Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov exited his team's 5-2 loss to the Vancouver Canuck...

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4577" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4577">Ivan Provorov</a> exited his team's 5-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Friday night with an upper-body ailment.Provorov appeared to injure his thumb in the second period after being tripped by Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> and colliding into the boards. He was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game. The 27-year-old ranked second on the Blue Jackets in average ice time (23:55) entering Friday's game. He logged two goals and eight points in his first 25 games of the campaign and assisted on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3267" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3267">Damon Severson</a>'s tally before exiting in Vancouver.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Provorov is considered one of the top trade chips this season. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and counts for $4.725 million against the cap. Utah <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3107377" href="https://thescore.com/news/3107377">reportedly</a> checked in on his availability in October.The Blue Jackets currently sit in seventh place of the Metropolitan Division with a 11-12-3 record and sixth with a .481 points percentage.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 6: Ivan Provorov #9 of the Columbus Blue Jackets lays on the ice after tripping during the second period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on December 6, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Jackets' Provorov suffers apparent thumb injury vs. Canucks

Jacob Trouba isn't the biggest fan of how the end of his New York Rangers tenure played out.  "I ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> isn't the biggest fan of how the end of his New York Rangers tenure played out."I don't like that it was made public necessarily or how everything unfolded so publicly, but I guess that's part of New York and what happens," he said after Friday's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3114612" href="https://thescore.com/news/3114612">trade</a> to the Anaheim Ducks, according to <a href="https://x.com/Peter_Baugh/status/1865174645017616900">The Athletic's Peter Baugh</a>. "It made it difficult to play with that hanging over everything."And today, the result is the result. I guess I'm happy with moving forward but maybe not overly thrilled with how it went down. In my opinion, things could have been handled better. I'm not blaming anybody or anything. How it happened, I felt it was kind of an unfortunate ending to a lot of good times in New York." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>New York announced that Trouba would sit for Friday's clash against the Pittsburgh Penguins for roster management purposes. There were rumors that he'd be placed on waivers at 2 p.m. ET, though that never transpired and he was traded soon after.Trouba confirmed the club discussed putting him on waivers as a "threat" to pressure him into facilitating a trade, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5975660/2024/12/06/trouba-rangers-threat-trade-ducks/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Eric Stephens</a>."(Thursday) morning was, 'Accept this trade or we're scratching you,'" Trouba added. "I said, 'OK.' Then it was, 'Accept this trade or you're going on waivers,' and I said, 'OK.' And then it got to a point where I felt comfortable with Anaheim and that (it) was a place I wanted to go."The physical defenseman has been the subject of trade rumors since June, when New York reportedly asked Trouba for the 15 teams on his no-trade list. Trouba was apparently shocked to have been made available, though he ultimately stayed put. "I'll be honest, I was put in a position this summer to make a decision between my career and my family," he said Friday. "I chose my family. I would choose my family 100 times over again. I don't feel bad about that." The Rangers made waves in November when general manager Chris Drury <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3139493" href="https://thescore.com/news/3139493">reportedly</a> indicated he was open for a trade and specifically mentioned Trouba and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a>.Despite the rough breakup, Trouba made it clear he "loved" his time with the Rangers. Highlights included being named captain ahead of the 2022-23 season, two trips to the conference finals, and winning the Presidents' Trophy last campaign."I feel like I've learned and grown so much as a person. ... There will be a piece of my heart definitely in New York," he said, according to the <a href="https://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1865174482828009539">New York Post's Mollie Walker</a>. "Some place I'll definitely come back to a lot. ... I'm very grateful for all those memories. Time to turn the page and start something new."Trouba isn't the only former Ranger to exit controversially in recent months. New York put <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3255" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3255">Barclay Goodrow</a> on waivers in June, allowing him to be picked up by the San Jose Sharks, who were reportedly on his 15-team no-trade list.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 22: Jacob Trouba #8 of the New York Rangers during the anthem prior to the game against the Florida Panthers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 22, 2024 in New York City.

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Trouba: Rangers exit 'could have been handled better'

The New York Sirens placed defender Ella Shelton on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body i...

The New York Sirens placed defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhw/players/11631" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhw/players/11631">Ella Shelton</a> on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury Friday.Shelton was injured during the Sirens' season-opening 4-3 overtime victory over the Minnesota Frost on Sunday. She sat out New York's 4-1 win against the Montreal Victoire on Wednesday and will have to miss at least the next three contests.The 26-year-old logged one assist in nearly 23 minutes of ice time against the Frost. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Shelton was a finalist for the inaugural PWHL Defender of the Year award last season after pacing all rearguards with seven goals and 21 points - including 10 on the power play - in 24 games. She also made history by scoring the league's first goal.The Sirens signed defender Olivia Knowles to a standard player agreement in a corresponding move. She started the campaign on the Toronto Sceptres' reserve list. The 25-year-old recorded one assist in 20 appearances with Toronto last season. Next up for the Sirens is a tilt against the Boston Fleet on Sunday.

ELMONT, NY - MARCH 03: Ella Shelton #17 of the PWHL New York skates during the first period of the game against PWHL Minnesota on March 3, 2024 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

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Sirens place Ella Shelton on LTIR with lower-body injury

The Carolina Hurricanes placed forward Brendan Lemieux on unconditional waivers for the purpose o...

The Carolina Hurricanes placed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3953" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3953">Brendan Lemieux</a> on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, the team announced Friday."Brendan asked to be released from his contract so he could pursue a new opportunity," Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky <a href="https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/canes-place-lemieux-on-unconditional-waivers">said</a>. "We wish him nothing but the best in the next stage of his career."Lemieux hasn't appeared in an NHL game this season. He's recorded two goals and 30 penalty minutes in 12 appearances with the AHL's Chicago Wolves.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 28-year-old joined the Hurricanes on a one-year deal as an unrestricted free agent during the 2023 offseason. He potted five points in 32 appearances with the club last campaign, and Carolina signed him to a one-year extension worth $775,000 in March. Lemieux has registered 36 goals and 74 points in 307 career NHL games, split between the Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, and Hurricanes. The Buffalo Sabres selected him with the first pick of the second round during the 2014 NHL Draft.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 27: Brendan Lemieux #28 of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on during the second period against the Arizona Coyotes at PNC Arena on January 27, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Hurricanes place Brendan Lemieux on unconditional waivers

