victory Saturday.</p><p>"I think it's just unfortunate, and it's a tough job," Tocchet <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Canucks/status/1881798648557879358">said</a>. "It's a tough job for the referees, it's tough for (head of NHL Department of Player Safety) George Parros. I just don't like the grandstanding. ... It is what it is. I don't want Connor McDavid to get suspended. We're playing him. Honestly, you want to play the best."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tocchet added: "He's terrific for our league. He's (an) unbelievable kid, from what I've been told. The way he works at his game, unreal for the game. It happened, you deal with it. Same thing with (Myers). So for me, it's a tough position for everybody."</p><p>The Canucks head coach praised referee Wes McCauley as "one of the best refs in the league" and added that it would be pointless to "go back and forth" about all the plays that could've been penalized.</p><p>"It's a three-game suspension ... we've got to move on from this. That's what I think," Tocchet said. </p><p>Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> said earlier Tuesday that he felt both suspensions were "a little too much" and "I guess we don't overly care about having our best players in the league in the game."</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Rick Tocchet, J.T. Miller #9 and Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks during the third period of their NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena on January 16, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Canucks coach Tocchet: I don't want McDavid suspended

Leon Draisaitl lamented the NHL's disciplinary decisions when asked Tuesday about Connor McDavid'...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> lamented the NHL's disciplinary decisions when asked Tuesday about <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>'s cross-checking suspension and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers' matching ban.</p><p>"I certainly think three games is a little too much, for either side, but I guess we don't overly care about having our best players in the league in the game, so I'll leave it at that," Draisaitl told the media, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/~3066038">TSN</a>, on Tuesday.</p><p>Draisaitl brought up the fact that Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4659">Conor Garland</a> wasn't penalized for pinning McDavid moments before the Oilers superstar responded with a cross-check Saturday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"That's, to me, clearly a penalty," Draisaitl said. "Connor doesn't want to tangle with Garland in that situation. There's 12 seconds left. We're looking to score, we're not looking to tangle with anybody. I also know the game happens quick and the refs aren't going to make the right call every single time, I understand that. But in that instance, I think that could've been avoided."</p><p>McDavid and Myers were suspended Monday for their actions in the final seconds of the Canucks' 3-2 win over the Oilers. Myers was suspended for cross-checking Edmonton blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a> shortly after McDavid's altercation with Garland.</p><p>Myers and McDavid received match penalties for their transgressions.</p><p>McDavid <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3195897" href="https://thescore.com/news/3195897">reportedly</a> won't appeal his ruling. It's the second suspension of the three-time Hart Trophy winner's career. He got a two-game ban in February 2019 for a hit to the head of then-New York Islanders defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1502" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1502">Nick Leddy</a>.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 7: Connor McDavid #97 and Leon Draisaitl #29 both of the Edmonton Oilers look on during warm-up before a game against the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden on January 7, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Draisaitl defends McDavid: '3 games is a little too much'

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere questioned the way Team Canada used two of his ...

<p>Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere questioned the way Team Canada used two of his prospects at the recently concluded World Junior Championship.</p><p>Briere wondered why forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15028" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15028">Jett Luchanko</a> saw limited ice time in the tourney.</p><p>"We were disappointed in the role they gave him, but when you look at the role they gave him, he performed great," the GM said Tuesday. "We have (high) expectations for him, and he was probably the best skater in the world junior tournament, and he barely played. That's out of our control, unfortunately, but in the role that they gave him, he was excellent."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The executive then pointed to Canada's deployment of defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13823" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13823">Oliver Bonk</a>.</p><p>"He had a big role, but they put him in positions that is not really what is going to be his strength moving forward, which was really weird to us," Briere said. "But again, we don't have any control over that. Overall, I thought he had a really good tournament in what we expect from him, in shutting down the opposition and playing against the top lines and the tough matchups."</p><p>Luchanko, the Flyers' 13th overall pick last year, played 11:54 in Canada's quarterfinal loss to Czechia after logging 11:27 in a 4-1 defeat to the United States on New Year's Eve. Luchanko scored a goal for his only point in five games at the event. He has 10 tallies and 15 helpers in 20 contests with the OHL's Guelph Storm this season.</p><p>Bonk, whom Philadelphia selected 22nd overall in 2023, collected a goal and an assist across five games at the tournament. He has six tallies and 19 helpers over 28 contests with the OHL's London Knights in 2024-25.</p>

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 16: Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers checks out the stadium prior to practice and the Stadium Series game at MetLife Stadium on February 16, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Flyers' Briere criticizes Canada's usage of Luchanko, Bonk in WJHC

Jim Hiller wasn't happy after his Los Angeles Kings fell 5-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins at home o...

