Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube expressed frustration with his entire roster followin...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube expressed frustration with his entire roster following Thursday's 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues.</p><p>"Our whole team is getting a little cute," Berube told reporters, including <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1849634446984564935">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>, postgame. "We just gotta play direct.”</p><p>Berube was coaching against the Blues for the first time since they fired him last December, about four-and-a-half years after he led them to a Stanley Cup championship.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Maple Leafs outshot the Blues 41-27 on Thursday and won 68.3% of the faceoffs. However, St. Louis held a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes on goals by offer-sheet acquisitions <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8601">Philip Broberg</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9214" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9214">Dylan Holloway</a>.</p><p>Toronto defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1652" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1652">Oliver Ekman-Larsson</a> got his club within one in the second period, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7698" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7698">Alexandre Texier</a> capitalized on a Leafs turnover to restore the Blues' two-goal advantage less than two minutes later.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Texier with the quick response to put the blues up by 2! 🚨 <a href="https://t.co/Fr89ABdE82">pic.twitter.com/Fr89ABdE82</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1849608100480729363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Berube wasn't happy with his team's effort on that one.</p><p>"The third goal is just not doing things right and it was lazy hockey," he said, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1849637716058599881">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. "That's the bottom line."</p><p>"We're just losing coverage," Berube <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1849638791168000509">added</a>. "We're not helping each other out in the coverage areas. (We're giving) too much time and space on some of ... them instead of being physical and closing plays out."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9206" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9206">Jake Neighbours</a> tallied an insurance marker early in the final frame after Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> coughed up the puck in Toronto's offensive zone.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Neighbours makes it a THREE GOAL GAME! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/zKX9WKgKHm">pic.twitter.com/zKX9WKgKHm</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1849619665166745856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"My play was stupid there in the third period," the star forward <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1849639779119349820">said</a>. "Gotta be better than that. ... At that point in the game, (losing) 3-1 (with) 17 minutes left, there's still a lot (of) time … got to be better situational awareness on my part."</p><p>Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> made his first start of the campaign, which was supposed to take place in the Leafs' season opener until he was ruled out due to injury. He gave up four goals on 26 shots in defeat, while his counterpart, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a>, made 40 saves en route to victory.</p><p>Toronto (4-4-0) suffered its second consecutive lopsided loss after falling 6-2 to the Columbus Blue Jackets on the second half of a back-to-back on Tuesday. The Maple Leafs hit the road to face the Boston Bruins on Saturday night and then the Winnipeg Jets on Monday before coming home to host the Seattle Kraken on Oct. 31.</p><p>The Blues improved to 5-3-0. They were playing the first tilt of a four-game road trip that will continue in Montreal on Saturday.</p>

Toronto, ON - September 18: Head Coach Craig Berube speaks during the Toronto Maple Leafs media day. PD Nick Lachance/Toronto Star Nick Lachance/Toronto Star (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28777218/related

Berube after another blowout loss: Leafs 'getting a little cute'

The Vegas Golden Knights inked defenseman Shea Theodore to a seven-year contract extension with a...

<p>The Vegas Golden Knights inked defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a> to a seven-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7.425 million, the club announced Thursday.</p><p>Theodore was a pending unrestricted free agent who would've likely been the top player at his position in the UFA class of 2025. He's in the final season of the seven-year pact he inked with Vegas in September 2018. The current deal carries a $5.2-million cap hit, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/shea-theodore#:~:text=Shea%20Theodore%20is%20currently%20signed,Theodore%20is%2029%20years%20old.">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p>The 29-year-old is a top-pairing blue-liner for the Golden Knights. He posted at least 40 points in each of the previous five seasons after collecting 37 in 2018-19. The Canadian notched 42 points in only 47 games in 2023-24, as he missed nearly half of the campaign due to injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Theodore has a goal and six assists in six games so far this season. However, his underlying numbers have been subpar, to the tune of a 41.39 expected goals for percentage and a 47.67 scoring chances for percentage, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shea Theodore signed a hefty deal with Vegas; he's currently playing at a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2D?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#2D</a>-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/3D?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#3D</a> calibre after many years of considerably stronger. If he continues to decline as he has recently the deal will be pretty player-friendly pretty soon. <a href="https://t.co/Y7P4mu0TAA">pic.twitter.com/Y7P4mu0TAA</a></p>— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) <a href="https://twitter.com/IneffectiveMath/status/1849557078249287884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Theodore spent his last eight NHL campaigns with the Golden Knights. They acquired him during the expansion draft in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks, who wanted to ensure Vegas didn't select <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3862" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3862">Josh Manson</a> or Sami Vatanen, both of whom were left unprotected.</p><p>The Golden Knights now have Theodore, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4559" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4559">Noah Hanifin</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a> signed on the back end for the next few seasons. Hanifin's cap hit is $7.35 million, and he's on the books through 2031-32, while Pietrangelo is at $8.8 million through 2026-27.</p><p>Anaheim selected Theodore 26th overall in 2013.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 14: Shea Theodore #27 of the Vegas Golden Knights looks on third period against the Colorado Avalanche at T-Mobile Arena on April 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28772102/related

Golden Knights sign Theodore to 7-year extension

Zach Hyman isn't panicking about starting the season without a point.  "It's an 82-game season," ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> isn't panicking about starting the season without a point.</p><p>"It's an 82-game season," the Edmonton Oilers winger <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1849176994526982395">told reporters</a> Wednesday. "So, it's unfortunate that it happens at the beginning. I've gone through stretches like this from Game 40 to 47, and nobody says anything because you've already banked some stats."</p><p>Hyman did acknowledge that his struggles haven't helped the 2-4-1 Oilers in close games, though their only defeat by fewer than three goals so far this season came Tuesday night in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's tough, especially when we're losing by one goal," Hyman said. "That's what bothers me the most, is when I have an opportunity to score to help us win, and usually those go in for me and those would be wins for us."</p><p>Individually speaking, though, he's not worried about getting his groove back offensively.</p><p>"(If) you get chances, eventually they're going to go in," Hyman said. "I mean, I've scored a bunch of goals in this league."</p><p>Hyman's career-high goal total last season placed him third in the NHL, both in all situations (54) and at even strength (39). The 32-year-old increased his overall total by 50% after producing 36 over 79 games in 2022-23. He then led all NHL skaters with 16 tallies across 25 playoff contests.</p><p>The veteran forward's average ice time actually decreased last campaign to 19:30 from his nine-year high of 20:09. However, he's been playing close to 20 minutes (19:56) a night through seven games in 2024-25.</p><p>Edmonton signed Hyman to a seven-year, $38.5-million contract as an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2021.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA OCTOBER 12: Zach Hyman #18 of the Edmonton Oilers glances in the crowd as he awaits a face-off during the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Rogers Place on October 12, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28763733/related

Hyman downplays slump: 'Nobody says anything' if it happens midseason

New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba has avoided supplemental discipline for the hit that injure...