Alex Tuch gave a harsh review of his Buffalo Sabres after they let a commanding four-goal lead go...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5550" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5550">Alex Tuch</a> gave a harsh review of his Buffalo Sabres after they let a commanding four-goal lead go to waste against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday."It's honestly horseshit. Sorry, pardon my French, but it is," Tuch said following Buffalo's 5-4 loss. "We left (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7745" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7745">Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen</a>) hanging, we left each other hanging. We weren't working for each other after the first period."We thought it was gonna be easy, that they were just gonna go in a hole. That's former Stanley Cup champs over there. ... You can't give them opportunities like that. It's total crap."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Sabres dominated the Avalanche in the opening frame, scoring three times in the first seven minutes - including two in an 11-second span - before chasing goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6533" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6533">Alexandar Georgiev</a> with their fourth goal on their eighth shot.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> got Colorado on the board in the second period, but the wheels truly fell off for Buffalo in the final stanza. The Avalanche lit the lamp three times before the midway mark of the period to tie it at 4-4, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5569" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5569">Artturi Lehkonen</a> potted their fifth unanswered goal with less than five minutes remaining.Buffalo was outshot 17-7 in the third. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5611">Tage Thompson</a> said there was "a lot of panic" in the Sabres' game during the final two periods. "We didn't look like we had any confidence to make plays or execute anything coming out of our zone," he explained. "It looked like when we had (the puck) on our stick, we didn't want it, just got rid of it. They obviously took advantage of that. ... Once they were in our zone, we were just running around."The Sabres had built some momentum after sweeping their three-game West Coast trip. They've since lost their last four contests, including two shutouts. Buffalo now sits fifth in the Atlantic Division with an 11-12-2 record and .480 points percentage.Though Tuch said these Sabres are "light-years ahead" of where they've been in earlier seasons, he's seemingly tired of finding lessons from tough losses."It's a little repetitive. ... It wasn't a good enough effort from any of the guys in this room, honestly," he said. "We just need to be better. Call it a learning experience, honestly, just don't forget how this feels because it sucks."Tuesday's loss may have proved costly in more ways than one. Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7216">Rasmus Dahlin</a> only took one shift in the third period before exiting with back spasms.Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed the issue is related to the injury that sidelined the defenseman in the preseason. Dahlin initially suffered the ailment while passing the puck during Buffalo's first session of training camp in September.Next up for the Sabres is a clash against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 20: Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres during a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on November 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Tuch slams Sabres' 'horseshit' collapse vs. Avalanche

If the first two months of the campaign are any indicator, we're in for a real treat with the Cal...

If the first two months of the campaign are any indicator, we're in for a real treat with the Calder Trophy race this season.The players on this list have so far separated themselves as the top five rookies in the class, and any one of them is just a hot streak away from becoming the new front-runner.Buckle up. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>5. Lane Hutson, Canadiens</h3>Previous: 3<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758267/cropped_GettyImages-2187330032.jpg?ts=1733061806" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758267/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187330032.jpg?ts=1733061806 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758267/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187330032.jpg?ts=1733061806 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758267/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187330032.jpg?ts=1733061806 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758267/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187330032.jpg?ts=1733061806 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758267/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187330032.jpg?ts=1733061806 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>23:07</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>We're exhausted just looking at Hutson's average ice time. Not only is he the busiest rookie by a large margin (no other first-year player has cracked the 20-minute mark), but his playing time also ranks 32nd among all skaters in the league. May we remind you, he's only 20 years old.Hutson also paces the class in assists and sits tied for the second-most points (he was being credited with another helper Tuesday), and he's far and away the best rookie defenseman this season.Of course, Hutson is a heavily used blue-liner on a struggling team, so it isn't always going to be pretty, but he's had a positive impact on the Habs at five-on-five. Montreal has been outscored 23-19 (45.2%) with Hutson on the ice in those situations, but that gap widens to 42-27 (39.1%) with him on the bench.Hutson is only going to improve over time as he continues learning the ropes. Add to that the fact that he could hit the 50-point mark (especially if he gets substantial time on the first power-play unit), and he just might be a Calder finalist by the end of the campaign.<h3>4. Logan Stankoven, Stars</h3>Previous: 2<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758266/cropped_GettyImages-2182862027.jpg?ts=1733061693" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758266/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182862027.jpg?ts=1733061693 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758266/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182862027.jpg?ts=1733061693 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758266/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182862027.jpg?ts=1733061693 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758266/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182862027.jpg?ts=1733061693 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758266/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182862027.jpg?ts=1733061693 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Glenn James / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>15:20</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>It feels odd to keep Stankoven off the podium of these rankings, but the three players ahead of him have been absolutely bonkers as of late, so he'll have to settle for fourth place ... for now.Make no mistake, Stankoven is very much in the running here. He's currently tied for second place in the rookie points race, and he's matched the No. 1 guy on this list for the most even-strength points (12).The 21-year-old should actually have even more goals and points than he does. That poor shooting percentage that was bogging him down in the first month of the season hasn't gotten much better. His 61 shots are the most among all first-year players, but only four of them (three of which are game-winners) have gone in, giving him a measly 6.6% success rate.Stankoven has the honor of playing on one of the league's top teams - a luxury not shared by anyone else on this list - but he's proving to be more than just the beneficiary of his surroundings.<h3>3. Dustin Wolf, Flames</h3>Previous: 5<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756381/cropped_GettyImages-2185052516.jpg?ts=1732117890" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756381/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185052516.jpg?ts=1732117890 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756381/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185052516.jpg?ts=1732117890 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756381/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185052516.jpg?ts=1732117890 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756381/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185052516.jpg?ts=1732117890 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756381/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185052516.jpg?ts=1732117890 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Gerry Thomas / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SO</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>13 (8-4-1)</td>
<td>.918</td>
<td>2.59</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>We doubt many people thought the Flames would occupy a playoff spot in December, but here they are, and Wolf is a big reason why.He ranks at the top of every statistical category among rookies who play his position, and it isn't particularly close. To get a true grasp of how excellent he's been, we have to stack him up against every other goalie in the league, and, boy, are we impressed. Wolf currently ranks fifth in goals saved above average (7.77) and 10th in goals saved above expected (7.35) at all strengths, while his save percentage is the ninth highest among all netminders to make at least five starts.Wolf is still splitting starting duties with Dan Vladar, but the Flames did break the pattern by turning to the 23-year-old for three straight starts in mid-November. He rewarded Calgary's confidence by posting a .966 save percentage and 0.97 goals-against average in the trio of wins.Wolf has posted a sub-.900 save percentage in his last two starts, which will happen over a long campaign. Before that, he owned a .926 clip on the season. He has simply been that guy.<h3>2. Matvei Michkov, Flyers</h3>Previous: 1<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/cropped_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>17:17</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Yes, John Tortorella's decision to scratch Michkov for two games in November was controversial, but you can't argue with the results.The 19-year-old winger has racked up five goals and nine points in 10 games since his return to the lineup. He also apparently used his time in the press box to figure out the whole "scoring at even strength" thing, as seven of those points have come in those situations. For context, he had just three points at even strength before sitting as a healthy scratch.But wait, there's more. Michkov is already up to three overtime winners. To put this in perspective, the Flyers won just four games in overtime all of last season. And, you guessed it, all three clutch tallies came after Michkov's stint on the sidelines. Unsurprisingly, the 19-year-old still leads all rookies in goals and points, while his 0.83 point-per-game rate is second only to the No. 1 guy on this list. It was difficult to bump Michkov down to No. 2 as he didn't do anything to warrant it, but the other Calder Trophy front-runner simply forced our hand.<h3>1. Macklin Celebrini, Sharks</h3>Previous: Unranked<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749626/cropped_GettyImages-2177126839.jpg?ts=1728768286" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749626/w220xh124_GettyImages-2177126839.jpg?ts=1728768286 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749626/w320xh180_GettyImages-2177126839.jpg?ts=1728768286 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749626/w640xh360_GettyImages-2177126839.jpg?ts=1728768286 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749626/w768xh432_GettyImages-2177126839.jpg?ts=1728768286 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749626/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2177126839.jpg?ts=1728768286 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Kavin Mistry / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>19:48</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Return of the Mack, indeed. Celebrini stunned with his first goal and assist in his NHL debut, but he missed the Sharks' next 12 games with a suspected hip injury. We'd say he's recovered just fine.The 18-year-old is fourth among all rookies in points, second in goals, and is tied for the most even-strength points (12) despite playing in significantly fewer games than the guys in front of him. It shouldn't be a surprise then that Celebrini leads the class with a 0.93 point-per-game and a 0.53 goal-per-game rate. He has generated 1.58 goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five, which ranks 14th among all skaters to play at least 200 minutes this season.Celebrini has shown he's more than just a skill guy, too. He's winning puck battles all over the place and already has at least one highlight-reel-worthy defensive play under his belt with an <a href="https://x.com/NHL/status/1859804519716049130">incredible effort</a> to stop an empty-net goal.Oh, and he's red-hot right now with seven points in his last four games. Producing in the NHL is supposed to be hard.Keep an eye on:<ul>
<li>Jackson Blake, Hurricanes</li>
<li>Cutter Gauthier, Ducks</li>
<li>Will Smith, Sharks</li>
<li>Maxim Tsyplakov, Islanders</li>
</ul>(Analytics sources: <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>, <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving Hockey</a>)

