The Winnipeg Jets earned a playoff berth faster than any other Western Conference team this seaso...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets earned a playoff berth faster than any other Western Conference team this season thanks to a 3-2 overtime win against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night.</p><p>The Jets only needed a point in the standings to clinch, and they got it by tying the Capitals through 60 minutes. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3995" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3995">Nikolaj Ehlers</a> then <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1904724619073855712">punctuated the occasion</a> with the winner in the extra frame.</p><p>Winnipeg sits first in the Central Division at 49-19-4 with an eight-point cushion on the second-place Dallas Stars, who have two games in hand. Dallas is idle Tuesday night.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Jets have made the playoffs in seven of the last eight seasons, only missing out in 2021-22.</p><p>Winnipeg reached the Western Conference Final in 2017-18 but lost to the Vegas Golden Knights, whom the Capitals ousted to win the Stanley Cup. Since then, the Jets have failed to advance past the second round and haven't gotten that far since the abbreviated 2021 campaign.</p><p>The Capitals were the league's first club to punch a postseason ticket in 2024-25 when they did so Thursday. Washington is still the only Eastern Conference squad to secure a spot in the playoffs this spring.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> tied Tuesday's game with four minutes left in the third period. He notched his <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/SportsCenter/status/1904722319861309924">889th career tally</a>, moving within six of passing Wayne Gretzky for the all-time record. </p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MARCH 25: Vladislav Namestnikov #7, Nino Niederreiter #62, Colin Miller #6 and Mason Appleton #22 of the Winnipeg Jets celebrate a second period goal against the Washington Capitals at the Canada Life Centre on March 25, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets become 1st Western Conference team to clinch playoff spot

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy wasn't happy with Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Em...

<p>Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy wasn't happy with Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10723">Emil Lilleberg</a>'s hit that forced <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2991" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2991">Tomas Hertl</a> to leave and not return in Vegas' 4-2 win Sunday.</p><p>Lilleberg sent Hertl into the boards following a breakaway chance with under six minutes left in the game. The officials gave the Lightning blue-liner a two-minute minor penalty for boarding.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's the replay of the Tomas Hertl injury. <a href="https://t.co/qRGzGYYEWJ">pic.twitter.com/qRGzGYYEWJ</a></p>— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) <a href="https://twitter.com/SinBinVegas/status/1904008958186041373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"(Lilleberg is) a big guy, he's trying to establish himself in the league. But that's kind of a senseless hit to me in a situation like that when a guy is really in a defenseless position and not a threat," Cassidy <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoRKklBfpkg&amp;ab_channel=VegasGoldenKnights">told reporters</a> postgame. "It's unfortunate for us, and hopefully (Hertl) is fine."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cassidy said Hertl is still being evaluated and will be examined again Monday.</p><p>The 31-year-old Czech forward netted his team-leading 31st goal of the season in the first period. He ranks third on the club with 59 points through 70 contests in 2024-25 and collected a hat trick in a 6-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.</p><p>Hertl is in his first full campaign with the Golden Knights, who acquired him from the San Jose Sharks on deadline day last season.</p><p> </p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 23: Tomas Hertl #48 of the Vegas Golden Knights crashes into the boards after a shove from Emil Lilleberg #78 of the Tampa Bay Lightning \d3p at T-Mobile Arena on March 23, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Cassidy: Lilleberg's hit that injured Hertl was 'senseless'

New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe responded bluntly to a comment from one of his own pla...

<p>New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe responded bluntly to a comment from one of his own players following a 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9987" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9987">Johnathan Kovacevic</a> implied the team needs to treat its remaining regular-season slate like the playoffs when asked about taking advantage of a favorable schedule down the stretch.</p><p>"We have a pretty home-heavy schedule the rest of the way here (and) we've got to make this place a hard place to play," the defenseman <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhl.com/devils/video/kovacevic-post-raw-3-22-25-6370409125112">told reporters</a> postgame."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kovacevic continued: "That's something that we want to take pride in. We're in a fight, and hopefully that gets us in that playoff mentality (with) 10, 11 games out, and we carry that into the playoffs. So obviously the results (lately) are tough, but we're in a fight here and we're not going to back down."</p><p>Keefe was asked about Kovacevic's remarks about three minutes into his press conference. The bench boss interjected to give a pointed response, then ended his availability.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/GabeCTrevino?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GabeCTrevino</a>: Kovacevic just mentioned to us that the team needs to have a “playoff mindset” going down the stretch —<br><br>Sheldon Keefe: Kovacevic just needs to play better. That would help…<br><br>*Ends press conference* <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/McuwJqcu4j">pic.twitter.com/McuwJqcu4j</a></p>— Trey Matthews (@treymatt4) <a href="https://twitter.com/treymatt4/status/1903633191820239278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Devils fell to 37-28-6 with Saturday's defeat. They occupy third place in the Metropolitan Division but have lost three of their last four games after reeling off three straight wins. The string of victories followed a three-game losing skid.</p><p>Kovacevic is playing a top-four role for the Devils with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2155" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2155">Dougie Hamilton</a> out for the rest of the regular season. Hamilton <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241169" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241169">isn't expected back</a> for the start of the playoffs.</p><p>The 27-year-old has a goal and 16 assists over 71 games while averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice time in 2024-25. He came into Saturday's contest with 0.9 defensive goals above replacement, per <a target="_blank" href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>.</p><p>The Devils have two home dates and three away tilts left in March. However, once the calendar flips to April, five of their final six games will be at the friendly confines of the Prudential Center in Newark. </p><p> </p>

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 22: Johnathan Kovacevic #8 of the New Jersey Devils skates during the first period of the game against the Ottawa Senators at Prudential Center on March 22, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Keefe after Kovacevic criticizes Devils: He 'just needs to play better'

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and goaltender Stuart Skinner both left Thursday night's o...

