Multiple members of Team Canada acknowledged that they felt the energy of millions of fans during...

Multiple members of Team Canada acknowledged that they felt the energy of millions of fans during Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off final."Yeah, we wanted this one," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> told <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1892804845804884229">Sportsnet's Kyle Bukauskas</a> after Canada's 3-2 overtime victory over the United States. "Forty million Canadians sitting at home, you feel that energy rooting us on. The pride we have to play for our country every time we get (the chance to wear) the flag on our chest, it's a special feeling."Hockey's what we do, right? Brings us together. I'm just glad we were able to get this win."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Head coach Jon Cooper agreed with Stone's sentiment."I just hope Canada's proud, because every player in that room is proud to be a Canadian," he said. "Did we need a win? Not only our team, but Canada needed a win. And the players (carried) that on their shoulders and they took it seriously. "This one was different. This wasn't a win for themselves. This was a win for 40-plus million people. The guys knew it and they delivered."United States president Donald Trump reiterated his desire Thursday for Canada to become the 51st state, posting about it on his <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/11027203/donald-trump-4-nations-face-off-governor-trudeau/">Truth Social platform</a> prior to the game.Fans booed the U.S. anthem during the tournament's spin through Montreal, while the Canadian anthem singer in Boston <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3222374" href="https://thescore.com/news/3222374">changed the lyrics</a> in protest of Trump's remarks before the final. Canada prime minister Justin Trudeau wrote, "You can't take our country - and you can’t take our game" in a <a href="https://x.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1892793839649272278">statement</a> on X shortly after the Canadians claimed the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy."I think there were a lot of questions going into (the tournament)," Canadian captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> said when asked about Trudeau's post. "What was it going to feel like? Was it going to be an All-Star Game? What was the level going to be like as far as how were players viewing it? I think that got answered pretty quickly on the first night against Sweden."I think you saw the passion. It just continued to build and build. You saw the attention and how much it meant to people. Obviously in Canada, we have a lot of pride in being Canadian but also for hockey as well. I think our group felt that. It meant a lot that we could find a way to pull it out tonight."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> spent the tournament dealing with his fair share of naysayers, who zeroed in on Canada's crease as its biggest weakness. But he walked away feeling proud of how he and his team navigated the outside noise."As an athlete and competitor, there's always gonna be that doubt," Binnington said. "You've got to use that as motivation and find a way and believe in yourself to get the job done. Just being around these guys the last two weeks, I feel like it's elevated everyone's game. "Just how proud we are to be Canadian hockey players, just finding a way to win with everything going on, just stay with it is all I'll say."

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 20: Mark Stone #61 of Team Canada hoists the 4 Nations Face-Off Trophy after their 3-2 overtime win in the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship game between Team Canada and Team United States at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. Team Canada defeated Team United States 3-2 in overtime.

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Stone: We felt the energy from '40 million Canadians'

Team USA scratched Winnipeg Jets sniper Kyle Connor for Thursday night's 4 Nations Face-Off final...

Team USA scratched Winnipeg Jets sniper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> for Thursday night's 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada.Connor leads all U.S.-born skaters with 30 goals in 56 games this season, but he was limited to one assist and one shot on goal in three games in the tournament.New York Rangers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> remained in the lineup in Connor's absence. He was a healthy scratch for Team USA's first two games but scored the Americans' only goal Monday in their 2-1 loss to Sweden when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> were sidelined.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kreider started Thursday's game on Team USA's fourth line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2089" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2089">Vincent Trocheck</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2524" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2524">Brock Nelson</a>.The United States won the first matchup against Canada 3-1 on Saturday.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 17: Kyle Connor #81 of Team United States skates during the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off between Team Sweden and Team United States at TD Garden on February 17, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Team USA scratches Kyle Connor for final vs. Canada

Pittsburgh Penguins veteran Evgeni Malkin once again made it clear that he doesn't want to play a...