<p>New York Rangers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> has avoided supplemental discipline for the hit that injured Montreal Canadiens blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9213" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9213">Justin Barron</a> Tuesday night, reports <a href="https://x.com/Peter_Baugh/status/1849100935013748794">The Athletic's Peter Baugh</a>. </p><p>Trouba crushed Barron near the boards in the third period of the Blueshirts' 7-2 win. Canadiens rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4508" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4508">Mike Matheson</a> immediately fought Trouba in response.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtVVWfqmvYc?si=cuRCC9eYj8nx8Wf3" 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 officials didn't penalize Trouba for the hit. He and Matheson got fighting majors over the ensuing bout, and the Habs defender also received a 10-minute misconduct.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Barron had to be helped off the ice and didn't return. Montreal announced he's considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury on Wednesday.</p><p>Trouba and Canadiens forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2112" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2112">Brendan Gallagher</a> went at it after a whistle before the other incident.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The play before the big hit. <a href="https://t.co/sVOBPpHBC8">pic.twitter.com/sVOBPpHBC8</a></p>— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveyUpper/status/1848901230380134879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Trouba has been suspended twice in his career for two games apiece - once for a hit to then-Ottawa Senators winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a>'s head while with the Winnipeg Jets in February 2017, and again for elbowing Vegas Golden Knights forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11091" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11091">Pavel Dorofeyev</a> in January of this year.</p><p>The Rangers blue-liner has also been fined three times - for slashing in 2020, high-sticking in 2023, and elbowing Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4526" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4526">Evan Rodrigues</a> during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final in May.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 05: New York Rangers Defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) is called for roughing during the first period of the National Hockey League Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Second Round game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Rangers on May 5, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28757324/related

Report: Trouba avoids discipline for hit on Canadiens' Barron

The Florida Panthers signed bench boss Paul Maurice to a multi-year contract extension, the club ...

<p>The Florida Panthers signed bench boss Paul Maurice to a multi-year contract extension, the club announced Tuesday.</p><p>Maurice led the Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season with the team in 2022-23 before guiding them to a championship in 2023-24.</p><p>Florida made the playoffs as a wild-card team in 2023 and upset the record-setting Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round. The Vegas Golden Knights ultimately defeated the Cats in five contests in the Cup Final.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Panthers then won the Atlantic Division in 2024 and eventually prevailed in seven games over the Edmonton Oilers in the final for their first title this past June. Maurice is 5-0 all time in Game 7s in his nearly three decades as an NHL head coach.</p><p>His 29 postseason wins with the Panthers are the most in franchise history. </p><p>Maurice is coaching his 1,856th game Tuesday night. He first became an NHL bench boss with the Hartford Whalers in 1995-96. Maurice ranks second in the league all time in games coached behind Scotty Bowman's 2,141. Maurice sits fourth in wins, but he's also suffered the most losses (738) in NHL history.</p><p>The 57-year-old previously guided the Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes (in two separate stints), Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Winnipeg Jets.</p><p>Florida entered Tuesday's action with a 4-2-1 record in 2024-25.</p>

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 24: Head coach Paul Maurice of the Florida Panthers lifts the Stanley Cup after Florida's 2-1 victory against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Seven of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28753975/related

Panthers, head coach Maurice agree to multi-year extension

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander heaped praise upon Anthony Stolarz after the goalten...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> heaped praise upon <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> after the goaltender put forth another strong performance, including a stellar stop in a 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday.</p><p>"He's been amazing ... I mean, that might be one of the toughest saves of the year," Nylander said postgame, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1848555790145044867">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>. "Insane save."</p><p>Stolarz scooped the puck off the goal line with the Lightning on a two-man advantage in the second period. He turned aside all but two of 34 shots in the Maple Leafs' victory.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANTHONY STOLARZ 😳<br><br>He pulled the puck off the goal line! <br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsOnPrimeCA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SportsOnPrimeCA</a> ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/93veFI9jrZ">https://t.co/93veFI9jrZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/9PlHyIj4cA">pic.twitter.com/9PlHyIj4cA</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1848532867405549763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's exciting, it kind of swings momentum our way," Stolarz told the media, including <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1848565286741422460">Sportsnet</a>, when asked how it felt to make the save. "They (had) a 5-on-3 with an opportunity to swing and change things. But the crowd getting into it, I think it shattered (the Lightning) a little bit and just allowed us to kill it off."</p><p>Stolarz came into his first season with the Leafs as their backup goalie but was thrust into the starting role when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> went down with an injury before the season opener.</p><p>The 30-year-old has started five of the club's six games this season (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13814" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13814">Dennis Hildeby</a> got the other) as a result. Stolarz is now 3-2-0 with a .938 save percentage. He's allowed nine goals in that handful of contests.</p><p>Stolarz played in four other organizations before signing a two-year contract at $2.5 million annually with Toronto as an unrestricted free agent in July. He posted a .925 save percentage in 27 regular-season games with the Florida Panthers last year and appeared in one playoff contest en route to a Stanley Cup championship.</p>

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 21: Anthony Stolarz #41 of the Toronto Maple Leafs salutes the crowd after being named a star of the game following a Toronto Maple Leafs over the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Scotiabank Arena on November 21, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28748932/related

Nylander: Stolarz has been 'amazing' in goal for Maple Leafs

The Florida Panthers recently secured the services of a key piece of their championship core, and...