<p>Edmonton Oilers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> and goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> both left Thursday night's overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets and didn't return. </p><p>McDavid did not take to the ice for the start of the third period, and the Oilers then ruled him out for the rest of the game due to a lower-body injury.</p><p>The three-time MVP appeared to be in some discomfort following <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1902920936472334796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1902920936472334796%7Ctwgr%5E051576eebb284f21662cde6748f177d64d574ba6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcmsadmin.thescore.com%2Fadmin%2Fnewsroom%2F%2Farticles%2F3247083">a collision</a> with Jets defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a> in the second period.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Skinner <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1902925959428293052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1902925959428293052%7Ctwgr%5E7a404c2655fe690cd874a0f4ef297d41c86bb239%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcmsadmin.thescore.com%2Fadmin%2Fnewsroom%2F%2Farticles%2F3247083">exited</a> with about five minutes left in regulation. Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said postgame that the netminder was removed by the concussion spotter.</p><p>"I wouldn’t have pulled him, and Stu didn't want to come out," Knoblauch said, per <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/SportsnetSpec/status/1902934707974869386">Sportsnet's Mark Spector</a>.</p><p>Knoblauch had no further postgame update on either McDavid or Skinner, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/DNBsports/status/1902933484710379549">The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman</a>.</p><p>McDavid notched an assist and won 57.1% of his faceoffs while logging 14:59 of ice time before departing.</p><p>He leads the Oilers with 64 assists this season. His 90 points rank second to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>'s 101 for the team lead.</p><p>Skinner allowed three goals on 16 shots before he skated off. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> replaced him, and the backup made three saves on four shots, allowing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a>'s overtime winner.</p><p>Edmonton was already without Draisaitl, who missed the game and is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3246670" href="https://thescore.com/news/3246670">day-to-day</a> with an undisclosed injury.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - MARCH 20: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on from the bench prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place on March 20, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Oilers' McDavid, Stuart Skinner exit with injuries

The Washington Capitals became the first team to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs o...

<p>The Washington Capitals became the first team to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Thursday thanks to their 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers plus the matchup between<strong> </strong>the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders going to overtime.</p><p>Washington was the final club to qualify for the postseason in 2023-24. The Capitals did it with a wild victory over the Flyers in the last game of the campaign for both clubs.</p><p>No NHL team had gone from being the last to secure a playoff spot in one season to the first to clinch the following season since 1979-80.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Capitals also became the first squad to notch 100 points in the 2024-25 standings. The Metropolitan Division leaders improved to 46-15-8.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> netted career goal No. 888 in Thursday's win, moving within seven tallies of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time record.</p><p>Washington is tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the most postseason berths (16) since Ovechkin's 2005-06 debut campaign. However, the Capitals have only advanced past the second round once in that span - when they won the Cup in 2018.</p><p>The New York Rangers swept the Capitals out of the first round last spring.</p><p>The playoffs begin April 19. </p><p> </p><p> </p>

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 20: Capitals left wing Alexander Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with teammates after his 888th career NHL goal during the first period of the Philadelphia Flyers versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on March 20, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C..

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Caps 1st to book playoff spot 1 year after being last team in

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman isn't budging on playoff or overtime formats that have drawn critic...

<p>NHL commissioner Gary Bettman isn't budging on playoff or overtime formats that have drawn criticism from players, fans, and the media.</p><p>"You guys know I'm pretty dug in on this," Bettman told the media, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/bettman-shoots-down-changes-to-overtime-playoff-format/">Sportsnet</a>, when asked about the postseason system Wednesday in Florida. </p><p>"I like exactly what we have, and if you look at the races that we're having for the regular season, (the) playoffs have started already. We're in our 'play-in tournament,'" the commissioner added in reference to the NBA's addition of extra teams battling for postseason spots.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Some criticism of the NHL centers on the fact the league's focus on divisional matchups can lead to two of the best squads facing off in the opening round, or earlier than expected in general.</p><p>Bettman countered that notion with the old adage that the Stanley Cup champion has to play the cream of the crop regardless.</p><p>"Best team to win the Cup has got to get through the best teams," he said. "And you know what? Having great matchups in the first round, that's terrific. That's not a problem, that's a great thing."</p><p>The commissioner also dismissed the possibility of prolonging overtime.</p><p>"I'm not a fan of the (idea of an) extended overtime because of ice conditions and the wear and tear on the players who would be playing the additional five minutes, and I worry about that in (terms of) injuries," Bettman said.</p><p>The NHL adopted its current postseason bracket format in 2013-14. The top three teams from each of the four divisions qualify for the playoffs, as well as two wild-card clubs from each of the two conferences. The division winners face wild-card teams in the first round, while the clubs ranked second and third divisionally play against each other.</p><p>As a result, teams in a much more competitive division often get pitted against each other right away. Subsequent rounds are not reseeded, which they had been before the league adopted its current format. </p><p>In that system, the Eastern Conference and Western Conference's top teams were ranked No. 1 through 8 in the first round. Those two teams would face off, as well as No. 2 versus No. 7, and so forth, with reseeding taking place after Round 1 through to the Stanley Cup Final.</p><p>Pittsburgh Penguins captain and future Hall of Famer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> said in February 2023 that he <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2405080">preferred the old format</a> because teams should be rewarded given the grind of the regular season. </p><p>In terms of overtime and the shootout that follows in a tie game, Edmonton Oilers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> said in January of that year that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2545691">he'd like to see</a> 10 minutes of extra time and then no shootout, calling the latter a "crappy way to finish a game." However, he acknowledged the importance of the players' health and safety.</p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks during a press conference prior to the game between the Utah Hockey Club and the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Bettman: No plans to change playoff format or extend overtime

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson believes he got under the New York Rangers' skin durin...