<p>Jim Hiller wasn't happy after his Los Angeles Kings fell 5-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins at home on a night when the hosts honored firefighters and first responders in their first game back in town since wildfires ravaged the L.A. area.</p><p>"Disappointing on a night like tonight," he <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJRUyYMLGrM&amp;ab_channel=LAKings">told reporters</a> following Monday's defeat. "I can probably count maybe only five times I've been disappointed in our team this season. Tonight is one, maybe the most."</p><p>Hiller said the circumstances should've inspired the team when asked whether the emotion of the night held the club back.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"No, I'm not going to make any excuses for that," he said. "That should've been the opposite. Logic would tell you that it should've helped us and not hurt us."</p><p>The Kings' game against the Calgary Flames on Jan. 8 was postponed due to the fires, and L.A. then played the next five games on the road as planned. </p><p>The home side donned Los Angeles Fire Department hats during the warmup Monday night.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Special night in LA 🖤 <a href="https://t.co/U1V0UA1Kq9">pic.twitter.com/U1V0UA1Kq9</a></p>— LA Kings (@LAKings) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAKings/status/1881547447857709131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Kings thanked firefighters from several areas in the L.A. region and held a moment of silence for the victims in a touching pregame ceremony.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZUCjFhlwsw?si=YCWC5Di9FKGJgrpv" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>"For me, it was really humbling to see the guys out there, and gals ... I felt a little emotional," Hiller said. </p><p>"I felt like those people have been out there doing some pretty amazing things and we just saw a little bit from a long distance," he continued. "We're in our own little bubble doing what we have to do, and it brought it to life for me - pretty personal - and was just disappointed we couldn't do more with it."</p><p>The Kings' loss Monday was their second straight after the Seattle Kraken beat them 4-2 on Saturday. Los Angeles has lost four of its last five after winning five consecutive contests. The club sits third in the Pacific Division at 25-14-5 this season.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Los Angeles Kings Jim Hiller looks on from the bench during the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Crypto.com Arena on November 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Hiller: Kings' blowout loss on night honoring firefighters 'disappointing'

Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin declined to get into specifics in the wake of Sat...

<p>Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin declined to get into specifics in the wake of Saturday's report of a nixed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> trade, but the GM indicated he's not done seeing what the possibilities might be.</p><p>"Since I got here, I'm always trying to explore (ways) to make our team better in discussions and (to) see if it makes sense or not," Allvin <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Canucks/status/1881427599588749379">said</a>. "The toughest part has been to evaluate the group we have with all the injuries. But ... you see the signs of a good team ... so we'll continue to see if it makes sense.</p><p>"Obviously, with the parity of the league, it's hard to make deals at this time of the year, and it's going to be interesting here over the next couple of weeks," Allvin continued. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The executive added that he feels the Canucks have a good team when everyone's healthy and performs to their capabilities. Allvin praised the players for staying focused amid swirling trade reports.</p><p>"It's very unfortunate, I feel bad for a lot of players when you're reading some rumors out there," he said. "I'm proud of the guys that they're capable of blocking a lot of noises out and just (going) out and (playing)."</p><p>Allvin noted that he's not eyeing the break during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February as a prime time to make moves.</p><p>"I don't think we have any target dates or anything like that," he said. "With the injuries we had leading up to this point, I've obviously been very active in seeing if there (are) any players out there that could've come in and helped us. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to facilitate any addition to our staff. But saying that, we've also seen a lot of younger players from Abbotsford (in the AHL), which has been a great sign for the organization."</p><p>The Canucks have been without numerous key players for various stretches this season, including reigning Norris Trophy winner and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a>, Miller, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a>, and Hughes' defense partner, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5749" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5749">Filip Hronek</a>.</p><p>It was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3180023" href="https://thescore.com/news/3180023">reported</a> in early January that the Canucks were exploring the trade market for both Miller and Pettersson amid an apparent feud between the two forwards. Another <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188748" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188748">report</a> Saturday indicated that Vancouver nearly dealt Miller back to the New York Rangers, with the apparent details of the failed swap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188749" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188749">emerging</a> Monday.</p>

VANCOUVER, BC - MARCH 20: Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin speaks to the press prior to their NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres at Rogers Arena on March 20, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Canucks GM: I've been 'very active' pursuing trades

Brock Faber returned for the Minnesota Wild against the Nashville Predators on Saturday night aft...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9275" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9275">Brock Faber</a> returned for the Minnesota Wild against the Nashville Predators on Saturday night after missing four games because of injury.</p><p>Faber last played Jan. 7, when he left early in a 6-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues and didn't return. The Wild went 1-3-0 without their No. 1 defenseman, earning their lone win against the lowly San Jose Sharks and getting outscored 16-8 in that span.</p><p>Minnesota has also been without previous Hart Trophy front-runner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a> up front along with blue-liners <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1873" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1873">Jared Spurgeon</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2600" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2600">Jonas Brodin</a>, all because of injuries.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Faber, who leads Minnesota in average ice time at 24:58 this season, had five goals and 15 assists over 41 games before getting hurt.</p><p>The 22-year-old was voted the Calder Trophy runner-up last season after collecting eight tallies and 39 helpers while seeing the same average ice time over 82 contests.</p><p>Minnesota came into Saturday's slate sitting third in the Central Division by points percentage (.644). The Wild ranked second in points, one more than the Dallas Stars who have a game in hand.</p><p>The Wild have lost two consecutive contests, but they've won six of their previous 10 before facing the Predators.</p>

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 31: Brock Faber #7 of the Minnesota Wild skates near the bench after his team scored a goal in the third period of a game against the Nashville Predators at Xcel Energy Center on December 15, 2024 in St Paul, Minnesota.

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Wild get Faber back after 4-game injury absence

Nashville Predators forward Michael McCarron responded to Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno s...