Pittsburgh Penguins veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> once again made it clear that he doesn't want to play anywhere else."I know what some people say - like, I go back to Russia and play for my home team," he told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6146829/2025/02/19/evgeni-malkin-retirement-penguins/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Rob Rossi</a> on Wednesday. "But I never say it, you know? I retire with Pittsburgh. The Penguins are my team. I love this team. "When I retire, it's here."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Malkin said he'd play one game at most for his hometown club, the KHL's Metallurg Magnitogorsk, "to say goodbye" at the end of his career.The 38-year-old has one more year remaining on his current deal with a cap hit of $6.1 million, but he hasn't decided if he'll hang up the skates when it expires in 2026. Longtime teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1023" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1023">Kris Letang</a> are signed until 2027 and 2028, respectively.Malkin has chipped in with nine goals and 34 points in 47 contests this campaign, his 19th in the NHL. He ranks third in franchise history in goals (507), assists (823), and points (1,330), as well as second in games played (1,192). The future Hall of Famer has won three Stanley Cup championships with the club (2009, 2016, 2017).The Penguins made the playoffs in the first 16 seasons of Malkin's tenure, but they fell short the past two campaigns and are on track to do so again.Pittsburgh entered the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off six points outside of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 23-25-9 record. The team has a 3.4% chance of qualifying for the postseason, according to <a href="https://moneypuck.com/predictions.htm">MoneyPuck</a>. Malkin missed the Penguins' last six contests with a lower-body injury, but he confirmed Wednesday that he's ready to return, according to <a href="https://x.com/OtherNHLCrosby/status/1892261718941721067">NHL.com's Wes Crosby</a>.Pittsburgh's schedule resumes Saturday against the Washington Capitals at 3 p.m. ET.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 18: Penguins center Evgeni Geno Malkin (71) waits for a face-off during the Pittsburgh Penguins versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on January 18, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C..

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Malkin reaffirms dedication to Penguins: 'When I retire, it's here'

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones hasn't formally requested a trade, but he and agent Pat ...

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3005" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a> hasn't formally requested a trade, but he and agent Pat Brisson have been chatting with general manager Kyle Davidson about the possibility of a move."We all know the whole story and what happened when I got here," Jones said, per the <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/02/19/seth-jones-blackhawks-nhl-trade-deadline-chance-to-win">Chicago Sun-Times' Ben Pope</a>. "I would like to give myself a chance to win in my career. I know that the money is not an easy thing to move, and that's what we're figuring out. If it happens, it happens. Obviously, while I'm here with the Blackhawks, they have my full effort (and) full attention to this team to try to get this team better."He added, "Winning games makes you feel better. It makes the team feel better. It makes your organization feel better. You have fun coming to the rink every day. That's what my goal is for this team, as long as I'm here. It could be two weeks. It could be five more years."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Teams have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3191963" href="https://thescore.com/news/3191963">reportedly</a> been calling about Jones' availability. The Blackhawks acquired Jones from the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2021 offseason in exchange for a package that included two first-round picks and a second-rounder. Chicago then signed the rearguard to a mammoth eight-year pact with an average annual value of $9.5 million and a full no-movement clause.Jones is currently playing out the third year of that pact in his fourth season in Chicago. The Blackhawks have struggled mightily during his tenure, amassing a 94-175-32 record since 2021-22. Their .365 points percentage is tied with the San Jose Sharks for the worst in the league over that span.The 30-year-old was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3189837" href="https://thescore.com/news/3189837">booed</a> by frustrated Blackhawks fans during a particularly ugly 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames in January. He said the reaction came "with the territory" of his huge contract.Jones has the fifth-highest cap hit among all defensemen this campaign, trailing only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5520">Zach Werenski</a> ($9.583 million), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7216">Rasmus Dahlin</a> ($11 million), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/560">Drew Doughty</a> ($11 million), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/864" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/864">Erik Karlsson</a> ($11.5 million).Jones has hit the 40-point mark four times and the 50-point milestone twice, including in his first season with the Blackhawks.The Texas native has six goals - including two game-winners - and 26 points in 38 appearances with Chicago this campaign while averaging 24:38 minutes of ice time per contest.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 20: Seth Jones #4 of the Chicago Blackhawks in action against the Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center on January 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Blackhawks, Jones have discussed possibility of trade

Team USA has been granted permission to call Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson and New Jersey D...