<p>Calgary Flames defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> believes he got under the New York Rangers' skin during his club's 2-1 victory on Tuesday night.</p><p>"I feel like (they) got a little bit distracted with it," he said of the game's chippiness, per <a href="https://x.com/Peter_Baugh/status/1902181112857743419">The Athletic's Peter Baugh</a>. "Felt like a lot of their guys focused on me instead of playing. It went well."</p><p>Andersson and Rangers goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a> exchanged chirps during a TV timeout in the second period. The blue-liner and New York forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> also took matching roughing penalties in the stanza.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Flames outshot the Rangers 10-3 in the middle frame, but Blueshirts forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2033" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2033">Mika Zibanejad</a> said his team's woes extended far beyond those 20 minutes.</p><p>"It's the whole game, it's not just that second period," he <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhl.com/rangers/video/postgame-trocheck-zibanejad-and-miller-6370213405112">told reporters</a>. "Even the third period, I was disappointed we didn't have a better push than that. It's not good enough."</p><p>Rangers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4530" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a>, who opened the scoring, felt the defeat was unprecedented when asked where it ranked in a season filled with disappointments.</p><p>"I would say (the worst)," he said, per the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lohud.com/story/sports/nhl/rangers/2025/03/18/takeaways-ny-rangers-fumble-their-way-out-of-playoff-position/82514300007/">Rockland/Westchester Journal News' Vincent Z. Mercogliano</a>. "It's hard to remember all of them right now, because we have (had a) bunch of them this year. We just can't play like that when we're fighting for our life."</p><p>The Flames improved to 31-25-11 with the win. That temporarily matched the Vancouver Canucks' record and vaulted Calgary into a playoff spot by points percentage. However, Vancouver then defeated the Winnipeg Jets 6-2 to retake the second wild-card position in the Western Conference.</p><p>New York dropped to 33-30-6 and fell out of a postseason spot themselves thanks to the Montreal Canadiens' 6-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators earlier in the evening.</p>

RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 02: Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (4) prepares for a faceoff during the NHL game between the Calgary Flames and the Carolina Hurricanes on March 2, 2025 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Flames' Andersson: Rangers 'focused on me instead of playing'

Sidney Crosby surpassed The Great One on Tuesday night, notching his 1,670th career point to take...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> surpassed The Great One on Tuesday night, notching his 1,670th career point to take sole possession of fourth on the all-time list for production with one team.</p><p>The Pittsburgh Penguins captain accomplished the feat when he scored with 15 seconds left in the first period against the New York Islanders.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hRGNXEzYYEY?si=scmk_w006Qb0WSK_" 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>Crosby passed Wayne Gretzky in his 1,340th game. He's in his 20th campaign, having spent his entire career with the Penguins. Gretzky needed only 696 games over nine seasons to amass his total before the Edmonton Oilers traded him to the Los Angeles Kings in the summer of 1988.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here are the NHL leaders in points with a single franchise:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Total</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Gordie Howe</td>
<td>1809</td>
<td>Detroit Red Wings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Steve Yzerman</td>
<td>1755</td>
<td>Red Wings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Mario Lemieux</td>
<td>1723</td>
<td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Sidney Crosby</td>
<td>1670</td>
<td>Penguins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Wayne Gretzky</td>
<td>1669</td>
<td>Edmonton Oilers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Gordie Howe, the leader in the category, suited up for 1,687 contests over 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, while Steve Yzerman played 1,514 over 22 campaigns with Detroit. Mario Lemieux logged 915 games over 17 seasons with Pittsburgh.</p><p>Crosby's tally was his 24th goal and 74th point of the season. He leads the Penguins by a wide margin in the latter category.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 18: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate his first period goal against the New York Islanders at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 18, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Crosby passes Gretzky for 4th-most points with single franchise