<p>Nashville Predators forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3067" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3067">Michael McCarron</a> responded to Minnesota Wild forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1489" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1489">Marcus Foligno</a> saying <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10679" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10679">Zachary L'Heureux</a> would have a "price to pay" for injuring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1873" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1873">Jared Spurgeon</a>.</p><p>"Obviously they're frustrated with what happened to their captain, as we would be," McCarron told <a target="_blank" href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/predators-prepared-for-mischief-in-game-vs-wild-after-lheureux-suspension">The Hockey News' Emma Lingan</a>. "I don’t know, Foligno has been around a long time. I think he knows something has to be done. But they can say everything they want. We have guys in here that'll protect our team, and (Zach’s) not too shy himself. I mean, he's a physical player."</p><p>L'Heureux received a match penalty and was later <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3175778" href="https://thescore.com/news/3175778">suspended</a> three games for slew-footing Spurgeon during a 5-3 Minnesota win Dec. 31. The Wild defenseman was labeled week-to-week and hasn't played since.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6tfrSVfWfoM?si=MU7RWd_K_O_t3puO" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>The Predators play host to the Wild on Saturday night in the clubs' first meeting since the incident.</p><p>"It's an unfortunate event, I would say, and it just so happened that it hurt a guy," McCarron said. "I don't think he (meant) to do it. His resume may say he's a dirty player, but I've been around him quite a long time, and I don’t think he's necessarily a dirty player. I think he just plays really hard.</p><p>"And it’s unfortunate that that happened, and also unfortunate what was said. I mean, obviously they want to seek retribution in some way. But like I said, we have guys on our team that will protect our teammates, and it should be a good one tonight."</p><p>Foligno <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3190882" href="https://thescore.com/news/3190882">issued the threat</a> to L'Heureux earlier this week in response to what he said was a cheap-shot. The Wild forward called slew-footing "a shitty play" and said L'Heureux shouldn't have been able to just walk out of the arena after such an incident while Spurgeon wasn't able to.</p><p>L'Heureux earned nine suspensions in the QMJHL, including a 10-game ban for jamming his stick between panes of glass to jab a fan. He was also suspended twice in the AHL. The NHL Department of Player Safety doesn't consider transgressions in other leagues when determining suspensions. </p><p>The 21-year-old's three-game penalty was his first NHL suspension.</p>

SAINT PAUL, MN - JANUARY 25: Nashville Predators right wing Michael McCarron (47) looks on during the NHL game between Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild on January 25th, 2024, at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN.

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McCarron: Wild 'can say everything they want' about L'Heureux

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended New York Islanders forward Maxim Tsyplakov three ga...

<p>The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended New York Islanders forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14964" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14964">Maxim Tsyplakov</a> three games for a check to the head of Philadelphia Flyers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8521" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8521">Ryan Poehling</a> on Friday.</p><p>Tsyplakov caught Poehling up high in front of the Islanders' net but wasn't penalized on the play.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Maxim Tsyplakov has been suspended for three games for this hit to the head on Ryan Poehling. <a href="https://t.co/DjvZs07YxM">pic.twitter.com/DjvZs07YxM</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1880362881155494375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I think it was a good hit," Tsyplakov said after the game, according to <a href="https://x.com/stefen_rosner/status/1880099320579649757">The Hockey News' Stefen Rosner</a>. "I didn't think it was dirty, but I didn't want to injure a guy. I hope he is OK."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Islanders head coach Patrick Roy also believed Tsyplakov's hit was within the rules.</p><p>"Have I changed my mind? I haven't," Roy said Friday, according to <a href="https://x.com/stefen_rosner/status/1880320563866157110">Rosner</a>. "I still think the same way. When I looked at the hit during the game and even after, I felt like the first thing that happened is the shoulder."</p><p>Tsyplakov, who qualifies as a rookie despite being 26 years old, has seven goals and 12 assists over 44 games this season.</p><p>Poehling, who turned 26 on Jan. 3, has four tallies and 11 helpers across 43 contests in his second campaign with the Flyers after playing one with the Pittsburgh Penguins and his first three with the Montreal Canadiens.</p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 07: Maxim Tsyplakov #7 of the New York Islanders in action against the Carolina Hurricanes at UBS Arena on December 07, 2024 in Elmont, New York. New York Islanders defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3.

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Islanders' Tsyplakov suspended 3 games for hit to Flyers' Poehling's head

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet explained why J.T. Miller played fewer than 15 minutes ...

<p>Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet explained why <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> played fewer than 15 minutes in a 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on home ice Thursday night.</p><p>"Yeah, he's struggling," Tocchet <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhl.com/canucks/video/postgame-tocchet-vs-kings-6367219986112">told reporters</a> postgame. "He's caught in between. Seems like every time he's on the ice, something bad happens. I think he's got some bad luck, but he's also got some reads that he's got to look at himself right now and focus on some of these reads. ... I think he's trying sometimes, but I think the focus level has to get a little higher."</p><p>Miller was seemingly benched for a shift in the defeat. The center ultimately failed to log a point or a shot on goal and finished as a minus-2 with two giveaways, no takeways, and three hits in 14:34. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The American finished last among all Vancouver skaters in five-on-five ice time at just 9:18, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20719&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>. He also posted a paltry 7.05 expected goals for percentage. </p><p>The Canucks equaled the Kings in shots on goal Thursday, as the two clubs notched 21 apiece. But L.A. forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11165" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11165">Alex Turcotte</a> scored on two of them in the first period, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4520">Adrian Kempe</a> netted another to put the Kings up 3-0 before the first intermission.</p><p>Miller made defensive miscues on Turcotte's second goal that made it 2-0, as well as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4112" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4112">Kevin Fiala</a>'s marker that put the victors up 4-1 late in the second period.</p><p>The 31-year-old let Fiala get by him easily at the point, allowing his opponent to get free and take a shot on goal that led to Turcotte's tally. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TURC TIMES TWO!!! <a href="https://t.co/RtYxkNTBzm">pic.twitter.com/RtYxkNTBzm</a></p>— LA Kings (@LAKings) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAKings/status/1880095497169322185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Miller then got caught pinching while shorthanded, allowing the Kings to come back the other way and score off an odd-man rush.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kevin is inevitable <a href="https://t.co/YpwU6sZBfA">pic.twitter.com/YpwU6sZBfA</a></p>— LA Kings (@LAKings) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAKings/status/1880112693115240788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Canucks forward has been held pointless for five straight games. He's averaged 14:11 of ice time in the last three compared to the 18:12 he was logging per game beforehand in 2024-25.</p><p>Vancouver fell to 19-15-10 with Thursday's loss. The Canucks now sit outside the playoff picture with a .545 points percentage.</p><p>It was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3180023" href="https://thescore.com/news/3180023">reported</a> earlier in January that the team was exploring the trade market for Miller and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> amid an apparent rift between the two key forwards.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Rick Tocchet of the Vancouver Canucks talks with J.T. Miller #9 of the Vancouver Canucks during the second period of their NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena on January 16, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Tocchet: Seems like something bad happens every time Miller's on ice

The Pittsburgh Penguins' improved play of late doesn't appear to be altering general manager Kyle...