<p>The Florida Panthers recently secured the services of a key piece of their championship core, and now they've turned their attention to another.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> and the club have started negotiating a new contract, <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1847804166904897665">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reported on the latest edition of "Saturday Headlines."</p><p>However, the two sides aren't yet close to a deal, Friedman cautioned.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bennett is a pending unrestricted free agent. He's in the final season of a four-year pact with a cap hit of $4.425 million, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/sam-bennett">PuckPedia</a>. He inked that deal with Florida in July 2021.</p><p>The 29-year-old center is in his fourth full campaign with the Panthers, who acquired him in a trade with the Calgary Flames in April 2021. He posted career highs with 28 goals and 49 points in 2021-22, notched 20 tallies and 21 helpers during the 2023-24 regular season, and collected seven goals and seven assists over 19 playoff games last spring to help Florida win the Stanley Cup.</p><p>Bennett registered a goal and an assist in a win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, giving him four goals and three assists in seven contests. He's played 10-plus NHL seasons after the Flames drafted him fourth overall in 2014.</p><p>On Oct. 8, the Panthers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3094812" href="https://thescore.com/news/3094812">re-signed</a> forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3208" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3208">Carter Verhaeghe</a> to an eight-year extension reportedly worth $7 million annually.</p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - OCTOBER 15: Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers seen in action during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on October 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28728380/related

Report: Panthers, Bennett open contract talks

Evgeni Malkin joined Sidney Crosby in the milestone-achieving department, notching his 500th care...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> joined <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> in the milestone-achieving department, notching his 500th career goal against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night.</p><p>The entire Penguins team came out to celebrate with Malkin after he buried his own rebound in the third period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ijcBH9hS1as?si=Htgw9CE3TLiClDqm" 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>Malkin is the 48th NHL player to reach the 500-goal mark and the 20th to do so with one team. He achieved it in his 1,150th game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"For the first time probably, I want to say I'm proud of myself," Malkin said, according to <a href="https://x.com/PensInsideScoop/status/1846740776396403161">team reporter Michelle Crechiolo</a>. "It's a great number for me. I'm from a small hometown in Russia, Magnitogorsk. First guy who's done this and second Russian. I work hard every day, and people probably don't understand that sometimes it's not easy for me. But it's a great story, Sid (passed it) to me. ... It's amazing, I love it."</p><p>Malkin admitted he'd been in his own head about hitting the milestone and had pressure from friends and family to do it at home, per Crechiolo.</p><p>The 38-year-old has spent all 18-plus seasons with the Penguins, who drafted him second overall in 2004.</p><p>Malkin added three assists in the Penguins' 6-5 win over the Sabres. He's registered two tallies and nine helpers in five games this season.</p><p>Crosby became the 10th player in league history to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3097225" href="https://thescore.com/news/3097225">post</a> 1,600 points earlier in the contest.</p><p>The Penguins are now the second team in NHL history with three 500-goal-scorers (Malkin, Crosby with 593, and Mario Lemieux with 690), joining the Montreal Canadiens' legendary trio of Jean Beliveau (507), Guy Lafleur (560), and Maurice Richard (544).</p><p>Malkin and Crosby join Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri of the Edmonton Oilers in burying 500 goals each as teammates.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 16: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his 500th career goal with teammates against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG PAINTS Arena on October 16, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28681664/related

Malkin nets 500th goal in Penguins' win over Sabres

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby became the 10th player in NHL history to hit the 1,600-...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> became the 10th player in NHL history to hit the 1,600-point milestone on Wednesday.</p><p>Crosby is the fifth-fastest player to reach the mark. He earned a secondary helper on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3872" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3872">Bryan Rust</a>'s first-period goal<strong> </strong>against the Buffalo Sabres.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sidney Crosby becomes the 10th player in NHL history to record 1,600 regular-season points, reaching it in the fifth-fewest games. <br><br>It's the first time this milestone has been reached by an NHL player since Jaromir Jagr on Oct. 6, 2011. <a href="https://t.co/jBAFoBsArC">pic.twitter.com/jBAFoBsArC</a></p>— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) <a href="https://twitter.com/penguins/status/1846697964028223787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Crosby picked up another assist on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a>'s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3100781" href="https://thescore.com/news/3100781">500th career goal</a> later in the game and capped the contest in style with an overtime winner.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">SIDNEY CROSBY, OUR OVERTIME HERO! <a href="https://t.co/3JueoKyW4p">pic.twitter.com/3JueoKyW4p</a></p>— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) <a href="https://twitter.com/penguins/status/1846734424437817411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 37-year-old is the only active player to reach 1,600 points. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> is the closest to Crosby among those still playing at 1,553.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>GP</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>Joe Sakic</td>
<td>1641</td>
<td>1378</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Sidney Crosby</td>
<td>1602</td>
<td>1277</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>In April, Crosby cracked the top 10 on the NHL's all-time points list and became the 14th player to post 1,000 career assists.</p><p>The Nova Scotia-born center already has 19 point-per-game seasons under his belt, and he's tied with Wayne Gretzky for the most in league history.</p><p>A former NHL great who also hails from the Maritime province - and who racked up 1,274 points in 1,416 games as a defenseman - had some fun with Crosby's achievement. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats to the 2nd best player to come out of Nova Scotia on 1,600 pts. 👍 <a href="https://t.co/H6sxqXWXBU">https://t.co/H6sxqXWXBU</a></p>— Al MacInnis (@AMacInnis2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMacInnis2/status/1846704727293067454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Crosby has spent his entire career with the Penguins and is signed through 2026-27.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 04: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) looks on during the first period in the NHL preseason game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 4, 2024, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28680642/related