Rasmus Dahlin believes his Buffalo Sabres have turned a corner following a 4-3 shootout victory o...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7216">Rasmus Dahlin</a> believes his Buffalo Sabres have turned a corner following a 4-3 shootout victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.</p><p>"(This is) a step in the right direction, for sure," the defenseman <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/dahlin-postgame-vs-vgk-6370089944112">told reporters</a> postgame. "Now we look like a team."</p><p>Dahlin <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/BuffaloSabres/status/1900989210485768577">tied the game</a> with a slap shot from the point with 13.6 seconds remaining in the third period.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The game was certainly chippy: Buffalo <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1900970440597925935">took exception</a> when Golden Knights forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5612">Brett Howden</a> levelled Sabres rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12704" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12704">Jiri Kulich</a> in the second period. Center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8680" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8680">Peyton Krebs</a> took Howden on in the aftermath, earning a minor penalty for instigating, a fighting major, and a 10-minute misconduct.</p><p>Buffalo forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6951" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6951">Jordan Greenway</a> and Vegas' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4662" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4662">Keegan Kolesar</a> also earned fighting majors for scrapping in the middle stanza.</p><p>"You clearly see we're a bit of a different team now with Krebs today (and) Greener," Dahlin said. "We're stepping up for each other and we look like a real team now. This is the start of something good, I think."</p><p>The Golden Knights had a chance to seal a win with an empty-netter before Dahlin tied it, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2991" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2991">Tomas Hertl</a> passed up <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/GinoHard_/status/1900994425397862638">the opportunity</a> to try to get teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4558">Jack Eichel</a>, the ex-captain of the Sabres, a goal. The tally would have been Eichel's second of the afternoon. </p><p>Dahlin didn't take Hertl's attempt to help Eichel score against his former team personally, however.</p><p>"I couldn't care less if (Hertl) tried to disrespect or anything," the Sabres' current captain said. "We got the win and that's all that matters. I'm happy he was unselfish."</p><p>The Sabres improved to 26-33-6 but remain in last place in both the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference. The Golden Knights fell to 39-19-8, but they still have a comfortable lead in the Pacific Division.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - MARCH 15: Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres reacts after scoring the tying third period goal during an NHL game against the Vegas Golden Knights on March 15, 2025 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Buffalo won, 4-3 in a shootout.

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Dahlin: Sabres 'look like a real team now' after beating Golden Knights

Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska believes his club showed too much deference to the Colorado ...

<p>Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska believes his club showed too much deference to the Colorado Avalanche at the beginning of a 4-2 defeat Friday night.</p><p>"I thought we had (a) good push in the third period (but) I didn't like our first two periods," Huska <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/NHLFlames/status/1900765065114181949">said</a> postgame. "I thought we had too many guys that were not fully into the game tonight, like maybe three quarters to start with. And then, halfway through the game, I thought we started to get more engaged."</p><p>Huska suggested his team was too kind to its opponent before becoming more focused later in the contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"That's the frustrating thing for me, more than anything, because I felt like they were ready to go today," he said. "I felt at times (we) respected them way too much early in the game. That was pretty evident to me because the detail, the structural side of it, was fine. But it was like people were waiting for something to happen (thinking), 'I don't want to be in the wrong position,' so (they) make a mistake.</p><p>"There was a lot of that for me early on, but in the third period, they just played."</p><p>The Avalanche outshot the Flames 7-2 in the first period and 19-10 through 40 minutes. Calgary only had three total shots on goal halfway through the contest, and Colorado took a 2-0 lead into the second intermission on goals by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7383" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7383">Ryan Lindgren</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9899" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9899">Parker Kelly</a>.</p><p>Flames forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4637" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4637">Blake Coleman</a> cut the lead in half early in the third, but Kelly netted his second goal of the night to make it 3-1 less than three minutes later. Calgary winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2037">Jonathan Huberdeau</a> brought his team within one with 3:38 to go, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3003">Valeri Nichushkin</a> potted an empty-netter with 1:39 left to seal the Avalanche victory.</p><p>The Flames remain in the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Calgary and the Vancouver Canucks now have identical 30-24-11 records through 65 games, but the Flames hold the tiebreaker with one more regulation win.</p><p>The Avalanche occupy third place in the Central Division at 40-24-3.</p>

RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 02: Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska leaves the ice after the NHL game between the Calgary Flames and the Carolina Hurricanes on March 2, 2025 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Flames' Huska: We respected Avalanche 'way too much' in loss

The MVP race has crystallized with a little more than a month left in the NHL's regular season. N...