Team USA has been granted permission to call Buffalo Sabres center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5611">Tage Thompson</a> and New Jersey Devils defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4501" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4501">Brett Pesce</a> to Boston in the event of injuries or illnesses ahead of Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off finale, reports <a href="https://x.com/RussoHockey/status/1892325318720942221">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>.Thompson can only enter the lineup if the U.S. has fewer than 12 healthy forwards, and Pesce can join if the team has fewer than six defensemen.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> was initially eyed as a replacement if the national team was to have another absence on the back end, but the Vancouver Canucks captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3221477" href="https://thescore.com/news/3221477">wasn't medically cleared</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9188" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9188">Jake Sanderson</a> replaced <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a> in the lineup for the United States' 2-1 loss to Sweden on Monday. McAvoy has been <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220898" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220898">ruled out</a> of Thursday's championship game against Canada due to a shoulder injury. Thompson was one of the final cuts for Team USA, according to <a href="https://x.com/emilymkaplan/status/1892325838680453269">ESPN's Emily Kaplan</a>. His 26 goals in 48 outings this season are the third most among all U.S.-born skaters, trailing only 4 Nations Face-Off teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5578" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5578">Jake Guentzel</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a>. Pesce has recorded 11 points in 48 games for the Devils this campaign while averaging 20:47 of ice time.The U.S. held captain <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> and star forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> out of Monday's matchup with the Swedes, but both <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3221380">confirmed</a> Wednesday that they'd be good to go against Canada.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> missed Wednesday's practice due to illness after getting hurt Monday, but he's also expected to play.The United States beat Canada 3-1 in the longtime rivals' first meeting at the tournament Saturday. The puck drops on the rematch at 8 p.m. ET.

EDMONTON, CANADA - JANUARY 25: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres warms up prior to the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on January 25, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Report: Thompson, Pesce on standby for Team USA 

Ludvig Aberg narrowly beat a surging Maverick McNealy for a one-stroke victory at the Genesis Inv...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5384">Ludvig Aberg</a> narrowly beat a surging <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1961" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1961">Maverick McNealy</a> for a one-stroke victory at the Genesis Invitational on Sunday.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
<th>Round 4 score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>-12</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Maverick McNealy</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>64</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Patrick Rodgers</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>71</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Patrick Cantlay</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Tommy Fleetwood</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Tony Finau</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Denny McCarthy</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>71</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>McNealy shot into contention with nine birdies through his first 13 holes. Aberg tied him with three straight birdies on his back nine before securing the win with another on the 18th hole. The victory is Aberg's second on the PGA TOUR, with his first coming at the RSM Classic in 2023. The 25-year-old Swede was a runner-up on three occasions last season, including at the Masters and BMW Championship.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was a great fight," Aberg said of his Sunday showing at Torrey Pines, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/aberg-torrey-pines-genesis-invitational-mcnealy-scheffler-484f211b13e6a3bb8b14566eb1ed63b2">The Associated Press' Doug Ferguson</a>. "I'm really proud of the way I finished. It was really cool."McNealy entered the final round five strokes back of the lead and was pleased with how he finished. "It's more than I could have asked for at the start of the day," he said. "Ludvig played awesome. I knew with that leaderboard it was going to take some great golf to get it done."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> is the host of the Genesis Invitational, but he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3215046" href="https://thescore.com/news/3215046">withdrew</a> after the death of his mother, Kultida.

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Ludvig Åberg of Sweden reacts after making birdie on the 15th green during the final round of The Genesis Invitational 2025 at Torrey Pines Golf Course on February 16, 2025 in La Jolla, California.

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Aberg takes Genesis Invitational by 1 stroke over McNealy

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley got the green light to join Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Of...

Dallas Stars defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8659">Thomas Harley</a> got the green light to join Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1890444367111831601">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a> on Friday.Daly said the league and the NHLPA agreed Harley can be with the squad in case <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> is unable to play against the United States on Saturday night. Makar missed Friday's practice due to illness.Canada head coach Jon Cooper is optimistic about Makar's availability.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Expect is a big word, but I'm confident," he said, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1890450409849852153">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>. "I'm confident he'll be there."It was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6135565/2025/02/13/thomas-harley-4-nations-canada-injury-sub/">reported</a> Thursday that Harley was already on standby and was scheduled to travel to Boston on Friday in the wake of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a>'s tournament-ending injury.Canada will play one more game in Montreal - Saturday's showdown against the U.S. - before heading to Boston for the rest of the tournament.Theodore suffered an <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3216976" href="https://thescore.com/news/3216976">apparent wrist injury</a> in the second period of Canada's 4-3 overtime victory over Sweden on Wednesday and is considered week-to-week. Philadelphia Flyers rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4175" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4175">Travis Sanheim</a> is set to enter the lineup in Theodore's absence, but Canada no longer has a spare blue-liner on its roster. Squads could only bring one extra player at each position, totaling 20 skaters and three goalies.Initially, the 4 Nations teams could only add new players if there were fewer than 18 healthy skaters or two able netminders remaining on their rosters, but that rule has been adjusted in light of Canada's jam. "We have told them they can identify and notify a player that he would be next up," Daly told The Athletic. "But they know they have to play with the six (defensemen) they have left until they drop below that."Can't add anyone to the team or have him participate in any team activities until that happens."Harley has amassed nine goals and 29 points in 53 games so far this campaign while averaging 22:39 minutes of ice time per contest. He's also a team-leading plus-26, and he's been seeing 25 minutes per game since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a> was injured Jan. 28.The 23-year-old helped Canada win silver at the 2021 World Junior Championship.