Crosby becomes 10th player ever with 1,600 points

Filip Gustavsson was shooting his shot in more ways than one Tuesday night.  The Minnesota Wild n...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9896" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9896">Filip Gustavsson</a> was shooting his shot in more ways than one Tuesday night.</p><p>The Minnesota Wild netminder made a playful pitch after he scored a goalie goal late in a 4-1 win over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night.</p><p>"I should be (in) on the power-play meetings now, so we'll see," he joked to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAtx3rQoLVc&amp;ab_channel=NHLonESPN">ESPN's Emily Kaplan</a> postgame.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gustavsson fired the puck into the Blues' empty net with about eight seconds left in the Minnesota victory. The Wild were on the man advantage at the time, and St. Louis had pulled goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> for an extra attacker while trailing by two.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="nl" dir="ltr">GOALIE GOAL! GOALIE GOAL! GOALIE GOAL! 🚨 <a href="https://t.co/NS3CsKb9ge">pic.twitter.com/NS3CsKb9ge</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1846372344035459307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Gustavsson explained that fellow Wild puck-stopper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1010" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1010">Marc-Andre Fleury</a> encouraged him to go for it during a break in the action shortly before the tally.</p><p>"I came to the bench here on the timeout, and Fleury's like, 'Hey, are you going to try to shoot it if you get it now when we're up by two goals?' And I was like, 'Yeah, actually I should shoot it,'" Gustavsson said.</p><p>The Swede is the first NHL netminder to score a goal since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3109" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3109">Tristan Jarry</a> of the Pittsburgh Penguins did it against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Nov. 30, 2023. It was the first in Wild franchise history.</p><p>It was also just the third-ever power-play goal by a goalie. The others were scored by Martin Brodeur for the New Jersey Devils against the Carolina Hurricanes in March 2013 and Evgeni Nabokov of the San Jose Sharks versus the Vancouver Canucks in March 2002.</p><p>Gustavsson is the 15th player at his position to score a goal, and there have been 18 goalie goals in total. Brodeur netted three, while Ron Hextall notched a pair.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gus making Wild history 👏 <a href="https://t.co/lnjSeLQikN">pic.twitter.com/lnjSeLQikN</a></p>— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) <a href="https://twitter.com/mnwild/status/1846385478553014635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 26-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Wild worth $3.75 million annually to avoid arbitration in the summer of 2023.</p>

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 15: Goalie Filip Gustavsson #32 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues in the third period at Enterprise Center on October 15, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28675219/related

Gustavsson jokes he should be in PP meetings after goalie goal

Alex Ovechkin's primary individual focus this season is on catching Wayne Gretzky for the all-tim...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a>'s primary individual focus this season is on catching Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goal-scoring record, but he hit a notable assist milestone during Tuesday night's 4-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.</p><p>The Washington Capitals star set up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10973" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10973">Aliaksei Protas</a>' tally with a perfect centering pass early in the second period for his 700th career helper and his second of the game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ASSIST NO. 700 FOR ALEX OVECHKIN! 🤩<br><br>And this one is a beauty. <a href="https://t.co/T0NeyGx0yy">pic.twitter.com/T0NeyGx0yy</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1846346336792191360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ovechkin, who earned a secondary assist on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a>'s goal about two minutes earlier, put himself in rarefied air with the one that followed, becoming only the sixth player in NHL history to notch 700 goals and 700 assists.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The veteran forward joined Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Jaromir Jagr, Marcel Dionne, and Phil Esposito.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">With two assists tonight, Alex Ovechkin becomes the sixth player in NHL history with 700-plus goals and 700 assists. <a href="https://t.co/fVKBuhoHYc">pic.twitter.com/fVKBuhoHYc</a></p>— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitalsPR/status/1846345718400680372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ovechkin remains 41 goals back of The Great One for the all-time scoring record.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 15: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates with the puck during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Capital One Arena on October 15, 2024 in Washington, D.C.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28673495/related

Ovechkin becomes 6th player with 700 goals, 700 assists

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers remembered the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau be...

<p>The Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers remembered the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau before the Metropolitan Division club's home opener Tuesday night.</p><p>The Blue Jackets put together a memorial inside Nationwide Arena.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750087/cropped_GettyImages-2178604061.jpg?ts=1729030644" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750087/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178604061.jpg?ts=1729030644 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750087/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178604061.jpg?ts=1729030644 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750087/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178604061.jpg?ts=1729030644 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750087/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178604061.jpg?ts=1729030644 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750087/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178604061.jpg?ts=1729030644 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jason Mowry / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Every player on both teams wore Gaudreau jerseys during the pregame warmups.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight during warmups, both teams will honor Johnny by wearing his jersey ❤️💙 <a href="https://t.co/WQtaJ34Cr8">pic.twitter.com/WQtaJ34Cr8</a></p>— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJacketsNHL/status/1846277640082063661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">1️⃣3️⃣<br><br>An extra special warmup jersey for tonight’s game. <a href="https://t.co/MBbxjm2v3K">pic.twitter.com/MBbxjm2v3K</a></p>— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers/status/1846289025415762365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Both Bluejackets and Panthers wearing Johnny Gaudreau jerseys during warmups. 💙 <a href="https://t.co/Noc54qewG1">pic.twitter.com/Noc54qewG1</a></p>— Katie Engleson (@KatieEngleson) <a href="https://twitter.com/KatieEngleson/status/1846323303159357643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Panthers even went a step further earlier on their way into the building.</p><p>"Johnny loved Skittles and purple Gatorade," Florida forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> told <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/KatieEngleson/status/1846293988879237188">team reporter Katie Engleson</a>. "It's a tribute to him on what will be an emotional night."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A Johnny-inspired pregame snack 💜 <a href="https://t.co/RI1jQciG6Y">pic.twitter.com/RI1jQciG6Y</a></p>— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers/status/1846308700987777464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Bennett said the snack items were teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a>'s idea. Tkachuk was unable to make the trip and play due to illness, but he <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/flapanthers/status/1846280169549435111?s=46&amp;t=z5YnP808b0oJ9mKm-Uud0Q">issued</a> a message before the contest, concluding by saying, "Johnny will be my teammate forever."</p><p>The Blue Jackets shared a touching video tribute to Johnny shortly before puck drop.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight we honor the lasting impact that Johnny Gaudreau has made on the game of hockey, the city of Columbus, his family, friends and teammates, and all those who will continue to be inspired by his play ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/RcudI1DpzJ">pic.twitter.com/RcudI1DpzJ</a></p>— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJacketsNHL/status/1846326348349899162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Johnny's wife, Meredith, delivered a recorded message encouraging fans not to be sad but to instead be inspired by her late husband's life.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Let's love the game that John loved."<br> -Meredith Gaudreau <a href="https://t.co/06YKL5PrxL">pic.twitter.com/06YKL5PrxL</a></p>— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJacketsNHL/status/1846328776843526525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Blue Jackets then lifted a banner to the rafters.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Blue Jackets raised a banner to honor Johnny Gaudreau's lasting impact on the game of hockey 🥹<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBJ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/sOzfg5TTmt">pic.twitter.com/sOzfg5TTmt</a></p>— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights &amp; News (@HockeyDaily365) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1846328647059177951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Columbus took the opening faceoff with only four players on the ice, leaving the left wing - Gaudreau's old position - vacant. Both teams then let 13 seconds elapse in further tribute.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The puck was dropped on the <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJacketsNHL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlueJacketsNHL</a>'s home opener with a spot vacant on left wing and a 13-second pause in play in honor of Johnny Gaudreau. 💙❤️ <a href="https://t.co/nV5Uef7m7g">pic.twitter.com/nV5Uef7m7g</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1846335123764937062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey on Aug. 29, the night before their sister Katie's wedding.</p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - OCTOBER 15: Columbus Blue Jackets players warm up before the game against the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on October 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. Players from both teams are wearing #13 in warm up jerseys in remembrance of Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau, who along with his brother, was killed by a driver while biking in Salem County, New Jersey in August.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28672681/related