<p>The Pittsburgh Penguins' improved play of late doesn't appear to be altering general manager Kyle Dubas' plans to sell.</p><p>The Penguins are still expected to make multiple trades, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6056175/2025/01/14/penguins-ahl-prospects-kyle-dubas/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a>. In fact, no player on the club is safe from being dealt aside from those with full no-trade clauses such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a>, a league source told Yohe.</p><p>Pittsburgh is reportedly likely to make an exception and hold on to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2075" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2075">Rickard Rakell</a> for the rest of the season. The winger is under contract through 2027-28 at $5 million annually, but he doesn't have a no-trade clause. Rakell leads the Penguins with 22 goals and ranks second in points with 38 through 45 games in 2024-25.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Crosby has a full no-move clause this season - the final year of his current contract - and for both years of the pact that will follow, per <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/sidney-crosby">PuckPedia</a>. Malkin has <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/evgeni-malkin">the same</a> through 2025-26, when his current deal expires. </p><p>The other member of the Penguins' "Big Three" - defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1023" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1023">Kris Letang</a> - also has a full no-move clause through <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/kris-letang">2025-26</a>, which then becomes modified (he can submit a 10-team approved trade list) for the final two seasons.</p><p>Dubas has already made some moves in 2024-25. He traded forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1077" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1077">Lars Eller</a> back to the Washington Capitals for two draft picks Nov. 12, then acquired forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1437" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1437">Philip Tomasino</a> from the Nashville Predators for a pick 13 days later.</p><p>Pittsburgh has four pending unrestricted free agents at forward (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4721" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4721">Anthony Beauvillier</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9744" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9744">Drew O'Connor</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2902" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2902">Matt Nieto</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5589">Jesse Puljujarvi</a>) and three on defense (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4553">Marcus Pettersson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5531" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5531">Matt Grzelcyk</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9795" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9795">Ryan Shea</a>).</p><p>It was reported in November that the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks showed interest in Pettersson.</p><p>The Penguins struggled in the early going this season but have worked their way back into the playoff hunt. They enter Tuesday's slate at 18-19-8 and with the sixth-best points percentage (.489) in the Metropolitan Division.</p><p>Pittsburgh came into the day sitting two points back of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild-card position in the Eastern Conference but with two more games played.</p>

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 29: Kyle Dubas of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Rounds 2-7 at Bridgestone Arena on June 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Report: No Pens safe from trade except players with no-move clauses

Montreal Canadiens forward Emil Heineman will miss three-to-four weeks with what the club called ...

<p>Montreal Canadiens forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9246" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9246">Emil Heineman</a> will miss three-to-four weeks with what the club called an upper-body ailment after being involved in a traffic accident as a pedestrian in Utah on Monday.</p><p>The Salt Lake City Police Department said in a statement Tuesday that Heineman didn't show signs of a serious injury, and that the Utah Highway Patrol is investigating the collision, per <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/frank_seravalli/status/1879230683245326596">Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli</a>.</p><p>Heineman has 10 goals and seven assists over 41 games in his first full season with the Canadiens. He played four contests with Montreal in 2023-24.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 23-year-old has favorable underlying numbers despite his team's mediocrity. The Canadiens (20-18-4) have controlled 50.56% of the expected goals and 52.75% of the scoring chances with Heineman on the ice at five-on-five, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerteams.php?stdoi=oi">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>Montreal acquired Heineman from the Calgary Flames in a February 2022 trade for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1737" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1737">Tyler Toffoli</a>.</p><p>Heineman was the second NHLer to experience a traffic incident in a two-day span after Pittsburgh Penguins winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9973" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9973">Michael Bunting</a> had a car accident Sunday. He was OK but was forced to miss a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning that day.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - DECEMBER 09: Emil Heineman #51 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at the Bell Centre on December 9, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in a shootout.

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Canadiens' Heineman out 3-4 weeks after traffic accident

The Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers plan to build a new arena for the teams to share in the already...

<p>The Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers plan to build a new arena for the teams to share in the already existing South Philadelphia Sports Complex that also houses the Eagles and Phillies. </p><p>The Sixers' ownership group, Harris Blitzer Sports &amp; Entertainment, and the Flyers' parent company, Comcast Spectacor, announced the 50-50 joint venture Monday. They're targeting 2031 for the opening, but the project could be completed sooner.</p><p>Both the Flyers and 76ers currently occupy the Wells Fargo Center in the aforementioned complex, which also features Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Comcast Spectacor owns the Wells Fargo Center and rents it to the Sixers. The Flyers' owners will hold the naming rights to the new arena.</p><p>The NBA club initially planned to build a different, $1.3-billion arena called "76 Place" in the Center City neighborhood of downtown Philadelphia, but those plans <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/76ers-reverse-course-wont-build-contentious-1-3b-downtown-stadium/">fell through</a> Sunday. Philadelphia City Council voted to approve the Center City project on Dec. 19 after years of debate about the proposal.</p><p>The two ownership groups will aim to support the area of the city which will no longer host their new facility. </p><p>"HBSE and Comcast will also immediately focus on Market East, bringing together government officials and local stakeholders to develop a variety of options to revitalize a vital neighborhood in Center City where the 76ers had originally proposed locating the arena," the 76ers said in a statement Monday.</p><p>The Wells Fargo Center was built in 1996 and has been home to both teams ever since.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 05: An aerial general view of Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field and the Wells Fargo Center during the game between the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies on April 5, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Flyers, 76ers to build new arena in South Philadelphia