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 30: Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks looks on during the first period against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on November 30, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

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Calder Trophy Rankings: Return of the Mack

The reeling New York Rangers may have gotten hammered 5-1 by the New Jersey Devils on home ice, b...

The reeling New York Rangers may have gotten hammered 5-1 by the New Jersey Devils on home ice, but forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2089">Vincent Trocheck</a> thinks the performance showed some improvement."It sounds crazy, but tonight I felt like we played better," he <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-84023634-374574024/vincent-trocheck-12-2-24?in=user-84023634-374574024/sets/nyr-vs-njd-122&amp;si=801d865add5046b78a4705188c8c710e&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing">said</a> postgame.New York outshot the Devils 39-28 during Monday's loss, but New Jersey dictated 58.5% of the expected goals and 60.9% of the high-danger chances at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20393">Natural Stat Trick</a>. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6404" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6404">Jesper Bratt</a> opened the scoring less than two minutes in off a two-on-one break. The Rangers didn't get on the board until the second period when they were already down 4-0. Opposing fans made their presence known at Madison Square Garden with a hearty chorus of "Let's go Devils" toward the end of the game. Bratt believes the chants got under the Rangers' skin."That was great to hear," he <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-84023634-374574024/jesper-bratt-audio?in=user-84023634-374574024/sets/nyr-vs-njd-122&amp;si=6067380b7d0148eaa576b4760c87b0cc&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing">said</a>. "It gives us a boost, and you see their team getting frustrated with it, too." The loss was the Rangers' sixth in their past seven games. Though they still occupy the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, they're losing ground in the Metropolitan Division:<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>New Jersey Devils</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>17-9-2</td>
<td>36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Washington Capitals</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>17-6-1</td>
<td>35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Carolina Hurricanes</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>16-7-1</td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>New York Rangers</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>13-10-1</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a> has been in net for five of those defeats, marking the longest personal losing streak of his NHL career. He allowed 1.53 goals above expected at all strengths against the Devils. New York's recent slump has sparked trade speculation, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3139493" href="https://thescore.com/news/3139493">reports emerged</a> in late November that general manager Chris Drury is looking to shake up the roster. "You hear things," Rangers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8555" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8555">Adam Fox</a> <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-84023634-374574024/fox-684314228?in=user-84023634-374574024/sets/nyr-vs-njd-122&amp;si=8ee2bec6884c4b738c3aa181363ca7e3&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing">said</a> of the chatter. "I don’t know if we consciously let it get in here, we try and just come in every day and play good hockey. Sometimes we don't."We've built a camaraderie in here, we all have each other's backs. ... That's just part of the territory, you're going to have outside noise. It's up to us to not let that creep in." The Rangers' next chance at righting the ship will come Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Trocheck said he and his teammates need to get a little uncomfortable to make that happen. "Guys who are usually playmakers who score goals have got to chip it in, grind it out," he said. "Guys who aren't usually hitting have got to start hitting. We've just got to play out of our comfort zone to dig our way out of this."Trocheck added, "Obviously what we're doing right now isn’t working."