Jackets, Panthers pay tribute to Gaudreaus before Columbus' home opener

Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde had an unusual way of tipping his cap to Igor Shesterk...

<p>Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde had an unusual way of tipping his cap to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a> after the New York Rangers goaltender stymied the Atlantic Division squad in a 4-1 win Monday night.</p><p>"He's special," Lalonde said of the netminder postgame, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/drosennhl/status/1846011399740252470">NHL.com's Dan Rosen</a>. "I can see why he turned down the 88 (million dollars). Good agent."</p><p>Shesterkin made 31 saves in the victory. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4541" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4541">Dylan Larkin</a>'s goal with just over a second left in the first period stood as the puck-stopper's only blemish on the night. He absolutely robbed Red Wings forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5625" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5625">Alex DeBrincat</a> with Detroit on the man advantage early in the second period.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Igor Shesterkin bailing the New York Rangers out on the powerplay. <br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DETvsNYR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DETvsNYR</a> <a href="https://t.co/EpmWHxKFHF">pic.twitter.com/EpmWHxKFHF</a></p>— Anthony (@anthonyjc92) <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonyjc92/status/1845981554318676182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Last week, it was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3094303" href="https://thescore.com/news/3094303">reported</a> that Shesterkin rejected an eight-year offer at $11 million annually. The pending unrestricted free agent would've signed the largest contract in NHL history for a goalie, surpassing Carey Price's eight-year, $84-million pact signed in 2017.</p><p>Shesterkin earned a 31-save shutout in the Rangers' season opener, a 6-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 9. He followed it up by allowing six goals in an overtime loss to Utah three days later.</p><p>The Russian, who'll turn 29 on Dec. 30, had a down campaign by his lofty standards last season but still finished fourth in Vezina Trophy voting. He posted a .912 save percentage (his lowest in five NHL campaigns) while going 36-17-2 with four shutouts in 55 games.</p><p>Shesterkin has a career save percentage of .921. He led the NHL with a mark of .935 when he won the Vezina in 2021-22.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 14: Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers makes a second period save against the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2024 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Red Wings 4-1.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28666973/related

Lalonde lauds Shesterkin: 'I can see why he turned down' $88M

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch lamented his team's lack of urgency after the Calgary F...

<p>Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch lamented his team's lack of urgency after the Calgary Flames defeated the Oilers 4-1 to improve to 3-0-0 while handing their arch-rivals their third straight home loss to start the season.</p><p>"Obviously, we have to play with more desperation," the Oilers bench boss <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1845667717262831657">told reporters</a> postgame. "When (we) had a season like we did last year, and coming back and the expectations being really high, I don't think there's enough desperation.</p><p>"I think we just show up, play hockey, (and think) that's good enough," Knoblauch continued. "But this game's about playing with desperation, and right now, we're lacking that."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Oilers had a pair of goals called back on reviews in the defeat - the first for goaltender interference and the second for an offside violation. Edmonton forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> admitted that frustrated the team but insisted it doesn't justify their performance.</p><p>"Probably, but there's no excuse," he <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1845666450788536783">said</a> when asked if the reversals threw them off their game. "That happens all the time in games. You have to be able to just continue to play well. We scored one goal, so we could do a better job of getting to the net and scoring in the hard areas. Obviously, when things aren't going easy, you have to be able to get to those areas to score."</p><p>The Oilers have been outscored 15-3 in their three matchups so far in 2024-25. No other NHL club has allowed as many goals as Edmonton, and no team that's played at least three contests has scored fewer. The Oilers ranked fourth in the league with 3.56 goals per game last season.</p><p>Edmonton started the 2023-24 campaign with a 3-9-1 record, at which point the club's brass fired head coach Jay Woodcroft and replaced him with Knoblauch. The Oilers went 46-18-5 after the coaching change and finished second in the Pacific Division. They made it all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, which they lost to the Florida Panthers.</p><p>The Oilers will host the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night. The Flyers are 1-1-0 and have been off since they lost to the Flames on Saturday.</p><p> </p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - OCTOBER 9: Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers looks on during the second period of the game against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place on October 9, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28658785/related

Knoblauch: Winless Oilers lacking desperation

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar came to goaltender Alexandar Georgiev's defense when a...

<p>Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar came to goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6533" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6533">Alexandar Georgiev</a>'s defense when asked about pulling him from a second consecutive game Saturday night.</p><p>Bednar acknowledged "it's frustrating" following a 6-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in which Georgiev allowed three goals on nine shots and the Avalanche fell to 0-2-0. However, he expressed confidence in the netminder's chances of turning things around as the season goes on.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jared Bednar goes for more than two minutes on his opening question. Worth listening to the whole thing. He makes it clear Georgie is “the guy” for the Avalanche and the whole team needs to relax. Great perspective after two ugly games. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoAvsGo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoAvsGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/Jz12EFo2NK">pic.twitter.com/Jz12EFo2NK</a></p>— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) <a href="https://twitter.com/PetersenWill/status/1845315454883000679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I get that there's a level of frustration, but (Georgiev), he's our guy, he's our starter, right? And I have full faith that he has the ability, the talent, (and) the work ethic to bounce back and win us hockey games. It's a mental game (for him) right now, right? So we'll regroup and then we have other areas ... that we have to get better at," Bednar said.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Georgiev gave up five goals on 16 shots in Colorado's season opener, an 8-4 defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10527" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10527">Justus Annunen</a> stopped two of four shots in relief during that loss and turned aside all but two of 13 shots after coming in for Georgiev on Saturday.</p><p>Bednar added "It's way too early" for the Avalanche to start feeling sorry for themselves or to point fingers at anyone for their struggles in their first two games.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>'s frustrations boiled over late in Saturday's defeat. The Avalanche superstar smashed his stick on the bench while yelling at the officials after the Blue Jackets buried an empty-netter following a penalty call against Colorado forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7638" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7638">Casey Mittelstadt</a> with 39 seconds left in the contest.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nathan MacKinnon was furious at the referees at the end of the Blue Jackets game and was given a 10-minute misconduct. 😳 <a href="https://t.co/lUtC03Cl4l">pic.twitter.com/lUtC03Cl4l</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1845313070056300803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Avalanche will host the New York Islanders on Monday night in the second contest of a four-game homestand.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 17: Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the Colorado Avalanche reacts during the third period against the Dallas Stars in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 17, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28648925/related