Alex Ovechkin did more than just get closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record Saturday nig...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> did more than just get closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record Saturday night.</p><p>The Washington Capitals sniper scored an empty-netter in a 4-1 win over the Nashville Predators for his 20th tally of 2024-25, becoming the second player in NHL history to reach that mark in 20 consecutive campaigns. Gordie Howe accomplished the feat in 22 straight seasons.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">22 TO GO! 🚨<br><br>Alex Ovechkin has his 20th goal of the season and is 22 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record! <a href="https://t.co/FFKtQXF4Ih">pic.twitter.com/FFKtQXF4Ih</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1878287560528523513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ron Francis is the only other player to record twenty 20-goal seasons, though he didn't do so consecutively. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ovechkin scored his 20th goal in his 27th game of the campaign, tying the fourth-fastest time he's required to hit the benchmark.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Season</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>Date</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>T-1</td>
<td>2009-10</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>Dec. 7 (2009)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-1</td>
<td>2013-14</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>Nov. 23 (2013)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>2021-22</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>Dec. 4 (2021)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>2007-08</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>Dec. 1 (2007)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>2018-19</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>Dec. 4 (2018)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>2024-25</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>Jan. 11 (2025)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-7</td>
<td>2017-18</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>Dec. 4 (2017)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-7</td>
<td>2019-20</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>Nov. 30 (2019)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-9</td>
<td>2006-07</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>Dec. 15 (2006)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-9</td>
<td>2008-09</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>Dec. 18 (2008)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-9</td>
<td>2022-23</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>Dec. 13 (2022)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The longest it's taken the Russian to reach the milestone was last season, when he did it in his 64th game.</p><p>The marker was Ovechkin's 873rd in his career, meaning he's now 22 goals away from passing Wayne Gretzky's record.</p><p>The 39-year-old missed 16 games with a broken leg earlier this season, but he's scored five goals in nine contests since his return to the lineup.</p><p>Ovechkin broke Mike Gartner's record for the most 30-goal seasons with his 18th in 2023-24. The Capitals captain also owns the all-time title for most 40-goal campaigns (13) and needs one more 50-goal season (9) to set a new NHL record.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 4: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals is named the second star of the game after a victory against the New York Rangers at Capital One Arena on January 4, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

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Ovechkin joins Howe with 20 straight 20-goal seasons

Jamie Drysdale exacted revenge Saturday, scoring against the team that traded him nearly a year a...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9207" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9207">Jamie Drysdale</a> exacted revenge Saturday, scoring against the team that traded him nearly a year ago to the day.</p><p>The Philadelphia Flyers defenseman snapped a 26-game goal drought when he tallied against the Anaheim Ducks with less than two minutes remaining in the first period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Guess who?!<br><br>Jamie Drysdale scores against his former team 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/h60RdU0jGo">pic.twitter.com/h60RdU0jGo</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1878243106904002829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The fans in Philadelphia immediately made their feelings known about whether they prefer Drysdale or forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12716" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12716">Cutter Gauthier</a>, who went the other way in the surprising swap after choosing not to sign with the Flyers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Jamie's better" chants ring out at Wells Fargo Center 😂 <a href="https://t.co/LuEAvbTEUH">pic.twitter.com/LuEAvbTEUH</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1878245523817111801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Earlier in the game, the Flyers faithful booed Gauthier mercilessly when he stepped onto the ice for his first shift.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cutter Gauthier received a flurry of boos from Flyers fans when he touched the ice for his first game in Philly 🗣️ <a href="https://t.co/Pth1I2x3WF">pic.twitter.com/Pth1I2x3WF</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1878234918058119243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Drysdale appreciated the fans sticking up for him when asked about it postgame.</p><p>"It was pretty special," the blue-liner <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhl.com/flyers/video/1-11-postgame-drysdale-6366980602112">told reporters</a>. "You hear the crowd going like that, (and) it brings so much energy to myself and the whole team. So, unbelievable fans, and they were rocking tonight."</p><p>The Ducks traded Drysdale and a 2025 second-round pick to the Flyers for the signing rights to Gauthier on Jan. 8, 2024.</p><p>Flyers general manager Daniel Briere confirmed at the time that Gauthier wasn't interested in signing with the club.</p><p>Philadelphia ultimately crushed Anaheim 6-0 on Saturday night. Drysdale added a secondary assist on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13822" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13822">Matvei Michkov</a>'s goal that made it 5-0 in the third period.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 11: Cutter Gauthier #61 of the Anaheim Ducks skates during warmups prior to his game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 11, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Watch: Fans taunt Gauthier after Drysdale scores on Ducks

The Hart Trophy race should be starting to crystallize now that most teams are halfway through th...