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 02: Jacob Markstrom #25 of the New Jersey Devils makes a save against Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on December 2, 2024 in New York City.

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Trocheck: 'Sounds crazy' but reeling Rangers played better vs. Devils

Detroit Red Wings goalie Cam Talbot suffered a lower-body injury during his team's 5-4 overtime l...

Detroit Red Wings goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1584" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1584">Cam Talbot</a> suffered a lower-body injury during his team's 5-4 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday afternoon. It's unclear how the veteran got hurt, but he departed right after teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5625" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5625">Alex DeBrincat</a> scored to make it 2-2 before the midway mark of the second period. He was ruled out of the remainder of the contest shortly after. Talbot made 12 saves on 14 shots before heading down the tunnel.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde didn't have a postgame update on Talbot's status, adding that he'd know more about the severity of the injury Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/m_bultman/status/1863322000401326390">The Athletic's Max Bultman</a>.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3396" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3396">Ville Husso</a> came into the game in relief and surrendered three goals on 18 shots. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5538" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5538">Alex Lyon</a>, the Red Wings' usual backup, hasn't played since Nov. 25 with a lower-body injury and isn't expected to travel with the team on its upcoming two-game road trip. Lyon has registered a .911 clip and four wins in nine starts this campaign.Talbot entered Sunday's action with a .916 save percentage, 2.67 goals against average, and 6-5-2 record in 14 appearances. The 37-year-old also ranks in the top 10 in goals saved above average (6.29) and goals saved above expected (7.4) at all strengths this season, according to <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/goalie_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_gl_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_gl_team=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_str=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_gl_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_gl_span=%22Regular%22&amp;std_gl_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_gl_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_gl_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_status=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=null&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10674" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10674">Sebastian Cossa</a> could be the next man up for Detroit if Talbot is forced to miss time. Selected by the Red Wings with the 15th overall pick in 2021, he's posted a .929 save percentage, 2.06 goals against average, and eight wins in 13 games for the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins.The 22-year-old has yet to make his NHL debut.Detroit also still has <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1732" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1732">Jack Campbell</a> in its system after he cleared <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3131350" href="https://thescore.com/news/3131350">waivers</a> in November, though he hasn't played a game this season.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 23: Cam Talbot #39 of the Detroit Red Wings drinks water during a timeout in the third period of a game against the Boston Bruins at Little Caesars Arena on November 23, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Red Wings' Talbot suffers injury vs. Canucks

Are the Edmonton Oilers back?   Well, Stuart Skinner at least believes his team's collective effo...

Are the Edmonton Oilers back? Well, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> at least believes his team's collective effort during Saturday's 4-1 victory against the Colorado Avalanche was a promising sign."Yeah," the goalie said when <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1863099381135618083">Sportsnet's Scott Oake</a> asked him if the Oilers have found their game. "I think we're starting to really gel as a group. ... Being able to stick together, really keep things tight in all three zones, I think you see that we're starting to just really trust each other out there. It's lovely to see." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Edmonton entered the 2024-25 season with Stanley Cup aspirations after falling just one game short of winning it all last spring. However, the Oilers toiled in a slow 9-8-2 start that had them outside the playoff picture through the first month of the campaign.Skinner's club has since turned things around, winning four of its last five games to move into third place in the Pacific Division with a 13-9-2 record.Saturday's victory was one of the Oilers' most complete games of the campaign. Eleven different players registered a point against Colorado, while depth pieces <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3961" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3961">Kasperi Kapanen</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11112" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11112">Vasily Podkolzin</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3142">Brett Kulak</a> all found the back of the net. Skinner was also excellent, turning aside 27 of 28 shots for a .964 save percentage. He saved 1.55 goals above expected at all strengths, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20385&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.Despite his strong performance, Skinner still owns an underwhelming .887 clip after going 7-6-2 through his first 15 games of the season. He also ranks 64th out of 72 goalies in goals saved above average (minus-6.33) and 57th in goals saved above expected (minus-4.71) in all situations, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/goalie_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_gl_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_gl_team=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_str=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_gl_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_gl_span=%22Regular%22&amp;std_gl_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_gl_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_gl_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_status=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=null&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>.Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch was pleased with his netminder after he stymied the Avalanche."Obviously, it's not the start that (Skinner) wanted, but it wasn't the start our entire team wanted. ... Since I've been here, I've known a goalie that's pretty much been very solid and put in a lot of good performances," he <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1863109157953716672">said</a>. "Tonight (was) just another one." Skinner responded affirmatively when asked if Saturday's showing is the kind of game he can build on. "I think it's just continuing to trust the process, keep on moving forward here," he <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1863106007578386831%20">said</a>. "It's a good game, some things that I can learn and get better at and just keep on growing."The Oilers will look to pick up their fourth straight win Tuesday against the division-leading Vegas Golden Knights.

EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 23: The Edmonton Oilers celebrate their win against the New York Rangers after the game at Rogers Place on November 23, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Stuart Skinner: Oilers 'starting to really gel as a group'

New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier was suspended one game for cross-checking Nashville Predator...

New Jersey Devils forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4725" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4725">Timo Meier</a> was suspended one game for cross-checking Nashville Predators winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10679" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10679">Zachary L'Heureux</a>, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Tuesday.The incident occurred late in the third period of the Devils' 5-2 victory on Monday. L'Heureux was bloodied on the play and didn't return to the contest. Meier was handed a five-minute major and game misconduct. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wow. Timo Meier just cross checked Zach L'Heureux in the face after the play. Blood and injury. It leads to a five minute major penalty. Predators will have a 5-minute major power play, down two goals. <a href="https://t.co/nh6bLkRlNC">pic.twitter.com/nh6bLkRlNC</a>— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexDaugherty1/status/1861235231702888723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe said he wished Meier had been able to rein in his emotions in that moment.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"He thinks he's in a physical confrontation there, and if the other guy gets his hands up, it probably is different," Keefe <a href="https://www.nhl.com/devils/video/keefe-post-raw-11-25-24-6365190789112">said</a>. "There's no intent there from Timo's spot. He's in a battle and competing in that spot."But, yeah, you gotta show a little more restraint and control, for sure. And any time of the game, but certainly in the third period when it's a two-goal game like that."New Jersey killed off the five-minute penalty and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3058" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3058">Justin Dowling</a> iced the contest with an empty-netter. This is Meier's first suspension of his 565-game NHL career. He's been fined twice, once for roughing in 2017 and again in 2019 for embellishment.The 28-year-old has logged seven goals and 15 points in 24 outings this season.The Devils will face the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday without Meier.

NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: New Jersey Devils right wing Timo Meier (28) hits Nashville Predators left wing Zachary L'Heureux (68) during a NHL game between the Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on November 25, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Meier suspended 1 game for cross-checking Predators' L'Heureux

New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba is ignoring the noise that's accompanied Monday's report in...

New York Rangers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> is ignoring the noise that's accompanied Monday's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3139493" href="https://thescore.com/news/3139493">report</a> indicating he and teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> are on the trade block."It doesn't really matter," he said with a chuckle after Tuesday's practice. "I'm happy to be here, focused on playing hockey. Can't really control that. I learned that throughout the summer - you got to kinda block all that out."Trouba added, "I think it's part of the business. If it's real or not, I don't know. My job's to play hockey."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1861076085448032417">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> was the first to report the news. Sources confirmed it to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5947184/2024/11/25/rangers-kreider-trouba-trade-discussions/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh</a>, who added that Rangers general manager Chris Drury sent a league-wide message indicating he's open to a trade that mentioned Trouba and Kreider by name.Trouba said he hasn't spoken to Drury.The physically imposing defenseman has been with the Rangers since 2019-20 after being traded to New York by the Winnipeg Jets. Trouba paces the team in penalty minutes (324), blocks (829), and hits (931) in 360 games since his arrival. The Blueshirts signed him to a seven-year, $56-million extension in July 2019. He has one more season remaining on the deal after this one. Before last summer, Trouba was shielded by a full no-move clause, but that protection has since shifted to a 15-team no-trade list. New York reportedly asked for his list in late June, which added to speculation that he might be moved over the offseason.Though he ultimately stayed put, Trouba was reportedly shocked to be at the center of trade speculation. The Detroit Red Wings were rumored to be interested in acquiring his services.Trouba said before the 2024-25 season started that there was "no animosity" between him and the Rangers.The 30-year-old has registered six assists, 31 hits, and a team-leading 61 blocks in 20 games while averaging 20:25 minutes of ice time per contest this season.Trouba has struggled in his own end, though, posting a minus-2.6 defensive goals above replacement, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/skater_gar/?_inputs_&amp;gar_sk_team=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_pos=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_base=%22Replacement%22&amp;gar_sk_type=%22Totals%22&amp;gar_sk_col=%22Basic%22&amp;gar_sk_info=%22No%22&amp;gar_sk_status=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;gar_sk_season=%2220242025%22&amp;gar_sk_span=%22Regular%22&amp;gar_sk_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;gar_sk_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_age1=%2217%22&amp;gar_sk_age2=%2250%22&amp;gar_sk_players=%22Jacob%20Trouba%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_all=%2250%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_ev=%220%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_pp=%220%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_sh=%220%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>. His most frequent partner this season has been <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7383" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7383">Ryan Lindgren</a>, and New York has controlled only 45.6% of the shot attempts and 48.1% of the expected goals at five-on-five while getting outscored 8-7 with them on the ice, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/pairings.php?fromseason=20242025&amp;thruseason=20242025&amp;stype=2&amp;sit=5v5&amp;score=all&amp;rate=n&amp;team=NYR&amp;loc=B&amp;toi=0&amp;gpfilt=none&amp;fd=&amp;td=&amp;tgp=410">Natural Stat Trick</a>. The Rangers are currently fourth in the Metropolitan Division with a 12-7-1 record and .625 points percentage. They've lost their last three games in regulation."I think we've hit a little bit of a skid," Trouba said. "Teams go through this - gotta dig our way out, work our way out. It's a little bit of adversity that's struck. We're still in a good spot."The Rangers square off against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday.

EDMONTON, AB - NOVEMBER 23: New York Rangers Defenceman Jacob Trouba (8) in action in the first period of the Edmonton Oilers game versus the New York Rangers on November 23, 2024 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB.

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Rangers' Trouba blocking out recent trade reports: 'Part of the business'

The San Jose Sharks assigned top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov to the AHL, the team announced ...

The San Jose Sharks assigned top goalie prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9205" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9205">Yaroslav Askarov</a> to the AHL, the team announced Tuesday. Askarov started two of the Sharks' last three games - a 3-2 shootout loss to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday and Monday's 7-2 rout of the Los Angeles Kings - in his first taste of NHL action this season.He posted a .927 save percentage and 1.96 goals against average while saving 1.46 goals above average and 1.26 goals above expected at all strengths, according to <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/goalie_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_gl_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_gl_team=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_str=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_gl_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_gl_span=%22Regular%22&amp;std_gl_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_gl_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_gl_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_status=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=%22Yaroslav%20Askarov%22&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_season=%2220242025%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Askarov also recorded his first-ever assist on the Sharks' opening goal of the game against the Kings. San Jose's usual backup goaltender, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4035" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4035">Vitek Vanecek</a>, hasn't played since Nov. 16 because of an upper-body injury, which prompted Askarov's first call-up of the season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4779" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4779">Mackenzie Blackwood</a> has taken on the bulk of the Sharks' workload and owns a .909 save percentage in 14 appearances.Askarov has appeared in nine AHL games for the San Jose Barracuda this season, registering a .939 save percentage, six wins, and two shutouts. The Sharks acquired the 22-year-old from the Nashville Predators in the summer.

ST. LOUIS, MO - NOVEMBER 21: San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) as seen during a NHL game between the San Jose Sharks and the St. Louis Blues, on November 21, 2024, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO.

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Sharks assign Yaroslav Askarov to AHL 

The Vancouver Canucks are getting winger Brock Boeser back Tuesday night when they take on the Bo...