<p>The MVP race has crystallized with a little more than a month left in the NHL's regular season. Nowhere is that more evident than in the top three, where the race remains unchanged.</p><p>Our leader remains ahead of the pack on the strength of his all-around play, but both of his top rivals in the chase have also been elite since our last edition of these rankings Feb. 7.</p><p>The fringes of the race have had some movement, however. A new contender emerged thanks to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4122" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4122">David Pastrnak</a> fading from relevance with his Boston Bruins selling off significant assets and all but waving the white flag on the playoffs before the March 7 trade deadline.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here are our top five candidates to claim the Hart Trophy as we head into the home stretch of the 2024-25 campaign.</p><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. Dustin Wolf, Flames</h3><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774757/cropped_GettyImages-2202354392.jpg?ts=1741737999" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774757/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202354392.jpg?ts=1741737999 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774757/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202354392.jpg?ts=1741737999 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774757/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202354392.jpg?ts=1741737999 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774757/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202354392.jpg?ts=1741737999 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774757/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202354392.jpg?ts=1741737999 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Josh Lavallee / 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>39</td>
<td>22-12-5</td>
<td>.915</td>
<td>26.82</td>
<td>15.91</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Wolf is in the mix for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3238142" href="https://thescore.com/news/3238142">the Vezina Trophy</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3232756" href="https://thescore.com/news/3232756">the Calder</a>, and the Calgary netminder deserves a little MVP consideration, too. He might not win any of these awards, but Wolf, who turns 24 on April 16, has been stellar in his first full NHL season.</p><p>The California-born puck-stopper's excellent play has turned the Flames into unexpected playoff contenders. Calgary sits dead-last in goals per game (2.56). The club's leading scorers, Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri, have only 24 and 23 goals, respectively, along with just 48 points apiece.</p><p>The Flames are sitting in the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. If Calgary makes the playoffs, Wolf will be the biggest reason why. He doesn't have as strong of an MVP case as others on this list, but the youngster is undoubtedly carrying his team.</p><h3>4. Jack Eichel, Golden Knights</h3><p><em>Previous: 5</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774768/cropped_GettyImages-2202207064.jpg?ts=1741740464" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774768/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202207064.jpg?ts=1741740464 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774768/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202207064.jpg?ts=1741740464 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774768/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202207064.jpg?ts=1741740464 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774768/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202207064.jpg?ts=1741740464 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774768/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202207064.jpg?ts=1741740464 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / 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>64</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>59</td>
<td>20:53</td>
<td>52.13</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Eichel hasn't been on fire since our last edition relative to the others listed here, but the Vegas center continues to significantly outperform his teammates while ranking among the NHL's best point producers. </p><p>The star forward has one goal and 11 assists over 10 games since our previous installment. However, he's racked up at least 22 more points and 18 more assists than any other Golden Knights skater on the season.<strong> </strong>Eichel is tied for fourth in the NHL in assists and sits eighth in the Art Ross Trophy race this campaign.</p><p>Eichel has minus-3.2 defensive goals above replacement in 2024-25, but he ranks among the NHL's top 20 in all three primary "above replacement" categories (wins, standings points, and goals), which account for all-around play. Eichel's rate of 1.99 goals against per 60 minutes is better than those of our top two contenders.<strong> </strong>The 28-year-old has been the biggest factor in Vegas holding down top spot in the Pacific Division.</p><h3>3. Connor Hellebuyck, Jets</h3><p><em>Previous: 3</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774799/cropped_GettyImages-2201556288.jpg?ts=1741752746" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774799/w220xh124_GettyImages-2201556288.jpg?ts=1741752746 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774799/w320xh180_GettyImages-2201556288.jpg?ts=1741752746 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774799/w640xh360_GettyImages-2201556288.jpg?ts=1741752746 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774799/w768xh432_GettyImages-2201556288.jpg?ts=1741752746 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774799/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2201556288.jpg?ts=1741752746 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>Record</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
<th>GSAA</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>50</td>
<td>38-9-3</td>
<td>.927</td>
<td>43.23</td>
<td>33.93</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Hellebuyck has been a shoo-in for the Vezina for months, and any doubts about his worthiness as a potential Hart finalist have been put to rest as he continues to lap the field at the game's most important position.</p><p>The Winnipeg Jets goaltender has had some help from a few teammates up front, but he has provided immense value. Hellebuyck has a WAR of 7.2, and the next closest netminder is Wolf at 4.9. No other goalies even have 30 GSAx or 25 GSAA.</p><p>Hellebuyck leads all NHL puck-stoppers in wins (by eight), save percentage (among those with at least nine games played), shutouts (with six), and only two others have faced more shots in 2024-25.</p><h3>2. Nathan MacKinnon, Avalanche</h3><p><em>Previous: 2</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775121/cropped_GettyImages-2204638874.jpg?ts=1741905030" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775121/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204638874.jpg?ts=1741905030 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775121/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204638874.jpg?ts=1741905030 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775121/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204638874.jpg?ts=1741905030 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775121/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204638874.jpg?ts=1741905030 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775121/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204638874.jpg?ts=1741905030 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Berding / 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>66</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>75</td>
<td>22:55</td>
<td>58.57</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>MacKinnon hasn't missed a beat since he won the Hart last season. The Colorado Avalanche superstar is pacing the Art Ross race and has a sizeable league lead in assists. He sits atop the NHL in even-strength points (69), and his average ice time leads all forwards in 2024-25.</p><p>The Nova Scotian center has 24 more assists and 27 more points than second-place Cale Makar among Colorado skaters, and MacKinnon leads the NHL with 19 points over 10 games since our last edition. Martin Necas has fit in seamlessly with the Avalanche since arriving in the trade that shipped Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, but MacKinnon is still doing the heavy lifting for Colorado.</p><p>The 29-year-old's underlying numbers have been excellent this season. He's been nearly as good as our leader from a purely defensive standpoint, and his scoring chances for percentage at five-on-five (61.27) ranks first among all the league's forwards who have played at least 700 minutes in those situations.</p><h3>1. Leon Draisaitl, Oilers</h3><p><em>Previous: 1</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775127/cropped_GettyImages-2203863987.jpg?ts=1741907748" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775127/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203863987.jpg?ts=1741907748 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775127/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203863987.jpg?ts=1741907748 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775127/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203863987.jpg?ts=1741907748 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775127/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203863987.jpg?ts=1741907748 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775127/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203863987.jpg?ts=1741907748 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Leila Devlin / 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>65</td>
<td>47</td>
<td>51</td>
<td>21:37</td>
<td>60.13*</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*XGF% through 64 games played</em></p><p>Draisaitl is having a sublime season, and the 2019-20 MVP deserves to win the award for the second time. The Edmonton Oilers dynamo has a comfortable cushion in the race for the "Rocket" Richard Trophy, and only MacKinnon is ahead of him in the points race. Draisaitl is riding a 16-game point streak during which he's amassed 24.<strong> </strong>He leads the NHL in even-strength goals (32) and ranks second in even-strength points (68).</p><p>The German is greatly outpacing his teammates, and that's impressive considering one of them is three-time Hart winner Connor McDavid. Draisaitl has nearly twice as many goals as the Oilers captain (24), and 14 more points. He's played six more games than McDavid, but that still demonstrates how valuable Draisaitl has been to Edmonton.</p><p>The 29-year-old's defense continues to set him apart from MacKinnon and the rest of his peers. Draisaitl leads the league in WAR, SPAR, and GAR, and his 1.1 defensive GAR edge out MacKinnon's 0.7. Draisatil's xGF and SCF percentages are nearly unparalleled league-wide, and all of these figures illustrate why he should be in the driver's seat to win the Hart again.</p><p><strong>Keep an eye on:</strong></p><ul>
<li>Quinn Hughes, Canucks</li>
<li>Nikita Kucherov, Lightning</li>
<li>Zach Werenski, Blue Jackets</li>
<li>Tim Stutzle, Senators</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 - JANUARY 16: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers at Ball Arena on January 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Hart Trophy Rankings: Draisaitl fending off challengers in stretch run