Bednar defends Georgiev after 2nd straight pull: 'He's our guy'

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll didn't dress for the club's season opener on the road ...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> didn't dress for the club's season opener on the road against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night.</p><p>"Woll experienced some lower-body tightness (on Tuesday)," Berube said, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/jonassiegel/status/1844030099173286152">The Athletic's Jonas Siegel</a>."It's precautionary, so we're going to keep him out (Wednesday night)."</p><p>The Leafs then placed Woll on injured reserve, meaning he's eligible to return next Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings at the earliest, according to <a href="https://x.com/PuckPedia/status/1844095360249287097">PuckPedia</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2875" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2875">Anthony Stolarz</a> started in Woll's place Wednesday.</p><p>Woll missed time with injuries at several junctures last season. He suffered a high ankle sprain in early December that forced him out until late February, and he missed Game 7 of the Leafs' opening-round playoff loss to the Boston Bruins.</p><p>The 26-year-old went 12-11-1 with a .907 save percentage across 25 regular-season games in 2023-24. He won both of his playoff starts (Games 5 and 6 of the series against the Bruins) while stopping all but two of 56 shots over his three appearances.</p><p>Toronto extended Woll on a three-year pact at $3.66 million annually on July 1 and signed then-unrestricted free agent Stolarz to a two-year deal for $2.5 million per season on the same day.</p><p>Stolarz developed into one of the NHL's best backup netminders last season. The 30-year-old went 16-7-2 with a .925 save percentage over 27 games that led the league among puck-stoppers who played at least that many contests. He also got into one postseason game, stopping all but three of 19 shots in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final for the eventual champion Florida Panthers.</p><p>The Maple Leafs recalled goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13814" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13814">Dennis Hildeby</a> from their AHL affliate, the Toronto Marlies, on an emergency basis Wednesday.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 09: Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll (60) tends the net during a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils on April 9, 2024 at Prudential Center in the Newark, New Jersey.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28613597/related

Woll misses Maple Leafs' season opener due to injury

James Reimer was among a handful of players scooped up by new teams on waivers ahead of Monday's ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1195" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1195">James Reimer</a> was among a handful of players scooped up by new teams on waivers ahead of Monday's 5 p.m. ET deadline for all 32 NHL clubs to finalize their season-opening rosters.</p><p>Here's a quick look at the moves:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Claimed By</th>
<th>From</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Zach Aston-Reese</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Columbus Blue Jackets</td>
<td>Vegas Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Raphael Lavoie</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
<td>Edmonton Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jiri Patera</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Vancouver Canucks</td>
<td>Boston Bruins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Reimer</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Anaheim Ducks</td>
<td>Buffalo Sabres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cole Schwindt</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
<td>Calgary Flames</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Sabres signed Reimer to a one-year, $1-million contract on July 2. The 36-year-old goaltender traveled with the team to Prague for the NHL's first two regular-season games of the campaign between Buffalo and the New Jersey Devils. He didn't play in either contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Buffalo has <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7745" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7745">Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9370" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9370">Devon Levi</a> ahead of Reimer on its depth chart, but losing the veteran means the club is left with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9926" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9926">Felix Sandstrom</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9737" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9737">Michael Houser</a> as its organizational depth in the crease.</p><p>The Ducks needed another NHL netminder to complement <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9753" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9753">Lukas Dostal</a> because <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2074" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2074">John Gibson</a> underwent an appendectomy in late September and was expected to miss three-to-six weeks at the time.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6069" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6069">Aston-Reese</a> signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Golden Knights on July 1 and now goes to the Blue Jackets. The 30-year-old had short stints with the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Ducks after playing his first four-plus seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He buried a career-high 10 goals with the Leafs over 77 games in 2022-23.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10908" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10908">Lavoie</a> heads to the Golden Knights having only played seven NHL games (going pointless with the Oilers last season), but the 24-year-old produced 28 goals and 22 assists across 66 contests with their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, in 2023-24.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9867" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9867">Schwindt</a>, also going to Vegas, is best known as the prospect the Florida Panthers included in the blockbuster <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a>-for-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2037">Jonathan Huberdeau</a> swap in July 2022. He also has just seven NHL games under his belt, including four for the Flames in the last campaign, with no points to show for it.</p><p>The Canucks reclaimed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10522" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10522">Patera</a> on Monday. The Bruins snagged him off the wire from Vancouver on Oct. 2 amid their contract stalemate with starting netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9893" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9893">Jeremy Swayman</a>, which was resolved Sunday.</p>

MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 25: Goaltender James Reimer #47 of the Buffalo Sabres defends the net during practice before the 2024 NHL Global Series Challenge at SAP Garden on September 25, 2024 in Munich, Germany.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28602341/related

Reimer among 5 waiver claims before roster deadline

The Minnesota Wild inked goaltender Jesper Wallstedt to a two-year contract extension with an ave...