<p>The Hart Trophy race should be starting to crystallize now that most teams are halfway through their 2024-25 regular season schedules. On the other hand, the player who led the way in our November and December editions has been out for more than two weeks because of an injury.</p><p>The latter fact has opened the door for a new leader, and a pair of past MVPs are stating their cases to slide into the driver's seat. Both new contenders have raised their games and provided their teams with immense value since our last installment.</p><p>Here are our top five Hart contenders as we forge further into the new calendar year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><em>xGF% = Expected goals for percentage at five-on-five<br>GSAx = Goals saved above expected<br>GSAA = Goals saved above average</em></p><h3>5. Jack Eichel, Golden Knights</h3><p><em>Previous: 4</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764394/cropped_GettyImages-2191822650.jpg?ts=1736395632" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764394/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191822650.jpg?ts=1736395632 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764394/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191822650.jpg?ts=1736395632 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764394/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191822650.jpg?ts=1736395632 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764394/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191822650.jpg?ts=1736395632 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764394/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191822650.jpg?ts=1736395632 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ethan Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>20:51</td>
<td>52.37</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Eichel has kept himself on the fringes of this race with strong play at both ends. He's second among NHL forwards in goals above replacement (14.7) in 2024-25.</p><p>The Golden Knights center isn't known for two-way prowess, but he has a defensive GAR above zero (one) this season and has allowed only 2.14 goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five. He might not get Selke Trophy votes, but the ex-Buffalo Sabres forward is providing all-around value.</p><p>Eichel hasn't lit it up in terms of goal-scoring, but he's posted 18 more points than the closest Vegas player. The 28-year-old has notched 82% of his goals (nine) at even strength while sitting among the league leaders in even-strength points. He's also been one of the NHL's best facilitators. The American is tied for third in the league in assists this season, and he has 13 more than any of his teammates.</p><h3>4. Connor Hellebuyck, Jets</h3><p><em>Previous: 5</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764330/cropped_GettyImages-2192056421.jpg?ts=1736374746" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764330/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192056421.jpg?ts=1736374746 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764330/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192056421.jpg?ts=1736374746 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764330/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192056421.jpg?ts=1736374746 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764330/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192056421.jpg?ts=1736374746 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764330/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192056421.jpg?ts=1736374746 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
<th>GSAA</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td>25-6-2</td>
<td>.926</td>
<td>31.09</td>
<td>23.32</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>It's well-documented how rarely goaltenders show up on this list, and they win this award even less frequently. But Hellebuyck's outstanding play has kept him in the conversation for most of this season, and he still deserves to be in the mix. Winnipeg has a few talented skaters, but the elite netminder has been the biggest reason the Jets have become one of the NHL's best squads.</p><p>In addition to the tremendous statistics shown above, Hellebuyck has already matched his 2023-24 shutout total (five) in just over half the number of games. His underlying numbers are by far the best among goalies in this campaign, and he hit a big career milestone Tuesday night, notching <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3183103" href="https://thescore.com/news/3183103">his 300th win</a> in a victory over the Nashville Predators.</p><p>The reigning Vezina Trophy winner is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3181787" href="https://thescore.com/news/3181787">still our favourite</a> to repeat and claim it for the third time. He's dominating the competition at the most important position, and that should earn him some MVP votes, too.</p><h3>3. Kirill Kaprizov, Wild</h3><p><em>Previous: 1</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764339/cropped_GettyImages-2190021961.jpg?ts=1736379000" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764339/w220xh124_GettyImages-2190021961.jpg?ts=1736379000 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764339/w320xh180_GettyImages-2190021961.jpg?ts=1736379000 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764339/w640xh360_GettyImages-2190021961.jpg?ts=1736379000 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764339/w768xh432_GettyImages-2190021961.jpg?ts=1736379000 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764339/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2190021961.jpg?ts=1736379000 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>34</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>22:37</td>
<td>56.32</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Kaprizov established himself as the Hart favorite over the first two-and-a-half months of the season, but he hasn't played since Dec. 23. The Wild have gone 5-2-0 during this stretch without him, which doesn't help his MVP case. But the injured winger's production is still significantly outpacing that of his teammates, and he did enough before getting hurt to remain in consideration.</p><p>The Russian leads all Wild skaters by eight goals, five assists, and 13 points despite having missed the past seven games. He sits second in the NHL in even-strength goals (20) and fifth in even-strength points (39) while<strong> </strong>ranking fifth with 1.47 points per game among those who've played more than one contest.<strong> </strong>Kaprizov has also logged the second-highest average ice time among the league's forwards.</p><p>The 27-year-old could salvage his MVP hopes if he doesn't miss much more time and maintains this level of production upon returning. It's not Kaprizov's fault he's injured, of course. But for now, it only feels right to give others their due.</p><h3>2. Nathan MacKinnon, Avalanche</h3><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764527/cropped_GettyImages-2190975030.jpg?ts=1736464142" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764527/w220xh124_GettyImages-2190975030.jpg?ts=1736464142 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764527/w320xh180_GettyImages-2190975030.jpg?ts=1736464142 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764527/w640xh360_GettyImages-2190975030.jpg?ts=1736464142 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764527/w768xh432_GettyImages-2190975030.jpg?ts=1736464142 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764527/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2190975030.jpg?ts=1736464142 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>43</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>23:08</td>
<td>55.73</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>MacKinnon is part of a trio of superstars at Colorado's disposal along with Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar. However, the Nova Scotia-born center has been the most productive playmaker in the NHL this season. MacKinnon leads the league in assists by eight and points by seven. He paces the NHL in even-strength points (48), and his average ice time is first in the league among forwards.</p><p>Rantanen is outscoring MacKinnon by a sizeable margin, but the Canadian<strong> </strong>has 17 more assists and eight more points than his closest teammates (Makar and Rantanen, respectively). MacKinnon has been on fire lately as only the No. 1 name on this list has a better points per game rate (1.80) than his Avalanche counterpart (1.75) since our last edition among those with more than one game played.</p><p>The only reason MacKinnon isn't the MVP front-runner is that he hasn't excelled defensively. The Avalanche pivot has favorable xGF and scoring chances for percentages, but a minus-0.3 defensive GAR shows his game hasn't been as complete as that of our leader.</p><h3>1. Leon Draisaitl, Oilers</h3><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764366/cropped_GettyImages-2191393333.jpg?ts=1736387204" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764366/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191393333.jpg?ts=1736387204 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764366/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191393333.jpg?ts=1736387204 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764366/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191393333.jpg?ts=1736387204 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764366/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191393333.jpg?ts=1736387204 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764366/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191393333.jpg?ts=1736387204 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>21:19</td>
<td>61.44</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Draisaitl is always in the periphery of the MVP discussion, but being Connor McDavid's teammate can make it difficult to support his case. However, the 2019-20 Hart winner is now outshining the three-time recipient at both ends of the ice and providing unparalleled value to his team in the process.</p><p>The German forward leads the NHL in goals - in all situations by six and at even strength (24) by four - and ranks second in points in both scenarios, having notched 73.8% of those (45) at evens. MacKinnon has posted 70.6% of his points in those situations.</p><p>Draisaitl has long been a prolific scorer, but his 200-foot game is setting him apart in 2024-25. He leads all NHL skaters with 16.2 GAR<strong>. </strong>Draisaitl has been on the ice for only<strong> </strong>1.77 goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five.</p><p>The 29-year-old isn't playing with McDavid at five-on-five, either. Draisaitl has been flanked by Vasily Podkolzin and Viktor Arvidsson on Edmonton's second line. The fact he's playing this well - offensively and defensively - in those circumstances makes it all the more impressive.</p><p><strong>Keep an eye on:</strong></p><ul>
<li>Connor McDavid, Oilers</li>
<li>Nikita Kucherov, Lightning</li>
<li>Quinn Hughes, Canucks</li>
</ul><p>(Analytics sources: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>)</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 30: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche faces off against Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers at Ball Arena on November 30, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Hart Trophy Rankings: Draisaitl, MacKinnon seize opportunity