Mikko Rantanen's representative denied claims made by Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Am...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a>'s representative denied claims made by Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour about the superstar winger.</p><p>"We've got a ton of respect for Rod Brind'Amour, both as a player and a coach, but in this situation, he's completely misinformed," Andy Scott told Sportsnet 590's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/completely-misinformed-rantanens-agent-claps-back-at-hurricanes-brindamour/">The FAN Hockey Show</a> on Tuesday.</p><p>Brind'Amour <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3238789" href="https://thescore.com/news/3238789">said</a> Monday that Rantanen told him Carolina wasn't the place for him during the Finnish forward's brief tenure with the Canes. The bench boss appreciated him conveying that but felt "we probably should have known that before we made the deal" to acquire him from the Colorado Avalanche in late January.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The head coach also said Monday that Rantanen - who was a pending unrestricted free agent - told the Hurricanes he was only willing to sign a contract extension with four teams. Carolina traded Rantanen to the Dallas Stars on Friday, and the 28-year-old immediately inked an eight-year, $96-million pact with his new club.</p><p>"Mikko, when he was traded (to the Hurricanes), we were solely focused on Colorado, so there was no list of any kind," Scott said. "In fact, when he arrived (with the Canes), I met him in the days following and he was keeping a completely open mind about Carolina ... He felt it out and it just didn't make sense from more of a hockey standpoint, from a style-of-play standpoint."</p><p>Scott added that it was "nothing personal" from Rantanen, who the agent said thinks highly of Brind'Amour and of his former Hurricanes teammates.</p><p>"This is a player that had a right to determine where he was going to play for the next eight years of his career," Scott said. "He gave it a lot of thought. Even at 4 Nations ... after 4 Nations, he had not made up his mind. And, ultimately, he did make up his mind and we helped Carolina out by providing a list of teams at that stage, in terms of where he would go. But that is the truth. That's how this unfolded. Anything otherwise is just not the case."</p><p>Rantanen collected only two goals and four assists in 13 games with the Hurricanes. He's matched that goal total and chipped in one helper in his first two contests with the Stars.</p><p> </p>

RALEIGH, NC - FEBRUARY 01: Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour calls to officials during the NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Carolina Hurricanes on February 1, 2025 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Rantanen's agent: Brind'Amour 'completely misinformed' 

The Boston Bruins traded defenseman Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs for center prospect ...

<p>The Boston Bruins traded defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4643" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4643">Brandon Carlo</a> to the Toronto Maple Leafs for center prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12711" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12711">Fraser Minten</a>, a top-five protected 2026 first-round pick, and a 2025 fourth-round pick (via the Philadelphia Flyers), the teams announced.</p><p>Carlo is under contract through 2026-27 at $4.1 million annually, per <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/brandon-carlo">PuckPedia</a>. The Bruins are retaining 15% of his cap hit, bringing it down to $3.5 million per season.</p><p>"Definitely a shocker when I heard that it was Toronto," Carlo said on TSN shortly after the deal was reported. "What an opportunity for me to go in there and try and help this group win." </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old has averaged nearly 20 minutes of ice time in his nine-year career, including 18:48 per night this season. He has one goal, eight assists, 119 blocked shots, and 64 hits across 63 games in 2024-25.</p><p>A right-shot, stay-at-home defenseman, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Carlo could be an ideal fit alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2856" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2856">Morgan Rielly</a> in Toronto. Here are the Maple Leafs' projected defense pairings at full health:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LD</th>
<th>RD</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jake McCabe</td>
<td>Chris Tanev</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Morgan Rielly</td>
<td>Brandon Carlo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oliver Ekman-Larsson</td>
<td>Philippe Myers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Simon Benoit</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Carlo had spent his entire NHL tenure with the Bruins, who drafted him 37th overall in 2015.</p><p>The Maple Leafs <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3235707" href="https://thescore.com/news/3235707">added</a> third-line center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2855" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2855">Scott Laughton</a> earlier Friday. They also traded forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9881" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9881">Connor Dewar</a> and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6627" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6627">Conor Timmins</a> to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a fifth-round pick to become cap compliant following the Carlo deal.</p><p>Minten was one of the Maple Leafs' top prospects. The 20-year-old center split this season between the NHL club and its AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.</p><p>He collected six goals and seven assists over 26 games with the farm team in 2024-25 and had two tallies and two helpers across 15 contests with the Leafs.</p><p> </p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 4: Brandon Carlo #25 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Minnesota Wild on February 4, 2025, at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Bruins trade Carlo to Leafs for Minten, 1st-round pick

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded forwards Cody Glass and Jonathan Gruden to the New Jersey Devils f...