The Vancouver Canucks are getting winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a> back Tuesday night when they take on the Boston Bruins, head coach Rick Tocchet announced.Boeser missed the previous seven games after being injured Nov. 7 by a high hit from Los Angeles Kings forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9747">Tanner Jeannot</a>.The incident occurred in the first period of Vancouver's 4-2 victory. Jeannot was assessed a match penalty for an illegal check to the head, and Boeser was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Jeannot was suspended for three games as a result of the hit.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tanner Jeannot is handed a match penalty for this hit on Brock Boeser 🤕 <a href="https://t.co/m4vbDlpRi0">pic.twitter.com/m4vbDlpRi0</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1854736183827304757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Vancouver went 3-4-0 in Boeser's absence. The team entered Tuesday ranking third in the Pacific Division in points percentage (.605) and holding a 10-6-3 record.Boeser shed his noncontact jersey and was a full participant during Monday's practice. Despite missing time, Boeser is still tied for the team lead with six goals and sits in seventh with 11 points in 12 games.The 27-year-old enjoyed a career year in 2023-24, amassing 40 goals and 73 points while appearing in all but one regular-season contest.Boeser maintained his productivity in the playoffs with seven tallies and 12 points in 12 outings, but he missed Game 7 of the second round against the Edmonton Oilers with a blood-clotting issue. Even if Vancouver had advanced to the Western Conference Final, Boeser wasn't expected to return to action that spring.Though Boeser's return is a welcome sight for the Canucks, they are still without forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> and 2024 Vezina Trophy finalist <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5557" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5557">Thatcher Demko</a>.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - OCTOBER 9: Brock Boeser #6 of the Vancouver Canucks skates up ice during their NHL game against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena on October 9, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Canucks' Boeser back in lineup vs. Bruins

Los Angeles Kings head coach Jim Hiller doesn't think opponents should sleep on the rebuilding Sa...

Los Angeles Kings head coach Jim Hiller doesn't think opponents should sleep on the rebuilding San Jose Sharks."One thing people have to understand is, you shouldn't disrespect this team," Hiller <a href="https://youtu.be/h7Ke9Alzr70">said</a>. "That's not a team that's trying to tank. That's a good hockey team. Strong players, real good back end. We played them three times (this season); they beat us twice. We barely beat them the one at home. I'm going to give them the respect they deserve first."With the niceties out of the way, Hiller let his team have it for Monday's rough 7-2 defeat in San Jose. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was a hard game for 40 minutes ... and then we completely fell apart in the third period," he said. "Just unacceptable, what happened in the third. "We can talk about the first 40, but it gets washed away with that third period." The Kings and Sharks entered the final frame tied 2-2, but the floodgates opened for the hosts soon after. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a>, the 2024 first overall pick, scored one minute into the stanza, kicking off a flurry in which San Jose found the back of the net three times in a 2:40 span."Obviously, they got some life from it, and we had no pushback from there, which is probably the most disappointing part of the game," Hiller said.Celebrini also scored the last tally in the Sharks' early-period outburst, which stood as the eventual game-winner. He recorded an assist in the second frame and joined Patrick Marleau as the second 18-year-old in Sharks history with a three-point game. Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky seemed to like just about everything he saw from Celebrini on Monday."Him and I have had some conversations; sometimes he wants to shoot it through the goalie," the bench boss <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7dk8zJ6MvE&amp;t=12s">said</a>. "He has a good release, a sneaky release where he can catch goalies like he did tonight. When you're not scoring, you press, and that's what happens as a young player. I give him a lot of credit, that conversation was after last game, and he responded."Warsofsky added, "His game is developing away from the puck. The last couple games, he's been really good defensively. He's really coming on as a 200-foot player." Celebrini is up to six goals and 10 points in 12 games this season.The Sharks got off to a miserable 0-7-2 start to the campaign but have gone 7-5-3 in their last 15 games, bringing them to a 7-12-5 mark on the year. San Jose was 6-16-2 through its first 24 outings of its abysmal 2023-24 season.The Kings will try to bounce back Wednesday against the league-leading Winnipeg Jets, while the Sharks will host the Ottawa Senators.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Yaroslav Askarov #30 of the San Jose Sharks celebrates his first win with the Sharks against the Los Angeles Kings at SAP Center on November 25, 2024 in San Jose, California.

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Kings' Hiller tips cap to Sharks: 'You shouldn't disrespect this team'

The Nashville Predators traded forward Philip Tomasino to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for...

The Nashville Predators traded forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1437" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1437">Philip Tomasino</a> to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick, the teams announced Monday. Tomasino is currently signed to a one-year deal worth $825,000. He can become an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent this summer. The 23-year-old has logged one assist in 11 appearances this season while averaging 11:18 minutes of ice time per contest. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nashville selected Tomasino with the 24th overall pick at the 2019 NHL Draft. He's totaled 23 goals and 71 points in 159 games split across four seasons and is capable of playing all three forward positions.The Mississauga, Ontario, native enjoyed his best campaign during his rookie year in 2021-22 when he registered 11 goals and 32 points in 76 appearances.He'll travel to Pittsburgh in hopes of practicing with the team Tuesday.Earlier in November, the Penguins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3114608" href="https://thescore.com/news/3114608">traded</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1077" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1077">Lars Eller</a> to the Washington Capitals for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder.Both Pittsburgh and Nashville are struggling to start the season. The Penguins are in the basement of the Metropolitan Division with a 7-12-4 record, while the Predators occupy seventh place in the Central Division with a 7-11-3 mark.

CALGARY, AB - NOVEMBER 15: Nashville Predators center Philip Tomasino (26) skates during the first period of an NHL game between the Calgary Flames and the Nashville Predators on November 15, 2024, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB.

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Predators trade Tomasino to Penguins for 4th-rounder

Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green gave an impassioned defense of Brady Tkachuk after recent...

Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green gave an impassioned defense of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> after recent criticism suggested the captain might be too fiery for his own good."I got asked about this the other night, someone asked about reining in Brady. ... We're lucky to have this guy, for starters," Green <a href="https://www.nhl.com/senators/video/travis-green-pregame-media-vs-cgy-6365166706112">told</a> reporters Monday. "He's a skilled hockey player, he's tough, he's mean, he cares passionately about winning, about winning in Ottawa, and he's a very good hockey player. I think if you looked around ... (in) any league, any world, you'd want a player like this on your hockey team. "I don't think (the criticism) is fair. ... Sometimes when you have something for a little while, you kind of forget what you have."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tkachuk leads the league with 48 penalty minutes in 20 games this season.He racked up 21 minutes during the Senators' clash Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. Those infractions included a roughing call in the first period, unsportsmanlike conduct in the second, and cross-checking and fighting in the third. He was given a 10-minute misconduct after dropping the gloves with Dakota Joshua and was unavailable for the final six minutes of the game with Ottawa down by three goals.Though the Senators would score twice in the last three-and-a-half minutes, they ultimately lost 4-3 for their fifth straight defeat. Tkachuk paces the team with 10 goals and ranks second with 21 points. Ottawa owns an 8-25-2 mark in games the 25-year-old winger records a fight, per <a href="https://x.com/alexadamsBTP_/status/1861105770210685256">Sportsnet's Alex Adams</a>. "No one's perfect," Green said. "Is he gonna make the odd mistake that might cost us a goal? Yes, he is. But I'd rather a guy make a mistake being emotional and playing with his passion and his heart than to sit and be meek and make mistakes that way." He added, "I think people forget this guy is a young guy still and, my God, to go after a guy because he is emotional and wants to win, like really? We want all our players to be emotional and want to win, so to challenge a guy like that ... I think it's crazy."The Senators will square off against the Calgary Flames at 7:30 p.m. ET Monday. They entered the contest in seventh place of the Atlantic Division with an 8-11-1 record and .425 points percentage.

OTTAWA, CANADA - NOVEMBER 23: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators fights Dakota Joshua #81 of the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Canadian Tire Centre on November 23, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Green defends Tkachuk's fire: Senators 'lucky to have this guy'

Few people in the hockey world have had a busier week than Jim Montgomery.   His tenure as bench ...

Few people in the hockey world have had a busier week than Jim Montgomery. His tenure as bench boss of the Boston Bruins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133503" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133503">ended last Tuesday</a>, but he was unemployed for only five days before <a href="https://www.thescore.com/news/3138324">St. Louis hired him</a>. Now, he's mere hours away from his first game as head coach of the Blues."Crazy! Crazy!" Montgomery <a href="https://www.nhl.com/blues/video/montgomery-on-joining-blues-6365164552112">said</a> when asked to assess the past six days. "There's no other word for it. A lot of emotions. I'm a firm believer that when one door closes, another one opens if you do the right thing."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Despite the whirlwind, Montgomery said it was an easy choice to take the St. Louis job now rather than wait to see what other opportunities might open up in the offseason, partly because he served as an assistant coach for the Blues in 2020-21 and 2021-22."I've worked with over half this lineup already, and I know how committed they are to playing the right way and the type of people they are," he said. "For me, this was a no-brainer to be able to come back home and be a Blue again."The 55-year-old is already familiar with virtually all of the Blues' core players, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6443" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6443">Robert Thomas</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5678" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5678">Jordan Kyrou</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5573" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5573">Pavel Buchnevich</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/589">Brayden Schenn</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4482" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4482">Colton Parayko</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a>. Montgomery believes the familiarity gives him a "tremendous head start," but he's also treating the opportunity as a clean slate. "I'm coming in here with no expectations," he said. "For the players, that's healthy. For me, that's healthy. ... But there is an expectation for us to be a blue-collar team, that we're gonna work and we're gonna have energy." Montgomery said when Blues general manager Doug Armstrong called him about the head-coaching job, he first thought the executive was just checking in on him as a friend. "Once it turned to business, the engine and my blood started pumping," he said.Montgomery added that Armstrong can be "very persuasive." "The best line that put his hooks into me was, 'When something delicious falls on my plate, I eat.' So, I don't know, I guess I was a T-bone that day," he said with a laugh. Armstrong <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3138564" href="https://thescore.com/news/3138564">revealed</a> Sunday that he had no intention of making a coaching change until Montgomery became available. The 2023 Jack Adams Award winner will now be tasked with helping right the Blues' ship. They currently sit in sixth place of the Central Division with a 9-12-1 record and have struggled to score, ranking 30th in the league in goals per game (2.36). "To me, this is an offensive-slanted team, and it just shows you how hard it is to score," Montgomery said.The Blues will play the New York Rangers at 7 p.m. ET Monday.

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 17: St. Louis Blues coach Jim Montgomery goes over strategy for the penalty kill during a time out in a game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the St. Louis Blues on March 17, 2022, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis MO

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Montgomery: 'Crazy' week but 'no-brainer' to return to Blues

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is in concussion protocol, head coach Rod Brind'Am...

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12697">Pyotr Kochetkov</a> is in concussion protocol, head coach Rod Brind'Amour announced Monday, per team beat reporter <a href="https://x.com/WaltRuff/status/1861086154549797133">Walt Ruff</a>.There's no set timeline for his return."You see some guys bounce back really quick, and some guys, it takes longer," Brind'Amour said.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kochetkov suffered the injury after teammate <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6471">Sean Walker</a> ran into him in overtime during the Hurricanes' 5-4 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pyotr Kochetkov left the game in OT after getting clipped in the head. <a href="https://t.co/8z9Nm1hOpq">pic.twitter.com/8z9Nm1hOpq</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1860515498951151865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Carolina has already been without veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> since late October. He was given a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3135147" href="https://thescore.com/news/3135147">recovery timeline</a> of 8-12 weeks with a knee injury and underwent surgery Friday. Kochetkov has registered a 10-2-0 record along with a .904 save percentage and 2.42 goals against average this campaign.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3025" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3025">Spencer Martin</a> appears set to take over the reins as the starting goaltender moving forward. He's appeared in five games in 2024-25 and owns a .870 save percentage.Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said he was "very comfortable" with Kochetkov and Martin in net after Andersen got hurt but added that he'd be considering all options.Carolina recalled netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14085" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14085">Yaniv Perets</a> from the AHL on Sunday. He's played in three games for the Chicago Wolves this season, posting an .825 save percentage. The 24-year-old has yet to make his first NHL start. Carolina will take on the Dallas Stars on Monday at 7 p.m. ET. The Hurricanes entered the action in second place of the Metropolitan Division with a 14-5-1 record and first with a .725 points percentage.