Sidney Crosby continued his ascent in the record books Thursday night.  The Pittsburgh Penguins c...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> continued his ascent in the record books Thursday night.</p><p>The Pittsburgh Penguins captain notched a pair of assists in the first period of a 5-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers to surpass Joe Sakic for ninth place on the NHL's all-time points list.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Point No. 1,642 for Sid! 👏 <a href="https://t.co/d9nyXb9GgY">pic.twitter.com/d9nyXb9GgY</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1877520034211246455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Crosby tied Sakic with a secondary helper on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3872" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3872">Bryan Rust</a>'s goal that made it 2-0 for Pittsburgh. He scored a power-play goal early in the second period for his third point of the night.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Penguins veteran jumped above Sakic on the list despite playing 63 fewer contests. Pittsburgh icon Mario Lemieux is next in Crosby's sights with an 80-point advantage, though Lemieux reached his total in 400 fewer games than Crosby has played.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Wayne Gretzky</td>
<td>2857</td>
<td>1487</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Jaromir Jagr</td>
<td>1921</td>
<td>1733</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Mark Messier</td>
<td>1887</td>
<td>1756</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Gordie Howe</td>
<td>1850</td>
<td>1767</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Ron Francis</td>
<td>1798</td>
<td>1731</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Marcel Dionne</td>
<td>1771</td>
<td>1348</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Steve Yzerman</td>
<td>1755</td>
<td>1514</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Mario Lemieux</td>
<td>1723</td>
<td>915</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Sidney Crosby</td>
<td>1643</td>
<td>1315</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Joe Sakic</td>
<td>1641</td>
<td>1378</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan was at a loss for words when asked about Crosby postgame.</p><p>"I'm running out of superlatives," the bench boss said, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/OtherNHLCrosby/status/1877553808366006416">NHL.com's Wes Crosby</a>.</p><p>Sid <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3173851" href="https://thescore.com/news/3173851">leapfrogged</a> Mario for the most assists in Penguins' history when he registered his 1,034th helper Dec. 29. The current Pittsburgh star is now up to 1,039.</p><p>Lemieux still has the most goals in franchise history with 690, leading Crosby by 86 in that category. </p><p>Crosby ranks 20th all time on the NHL's goals list, trailing Dino Ciccarelli by four for 19th.</p><p>The 37-year-old has 12 goals and 35 assists over 43 games this season.</p><p> </p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 09: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates his goal with right wing Rickard Rakell (67) and right wing Bryan Rust (17) during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Edmonton Oilers on January 9, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Crosby passes Sakic for 9th on all-time points list

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey exited his team's 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predator...

<p>Winnipeg Jets defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a> exited his team's 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night.</p><p>Jets head coach Scott Arniel said his top blue-liner suffered a lower-body ailment and will be re-evaluated Wednesday, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JohnLuTSNWpg/status/1876842037619589204">TSN's John Lu</a>. Arniel added that Morrissey is day-to-day, per the <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/mikemcintyrewpg/status/1876842585890619404">Winnipeg Free Press' Mike McIntyre</a>.</p><p>Morrissey crashed into the post in the second period following an accidental collision with teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a>. The rearguard limped down the tunnel and returned for one brief shift in the frame, but he didn't return for the final stanza.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vi2q7oq-_58?si=V_DFzFVUbS1VU0DS" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Morrissey scored a goal and saw 12:24 minutes of ice time before departing.</p><p>The 29-year-old is enjoying a stellar campaign with five goals and 33 assists in 42 games.</p><p>He ranks among the league leaders in average ice time and came into Tuesday topping all Jets skaters by over two-and-a-half minutes.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - DECEMBER 30: Josh Morrissey #44 of the Winnipeg Jets looks on during a second period stoppage of play against the Nashville Predators at Canada Life Centre on December 30, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets' Morrissey day-to-day after leaving game with lower-body injury

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom brought his A-game in a 3-2 victory over the Seattle...