<p>The Minnesota Wild inked goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10757" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10757">Jesper Wallstedt</a> to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $2.2 million, the club announced Monday.</p><p>The new pact begins in 2025-26. The netminder is in the final year of an entry-level deal that carries a $925,000 cap hit, per <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/jesper-wallstedt">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p>Wallstedt will turn 22 on Nov. 14. He played his first three games for the Wild last season. Wallstedt started all three contests and won two of them but posted a .897 save percentage after allowing seven goals on 34 shots in his debut.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite his rocky introduction to the NHL, the Swede remains one of the league's top goaltending prospects. He went 22-19-4 with a .910 save percentage over 45 contests with Minnesota's AHL affiliate, the Iowa Wild, in 2023-24.</p><p>Minnesota has three goalies on its roster. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9896" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9896">Filip Gustavsson</a> played 45 games for the NHL squad last season, going 20-17-5 with an .899 save percentage, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1010" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1010">Marc-Andre Fleury</a> is skating in his final campaign after suiting up for 40 contests while authoring a mark of .895 in 2023-24.</p><p>The Wild drafted Wallstedt 20th overall in 2021.</p>

SAINT PAUL, MN - JANUARY 12: Jesper Wallstedt #30 of the Minnesota Wild warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Xcel Energy Center on January 12, 2024 in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28602337/related

Wild sign Wallstedt to 2-year extension

Every NHL season offers compelling subplots to follow as it goes along, but the upcoming campaign...

<p>Every NHL season offers compelling subplots to follow as it goes along, but the upcoming campaign brings more than a handful of significant storylines.</p><p>From a future Hall of Famer's pursuit of a long-revered record to a top pick's rookie potential, here are a half-dozen pressing questions entering the 2024-25 campaign.</p><h3>Will Ovi break the goal-scoring record this season?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/619503/cropped_GettyImages-2059260656.jpg?ts=1709866750" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/619503/w220xh124_GettyImages-2059260656.jpg?ts=1709866750 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/619503/w320xh180_GettyImages-2059260656.jpg?ts=1709866750 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/619503/w640xh360_GettyImages-2059260656.jpg?ts=1709866750 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/619503/w768xh432_GettyImages-2059260656.jpg?ts=1709866750 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/619503/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2059260656.jpg?ts=1709866750 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Sargent / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Alex Ovechkin has long been chasing Wayne Gretzky's best-ever career goal total of 894, and he's now 41 tallies from tying the Great One. The Washington Capitals sniper seems destined to set a new mark eventually, assuming he plays beyond 2024-25. But can he get it done this season?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ovi collected 31 goals in 2023-24 as his per-game rate dipped to a career-low 0.39; his career average is 0.6. The Capitals captain turned 39 in mid-September, so his days of notching 40 or even 50 goals with relative ease are probably in the rearview mirror.</p><p>He also logged 19:13 of ice time per game last season, his lowest average since 2016-17 and the second-lightest workload of his 19-year career. But he was fairly durable overall, playing all but three of the Capitals' regular-season games and all four of their playoff contests.</p><p>Ovechkin started slow in 2023-24 with eight goals in the first 43 games, but he found his touch again with 23 tallies over his final 36. If the veteran winger can rediscover that over the balance of this season, he might not need to wait until 2025-26 to be crowned the NHL's new goal-scoring GOAT.</p><h3>Can the Oilers get over the hump and win it all?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745819/cropped_GettyImages-2155212155.jpg?ts=1726703889" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745819/w220xh124_GettyImages-2155212155.jpg?ts=1726703889 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745819/w320xh180_GettyImages-2155212155.jpg?ts=1726703889 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745819/w640xh360_GettyImages-2155212155.jpg?ts=1726703889 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745819/w768xh432_GettyImages-2155212155.jpg?ts=1726703889 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745819/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2155212155.jpg?ts=1726703889 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Edmonton Oilers are looking to do exactly what the team that beat them in June's Stanley Cup Final did: Win it all a year after losing in the championship round. The Florida Panthers vanquished the Oilers in seven games to end last season after the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Cats in five to cap off 2022-23.</p><p>Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Co. got about as close as they could get to sipping out of Lord Stanley's mug without doing so, losing by a single goal in Game 7. McDavid put himself in rarefied air with 42 points in 25 postseason games (albeit only eight goals), and Draisaitl posted 31 points including 10 goals in the same number of contests. It wasn't enough to claim the ultimate prize, but after coming so close, are the Oilers ready to go all the way?</p><p>Edmonton added some scoring depth over the summer, bringing in Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson - two players with chips on their shoulders (the former was bought out of a hefty contract and the latter missed most of last season due to injury) who've proven they can light the lamp. So the Oilers are deeper now; whether that's enough to complete their unfinished business will be one of this season's most intriguing narratives.</p><h3>Will Utah be ... jazzed for hockey?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747824/cropped_GettyImages-2173336406.jpg?ts=1727735387" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747824/w220xh124_GettyImages-2173336406.jpg?ts=1727735387 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747824/w320xh180_GettyImages-2173336406.jpg?ts=1727735387 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747824/w640xh360_GettyImages-2173336406.jpg?ts=1727735387 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747824/w768xh432_GettyImages-2173336406.jpg?ts=1727735387 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747824/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2173336406.jpg?ts=1727735387 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jamie Sabau / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It can't be worse than Arizona, right? But seriously, Utah Hockey Club owner Ryan Smith has provided stability with the NBA's Jazz, and Salt Lake City has a pedigree as a successful Olympic hockey site. Fans devoured season tickets when they went on sale, and the team's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3067719" href="https://thescore.com/news/3067719">shrewd offseason moves</a> may have increased the level of anticipation.</p><p>The relocated squad won't have a nickname this season, and the Delta Center isn't yet ideally configured for hockey games. But there could still be enough buzz around the new locale for Utah to have a successful inaugural campaign, even if that involves missing the playoffs.</p><p>If hockey fans in the Beehive State can be patient, the team finally appears to be in good hands for the long term - something that could never be said about the Phoenix or Arizona Coyotes. </p><p>Utah has to succeed on the ice at some point, of course. But for now, just garnering enough local support to set up future sustainability is a reasonable bar to clear. While the market's level of long-term interest remains to be seen,<strong> </strong>a once-moribund organization now has a much more hopeful outlook.</p><h3>How will the Bolts fare with Guentzel over Stamkos?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748508/cropped_GettyImages-2175096701.jpg?ts=1728086763" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748508/w220xh124_GettyImages-2175096701.jpg?ts=1728086763 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748508/w320xh180_GettyImages-2175096701.jpg?ts=1728086763 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748508/w640xh360_GettyImages-2175096701.jpg?ts=1728086763 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748508/w768xh432_GettyImages-2175096701.jpg?ts=1728086763 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748508/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2175096701.jpg?ts=1728086763 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joel Auerbach / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Tampa Bay Lightning raised eyebrows when they opted not to re-sign (or couldn't come to an agreement with) longtime captain and face of the franchise Steven Stamkos, who chose the Nashville Predators. He was the heart and soul of the team and the club's all-time leader in goals, points, and games played.</p><p>There's no replacing Stamkos' leadership or experience. He helped Tampa win back-to-back championships just a few years ago, though he was injured for all but one playoff game for the first one. Stamkos was part of numerous postseason runs and was still producing at an elite clip at age 34.</p><p>The Lightning signed Guentzel to a seven-year deal July 1 after acquiring his rights from the Carolina Hurricanes. His arrival in Tampa does help fill the void left by Stamkos' departure, but it will be worth watching to see how the changes affect the team as a whole. Guentzel is a winger, not a center, so he may not have the same impact - nor will he be expected to do everything Stamkos did on and off the ice.</p><p>But the American, who turned 30 on Sunday, could thrive in the Lightning's system alongside world-class playmakers Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. Guentzel is a two-time 40-goal scorer who buried 30 in 67 games split between the Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins last season.</p><h3>Will the Preds' additions make them a Cup contender? </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748509/cropped_GettyImages-2173833118.jpg?ts=1728087565" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748509/w220xh124_GettyImages-2173833118.jpg?ts=1728087565 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748509/w320xh180_GettyImages-2173833118.jpg?ts=1728087565 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748509/w640xh360_GettyImages-2173833118.jpg?ts=1728087565 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748509/w768xh432_GettyImages-2173833118.jpg?ts=1728087565 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748509/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2173833118.jpg?ts=1728087565 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joel Auerbach / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Nashville made the biggest splashes in free agency, reeling in Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault - both 40-goal scorers last season - as well as talented defenseman Brady Skjei. The Predators were already a playoff team with a skilled core of Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg, and Juuse Saros. So will their summer haul give them a legitimate chance to make a deep run?</p><p>There's a lot to like about the Predators' signings. They obviously increase the team's offensive abilities, and both Stamkos and Marchessault have championship pedigrees. Skjei further stabilizes Nashville's back end and he's playoff-tested in his own right.</p><p>Stamkos proved any doubters wrong with last season's vintage statistical output, but a repeat of that performance isn't as likely with this less gifted supporting cast. Marchessault's 42-goal eruption was an outlier for him, and he shot 15.8%, well above his previous career average of 10.9. Marchessault will join Stamkos in the 34-Year-Old Club in December before the latter turns 35 less than two months later. So while it may be unwise to doubt them, regression by either star wouldn't be shocking.</p><p>The Preds have stiff competition in the Central Division from the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, and Winnipeg Jets. Instantly becoming a Cup contender might be a stretch. But Nashville should take a step forward, even if it's not a giant one.</p><h3>Can Celebrini make a big impact as a rookie?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748511/cropped_GettyImages-2176255021.jpg?ts=1728088547" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748511/w220xh124_GettyImages-2176255021.jpg?ts=1728088547 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748511/w320xh180_GettyImages-2176255021.jpg?ts=1728088547 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748511/w640xh360_GettyImages-2176255021.jpg?ts=1728088547 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748511/w768xh432_GettyImages-2176255021.jpg?ts=1728088547 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748511/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2176255021.jpg?ts=1728088547 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The San Jose Sharks' ineptitude in 2023-24 got them the No. 1 overall pick and a promising one in Macklin Celebrini. The 18-year-old forward may or may not turn out to be a "generational player" in the tradition of Connor McDavid, but he does appear primed to become a difference-maker in the NHL.</p><p>The question is how big an impact he'll make in his rookie season. Celebrini racked up nearly a goal per game and about 1.7 points per contest in his lone NCAA campaign with Boston University. He has plenty of tools that rightfully made teams salivate before the draft lottery.</p><p>While the Sharks did sign proven scorer Tyler Toffoli to complement their youth movement, they aren't expected to be a whole lot better this season than they were in 2023-24. So in addition to Celebrini playing against older, bigger, and more seasoned players, his team likely won't do much to help pad his numbers.</p><p>As a result, Celebrini isn't a lock to win the Calder Trophy, even though he may very well have a distinguished career. Other rookies like the Philadelphia Flyers' Matvei Michkov - who's a year-and-a-half older and who played against pros in the KHL for a few years - could have a better 2024-25.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 24: Edmonton Oilers dejected after losing the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, Game 7 between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers on June 24th, 2024 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28588108/related