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 23: Detailed look at Pyotr Kochetkov #52 of the Carolina Hurricanes mask worn during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on November 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Kochetkov in concussion protocol, no return timeline

The New York Rangers are keen on shaking up their roster following Saturday's 6-2 thrashing at th...

The New York Rangers are keen on shaking up their roster following Saturday's 6-2 thrashing at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, reports <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1861076085448032417">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> and veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> are reportedly among the options being considered, Friedman adds.Sources also told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5947184/2024/11/25/rangers-kreider-trouba-trade-discussions/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh</a> that Rangers general manager Chris Drury sent a message Monday to the league's 31 other teams indicating he's open for a trade and mentioning the names of Trouba and Kreider.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Trouba is signed through the 2025-26 campaign and carries an $8-million cap hit. Kreider is under contract for two more seasons after this one on a pact worth $6.5 million annually.Both players have a 15-team no-trade list after owning a full no-movement clause for the previous four seasons. Trouba was at the center of some trade speculation in the early offseason, and reports indicated that the Detroit Red Wings were interested in acquiring the physical blue-liner. He was apparently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2933652" href="https://thescore.com/news/2933652">shocked</a> to be on the trade block.The 30-year-old has logged six assists, 29 hits, and a team-leading 56 blocks in 19 games while averaging 20:32 minutes of ice time per contest this season.Trouba has posted a minus-2.3 defensive goals above replacement, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/skater_gar/?_inputs_&amp;gar_sk_team=%22NYR%22&amp;gar_sk_pos=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_base=%22Replacement%22&amp;gar_sk_type=%22Totals%22&amp;gar_sk_col=%22Basic%22&amp;gar_sk_info=%22No%22&amp;gar_sk_status=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;gar_sk_season=%2220242025%22&amp;gar_sk_span=%22Regular%22&amp;gar_sk_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;gar_sk_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_age1=%2217%22&amp;gar_sk_age2=%2250%22&amp;gar_sk_players=null&amp;gar_sk_toi_all=%2250%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_ev=%220%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_pp=%220%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_sh=%220%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>. He's donned the "C" in New York since the 2022-23 season. Kreider has spent his entire 13-year NHL career with the Rangers after being selected with the 19th overall pick at the 2009 draft. He ranks third in the franchise's all-time record books in goals (313), 10th in points (561), and ninth in games played (834). The 33-year-old has 113 power-play goals to his name and needs just four more to pass Camille Henry for the most in team history. Kreider has registered nine goals and no assists in 19 outings this campaign. He's scored once in his last six games and won't play Monday against the St. Louis Blues because of an upper-body injury.The Rangers entered Monday's action in fourth place of the Metropolitan Division with a 12-6-1 record, though they are just two points behind the Washington Capitals in the third spot with one game in hand. Their .658 points percentage is eighth best in the league.Trouba acknowledged before the start of the 2024-25 campaign that it could be the "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3078781" href="https://thescore.com/news/3078781">last crack</a>" for this core. New York has made it to the Eastern Conference Final in two of the last three seasons. The Rangers are set to face no shortage of roster choices. They already <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3108134" href="https://thescore.com/news/3108134">signed</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9195" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9195">Alexis Lafreniere</a> to a seven-year deal with a $7.45-million cap hit, but the likes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8593">Kaapo Kakko</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9235" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9235">Will Cuylle</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9103" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9103">K'Andre Miller</a> are all pending restricted free agents, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7383" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7383">Ryan Lindgren</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/587" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/587">Jonathan Quick</a> can all become unrestricted free agents at the end of the campaign.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 11: Jacob Trouba #8 and Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers look on during the national anthem prior to the home opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden on October 11, 2022 in New York City.

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Report: Rangers want roster shake-up; Trouba, Kreider among options

St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said his choice to fire head coach Drew Bannister ...

St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said his choice to fire head coach Drew Bannister stemmed almost entirely from the sudden clearing of Jim Montgomery's schedule."When I woke up Wednesday morning, there was no inclination to make a coaching change," he revealed during Sunday's <a href="https://www.nhl.com/blues/video/armstrong-on-coaching-change-6365129886112">press conference</a>. "When I talked to Drew today, I told him this was more of a decision based on the availability of someone I think is a top NHL coach," Armstrong continued. "Someone that we have experience with, someone I really do believe can coach this team and also coach the team when it reaches its ultimate level of competitiveness." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Montgomery was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133503" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133503">fired</a> by the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, but he was only out of a job for five days. He was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3138324" href="https://thescore.com/news/3138324">scooped up</a> by the Blues on Sunday. St. Louis signed the 2023 Jack Adams Award winner to a five-year deal.Bannister finished last season as interim bench boss of the Blues and was just 22 games into the two-year extension he signed in May. This was his first-ever head coaching gig at the NHL level."The situation that we were in, a young coach learning, learning with young players, it wasn't an easy situation for (Bannister) to walk into," Armstrong said. "I thought he did a good job. He was making mistakes. We were all making mistakes and that's how you get better." The executive added that he was "more than prepared to go through the peaks and valleys" with Bannister, but he ultimately felt hiring Montgomery was "the right thing" for the franchise."We have our work to do, we have a lot of things that Jim has to get organized to his satisfaction, and we're ready to move ahead," Armstrong said. Montgomery is the Blues' third coach in less than a year after the team fired Craig Berube last December, but Armstrong said he's "quite confident" this will be his last time hosting a press conference of this nature. St. Louis <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2926242" href="https://thescore.com/news/2926242">announced</a> in June that Alex Steen will be succeeding Armstrong as general manager beginning in 2026. Despite the Blues' big-ticket hiring, Armstrong isn't about to stray from his retooling plan. "Our vision of where we're at has not changed. ... Bringing in Monty today doesn't put (top prospects <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13837" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13837">Dalibor Dvorsky</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/12737" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/12737">Jimmy Snuggerud</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13836" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13836">Theo Lindstein</a>, and Otto Stenberg) any closer to playing," he said. "That comes with maturity. What it does is gives us a really good coach for today and for tomorrow."Montgomery will speak to the media Monday.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 31: Head coach Jim Montgomery of the Boston Bruins looks on during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on October 31, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Armstrong: Bannister firing based on sudden availability of Montgomery

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