<p>The Pittsburgh Penguins traded forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6455" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6455">Cody Glass</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10494" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10494">Jonathan Gruden</a> to the New Jersey Devils for a third-round pick in 2027 and minor-leaguers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10582" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10582">Chase Stillman</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15011" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15011">Max Graham</a>, the teams announced Friday.</p><p>Glass will be suiting up for his fourth team in six years. The Canadian, who turns 26 on April 1, has also played for the Nashville Predators and Vegas Golden Knights since debuting in 2019-20.</p><p>The defensive-minded center has four goals, 11 assists, 31 blocked shots, and 43 hits this season while averaging 13:25 of ice time over 51 games. The Penguins acquired him from the Predators last August.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Vegas drafted Glass sixth overall in 2017 and shipped him to Nashville for Nolan Patrick in the summer of 2021.</p><p>Glass set career highs with 14 goals and 21 assists over 72 games with the Predators in 2022-23.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 4: Cody Glass #19 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates down ice against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on March 4, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Penguins deal Glass to Devils

The Seattle Kraken dealt forward Brandon Tanev to the Winnipeg Jets for a second-round pick in 20...

<p>The Seattle Kraken dealt forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5524" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5524">Brandon Tanev</a> to the Winnipeg Jets for a second-round pick in 2027, the teams announced.</p><p>Tanev is a pending unrestricted free agent with a $3.5-million cap hit, per <a target="_blank" href="http://puckpedia.com/player/brandon-tanev">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p>The 33-year-old has nine goals, eight assists, 91 blocked shots, and 122 hits this season while averaging 13:56 of ice time over 60 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He played his first four campaigns with the Jets before playing a pair with the Pittsburgh Penguins and parts of four with the Kraken.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 20: Vince Dunn #29, Brandon Tanev #13 and Will Borgen #3 of the Seattle Kraken celebrate a goal against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Two of the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2023 in Denver, Colorado.

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Kraken trade Brandon Tanev to Jets

The Ottawa Senators traded forward Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker to the Buffalo...

<p>The Ottawa Senators traded forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9904" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9904">Josh Norris</a> and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10497" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10497">Jacob Bernard-Docker</a> to the Buffalo Sabres for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10037">Dylan Cozens</a>, blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9933" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9933">Dennis Gilbert</a>, and a second-round pick in 2026, the clubs announced Friday.</p><p>Cozens notched 31 goals and 37 assists over 81 games in 2022-23, but his production has dipped since. The 24-year-old collected 18 tallies and 29 helpers across 79 contests last season. He has 11 goals and 20 assists in 61 games in 2024-25.</p><p>The Yukon-born center is under contract through 2029-30 with a $7.1-million cap hit, per <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/dylan-cozens">PuckPedia</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Norris, who turns 26 on May 5, has 20 goals and 13 assists in 53 contests this campaign. He established career highs with 35 tallies and 20 helpers across 66 games in 2021-22.</p><p>The American pivot is also on the books through 2029-30, but at $7.95 million annually.</p><p>Bernard-Docker has played parts of five seasons with the Senators, who drafted him 26th overall in 2018. The 24-year-old has a goal and three assists in 25 contests while averaging 13:06 of ice time this campaign.</p><p>Gilbert, 28, is a depth blue-liner who registered five points - all assists - while averaging 10:04 of ice time over 25 games. He previously played for the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, and Chicago Blackhawks.</p>

OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 13: Ottawa Senators Goalie Anton Forsberg (31) has the puck under him as Defenceman Jacob Bernard-Docker (24), Center Josh Norris (9), Right Wing Drake Batherson (19) and Columbus Blue Jackets Center Dmitri Voronkov (10) look for it during second period National Hockey League action between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators on February 13, 2024, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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Sens trade Norris, Bernard-Docker to Sabres for Cozens

The Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars have a trade in place for Mikko Rantanen that's continge...

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars have a trade in place for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> that's contingent upon the superstar forward signing a contract extension with the Stars, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/44150663/source-stars-agree-rantanen-trade-contingent-new-deal">ESPN's Emily Kaplan</a> reports.</p><p>The two sides remain in talks Friday in the lead-up to the 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, Kaplan added.</p><p>Talks were intensifying for a trade that would send Rantanen from Carolina to Dallas, <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1897884688061964518">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reported late Thursday night.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The framework of the trade was uncertain, though it was expected that an extension for the pending unrestricted free agent would be a factor, Friedman <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1897907071179190575">added</a>.</p><p>The Hurricanes acquired in Rantanen in January as part of a three-way blockbuster trade that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6484" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6484">Martin Necas</a> to the Colorado Avalanche. </p><p>Rantanen is coming off back-to-back 100-point seasons and was playing at a similar pace through 49 games with the Avalanche. However, he's struggled to find his groove in Carolina, producing just two goals and four assists in 13 games since the move.</p><p>The 28-year-old's cap hit is $4.625 million after the Chicago Blackhawks retained 50% of it as part of January's trade. It could be brought down to $2.23 million if the Hurricanes - or another team - are willing to retain the additional 50%.</p><p>The Stars have cap room at their disposal despite already acquiring forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2567" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2567">Mikael Granlund</a> and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2858" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2858">Cody Ceci</a> from the San Jose Sharks in February. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1693" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1693">Tyler Seguin</a> and his $9.85 million are on long-term injured reserve for the remainder of the regular season. It's also unclear if <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a> ($8.45 million) will return before the end of the campaign. He was given a month-to-month timeline in early February after knee surgery.</p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 27: Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates during the second period of the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Lenovo Center on February 27, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Report: Stars-Canes deal for Rantanen in place pending extension 