6 big questions entering the NHL season

The NHL and NHLPA have agreed to give the Columbus Blue Jackets a grace period and some assistanc...

<p>The NHL and NHLPA have agreed to give the Columbus Blue Jackets a grace period and some assistance in reaching the salary cap floor given their tragic circumstances.</p><p>The league and the players' union struck a deal before the Board of Governors meetings Tuesday, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5811099/2024/10/01/nhl-cba-salary-cap-expansion-bog/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>.</p><p>"Both sides are looking at it as a fairly good resolution," Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The agreement ensures the Blue Jackets won't have to spend to the cap floor by Oct. 7, the deadline for all other teams to do so. It also allows the Jackets to count the $2 million signing bonus they paid the late Johnny Gaudreau this summer toward their cap figure.</p><p>This season's floor is $65 million. The Blue Jackets' projected cap hit at the moment is $64,426,666, with 21 of 23 roster spots accounted for, per <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/team/columbus-blue-jackets">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p>"If needed, and only to the extent necessary, Columbus will also be provided with a reasonable amount of additional time following the opening of the regular season (as determined by the NHL and NHLPA) to come into full compliance with its CBA obligation to establish a roster and payroll exceeding the lower limit of the team payroll range for the 2024/25 league year," an NHL statement read, according to LeBrun.</p><p>Daly told <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5810166/2024/10/01/blue-jackets-nhl-salary-cap-gaudreau/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Aaron Portzline</a> earlier Tuesday that the agreement didn't require the board's approval.</p><p>Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey on Aug. 29. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - AUGUST 31: A makeshift memorial grows outside Nationwide Arena for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau at Nationwide Arena on August 31, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28533953/related

Blue Jackets won't need to hit salary floor by start of season

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/josh-gold-smith/content_cards

Josh Gold-Smith

Senior News Editor

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/kayla-douglas/content_cards