<p>New Jersey Devils goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1677" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1677">Jacob Markstrom</a> brought his A-game in a 3-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Monday night.</p><p>Markstrom slid across to deny Kraken forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3045" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3045">Oliver Bjorkstrand</a> in stellar fashion late in the first period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ROBBERY FROM JACOB MARKSTROM!! 😱 <a href="https://t.co/JtYc9k6yvy">pic.twitter.com/JtYc9k6yvy</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1876476628915696123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Swedish netminder then sprawled out to steal a goal away from Seattle's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7289" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7289">Eeli Tolvanen</a> using his glove on the doorstep.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANOTHER SAVE OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE FROM JACOB MARKSTROM!! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/09yIKJrb9j">pic.twitter.com/09yIKJrb9j</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1876498399945502848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Markstrom completed his trifecta of stunning saves with a falling stick stop in the third period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JACOB MARKSTROM FOR A THIRD TIME. 😱 <br><br>We have no words. <a href="https://t.co/RjatOwP4GH">pic.twitter.com/RjatOwP4GH</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1876503201320460779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The veteran puck-stopper, who'll turn 35 on Jan. 31, turned aside 21 shots in Monday's win.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 06: Jacob Markstrom #25 of the New Jersey Devils makes a diving save against Eeli Tolvanen #20 of the Seattle Kraken during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on January 06, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Watch: Markstrom makes 3 incredible saves in win over Kraken

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes returned to the lineup Monday for a 5-4 loss to the Montre...

<p>Vancouver Canucks captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> returned to the lineup Monday for a 5-4 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in overtime.</p><p>The reigning Norris Trophy winner missed four games with an undisclosed injury.</p><p>Hughes led the Canucks in assists (34) and points (42) when he got hurt. He raised those totals to 36 and 44 with a pair of helpers Monday night. The American's average ice time of 25:08 through 34 contests (coming into the game) ranked sixth in the NHL.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 25-year-old was a game-time decision Dec. 23, but he ultimately played in a 4-3 win over the San Jose Sharks. </p><p>The Canucks went 1-2-1 without Hughes. They split a back-to-back against the Seattle Kraken (a shootout victory) and Nashville Predators (a 3-0 defeat) on Thursday and Friday. The Calgary Flames beat Vancouver 3-1 last Tuesday, and the Kraken edged the Canucks in overtime Dec. 28.</p><p>Hughes suited up for his 400th career game Monday night. He won the Norris in June after racking up 92 points (including 17 goals) while playing all 82 contests last season.</p><p>The Florida-born defenseman is in his seventh campaign with the Canucks, who drafted him seventh overall in 2018.</p><p>Vancouver has also been without forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a>, who missed his fifth straight game Monday. The Canucks have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3180023" href="https://thescore.com/news/3180023">reportedly</a> explored trading Pettersson and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> amid an apparent feud between the two key centers.</p><p>The Canucks sit fourth in the Pacific Division at 18-12-9.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - DECEMBER 18: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the Utah Hockey Club on December 18, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Canucks get Hughes back after 4-game absence

Gabe Perreault, Cole Eiserman, Ryan Leonard, and Oliver Moore scored for the United States as the...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wjhc/players/15521" href="https://thescore.com/wjhc/players/15521">Gabe Perreault</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wjhc/players/15514" href="https://thescore.com/wjhc/players/15514">Cole Eiserman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wjhc/players/15516" href="https://thescore.com/wjhc/players/15516">Ryan Leonard</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wjhc/players/15517" href="https://thescore.com/wjhc/players/15517">Oliver Moore</a> scored for the United States as the Americans beat Czechia 4-1 in their World Junior Championship semifinal Saturday night.</p><p>The U.S. will play Finland for gold Sunday. The Americans have reached the final three times in the last five years. They won the 2024 gold-medal game over Sweden and beat Canada for the title in 2021. </p><p>However, the United States is playing in back-to-back finals for the first time ever in this tournament. As a result, the Americans have never won two consecutive world junior gold medals.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Czechs outshot the United States 27-25, but American goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wjhc/players/15501" href="https://thescore.com/wjhc/players/15501">Trey Augustine</a> turned aside 26 in the win. Czechia netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wjhc/players/15472" href="https://thescore.com/wjhc/players/15472">Michael Hrabal</a> gave up three goals before Moore tallied an empty-netter.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wjhc/players/15496" href="https://thescore.com/wjhc/players/15496">Jakub Stancl</a> netted the lone goal for Czechia to tie it midway through the first period. Eiserman potted the eventual winner in the middle stanza, then Leonard and Moore scored in the final frame. </p><p>Perreault and Leonard both finished with a goal and an assist after earning the primary helpers on each other's goals.</p><p>Finland denied Sweden a chance at revenge for the 2024 gold-medal game, defeating the Tre Kronor 4-3 in overtime Saturday in the earlier semifinal. </p>

OTTAWA, CANADA - JANUARY 04: Gabe Perreault #34 of Team USA celebrates his goal with teammates James Hagens #12 and Ryan Leonard #9 in the first period against Team Czechia of the semifinal match during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship at Canadian Tire Centre on January 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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U.S. defeats Czechia to advance to gold-medal game vs. Finland

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Josh Gold-Smith

Senior News Editor

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