The Toronto Maple Leafs moved Ryan Reaves to the waiver wire Thursday, according to TSN's Chris J...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs moved <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> to the waiver wire Thursday, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1897724857426625001">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>.</p><p>The Leafs will free up $1.125 million of his $1.35-million cap hit if he clears waivers Friday and they send him down to the AHL, per <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1897726765197386176">Johnston</a>. If a team claims him, Toronto will be absolved of his entire contract.</p><p>Reaves is on the books through 2025-26, after which he would become an unrestricted free agent. The 38-year-old has been a healthy scratch on numerous occasions this campaign. He has two points (both assists) and 103 hits while averaging 7:48 of ice time in 35 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The grinder is in his second season with Toronto. He signed a three-year deal with the club in July 2023.</p><p>Reaves has also played for the Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues in his 15-year career. He's suited up for 912 regular-season games and 113 playoff contests.</p>

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 31: Ryan Reaves #75 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the New York Islandersat the Scotiabank Arena on December 31, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Maple Leafs place Reaves on waivers

The Anaheim Ducks dealt defenseman Brian Dumoulin to the New Jersey Devils for a conditional seco...

<p>The Anaheim Ducks dealt defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2541" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2541">Brian Dumoulin</a> to the New Jersey Devils for a conditional second-round pick in this year's draft and forward prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15006" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15006">Herman Traff</a>, the clubs announced Thursday.</p><p>The Ducks retained 50% of Dumoulin's $3.15-million cap hit. The second-rounder will be whichever is earliest between that of the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets, both of which are property of the Devils. </p><p>Dumoulin is a pending unrestricted free agent.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Anaheim acquired him from the Seattle Kraken last July. He played one season with the Kraken after spending his first 10 campaigns with the Pittsburgh Penguins.</p><p>Dumoulin won Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017. He tied for 10th in the NHL with 7.2 defensive goals above replacement with Seattle in 2023-24 but has minus-0.2 this season, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>.</p><p>The Maine-born rearguard posted two goals and 14 assists while averaging 19:48 of ice time across 61 games with the Ducks. Dumoulin added 91 blocked shots and 60 hits.</p><p>Traff is a 19-year-old Swedish winger who's been playing in his homeland. He has three goals and four assists over 25 games with HV71 Jonkoping this season. The Devils drafted him 91st overall last year. </p><p>The Devils may have a big hole on defense amid <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2155" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2155">Dougie Hamilton</a>'s uncertain status. Hamilton left Tuesday's game against the Dallas Stars with an undisclosed injury and didn't return for the final two periods. </p><p>New Jersey star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a> departed late in Sunday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights and was ruled out for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3232913" href="https://thescore.com/news/3232913">rest of the season</a> after undergoing shoulder surgery Wednesday.</p>

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 22: Anaheim Ducks defenseman Brian Dumoulin (6) skates with the puck during the NHL game between Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins on February 22, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston, MA.

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Ducks trade Dumoulin to Devils

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner recognized the message a 5-2 road defeat to the Vegas Go...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> recognized the message a 5-2 road defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights sent to him and his team, and he downplayed the notion that three games in four nights was a factor when asked if the schedule caught up with them.</p><p>"I don't know, I mean, it's a tough excuse to use," he <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-9Pqf5aVbA&amp;ab_channel=TorontoMapleLeafs">said</a> postgame. "Last couple games really haven't been great by us. I thought our goalies kept us in it a lot of times, so it's a wake-up call."</p><p>The winger leads the club by 28 assists with 58 and by 14 points with 77 over 61 games this season. However, he took responsibility for the loss and said the onus is on the players in front of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> to improve.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Can't give up that many odd-man rushes as well to especially that good of a team, so we let our goalies out to dry, and we've got to be better," Marner said. </p><p>The Golden Knights stormed out to a 3-0 lead in the first period and tallied two more in the second to go up by five before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> replied with just under two minutes remaining in the middle frame. Marner scored midway through the third, but Vegas ultimately preserved the three-goal margin.</p><p>"Obviously after one (period), being down three, it's not ideal, but I thought our start was OK," Toronto defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2856" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2856">Morgan Rielly</a> said. "They (got) a couple goals that were caused by things we want to clean up, but I think we had 15, 16 shots after the first. It's just a matter of details."</p><p>The Maple Leafs outshot the Golden Knights 16-8 in the opening frame and 31-25 in the game.</p><p>However, Matthews didn't agree that his team's start was acceptable.</p><p>"I just thought we were pretty flat at the start and hey, that's a good team over there," the captain said. "They're a standard of the league, and I don't know, I just don't think we came out ready to play. Maybe we were hoping for an easy game."</p><p>Toronto lost for the second time in three nights following Monday's shootout defeat to the San Jose Sharks. The Leafs beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-5 in overtime Sunday afternoon.</p><p>The Leafs fell to 38-21-3 on the season. They sit second in the Atlantic Division behind the defending champion Florida Panthers. The Cats have an identical record but hold the tiebreaker with one more win in regulation.</p><p>Vegas improved to 37-18-6. The Golden Knights sit atop the Pacific Division with a six-point cushion on the Edmonton Oilers, who have also played 61 games.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 05: Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts during the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on March 05, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Marner: Maple Leafs' loss to Golden Knights was 'wake-up call'

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Josh Gold-Smith

Senior News Editor

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Kayla Douglas

News Editor

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