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 14: Dallas Stars Defenceman Thomas Harley (55) skates with the puck during the NHL regular season game between the Dallas Stars and the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 14, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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Stars' Harley cleared to join Team Canada

For Finland forward Patrik Laine, being labeled the underdogs at the 4 Nations Face-Off is nothin...

For Finland forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5587" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5587">Patrik Laine</a>, being labeled the underdogs at the 4 Nations Face-Off is nothing new for his country on the international stage."I feel like we're always doubted," the Montreal Canadiens sniper <a href="https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/video/pregame-vs-usa-laine-6368769463112">said</a>. "I don't think anybody in that locker room really cares what you guys are saying. We know what we can do out there, and nothing better than proving people wrong. We like to do that, so I think we're happy where we're at."Finland begins play Thursday night in Montreal against the Americans, who many consider the favorites to win the tournament.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Though the Finns are in for a tough fight, Laine hopes they'll have the support of the Bell Centre crowd. Fans heartily <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3217543" href="https://thescore.com/news/3217543">booed</a> Toronto Maple Leafs and Team USA captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> when he took to the ice during the opening ceremony on Wednesday, which didn't surprise Laine at all."Yeah, of course, that's how it goes here," Laine said. "I'm pretty confident they'll be on our side. ... I'm not too worried about it."U.S. defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a> agreed with Laine and isn't expecting a warm welcome for his team in Montreal."I played here in (the 2017 world juniors), I've played here twice a year since I've been in (the league) in Montreal," the Boston Bruins rearguard <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/4-nations-raw-charlie-mcavoy-6368773479112">said</a>. "It's a hostile rink. They don't like us. I can't say I've ever been here and been cheered for. It's always like that.""It kinda feels like us against the world and that's fine by me," McAvoy added, per <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1890154663720415293">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. Laine, meanwhile, is hopeful Finland can rebound from its eighth-place finish at the World Cup of Hockey in 2016. The 26-year-old was held without a point in three appearances at that event. "It'll be a fun night for sure. We've all been expecting and waiting for this for a while now," he said. "The last time we had best-on-best it definitely didn't go so well for us. I think we all kind of want to change that and have a better tournament."Just gotta fire up the crowd early." Laine has had no problem bringing the Bell Centre to its feet in his first season as a Hab. He scored in his season debut - which was delayed until early December because of a knee injury - and has racked up 12 goals and 18 points in 28 outings.

MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 11: Patrik Laine #92 of Finland takes questions during media day ahead of the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at the Bell Centre on February 11, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Finland's underdog status doesn't faze Laine: 'We're always doubted'

Team Canada and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore will miss the remainder of the 4 Na...

Team Canada and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a> will miss the remainder of the 4 Nations Face-Off after sustaining an apparent wrist injury in the tournament opener against Sweden on Wednesday.The Golden Knights said Thursday that Theodore is expected to be week-to-week. Vegas doesn't play again until Feb. 22 against the Vancouver Canucks."Heartbreaking for the kid," head coach Jon Cooper said, per <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1889900847104143759">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Theodore was hurt while bracing for a hit from Swedish forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4520">Adrian Kempe</a> along the boards early in the second period. He didn't return to the contest.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LaX5Mgg8Gg4?si=MM13gCIS_1b64HDD" 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>The 29-year-old saw almost seven minutes of ice time before getting hurt. Canada held a 2-0 lead when he exited the game. Philadelphia Flyers blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4175" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4175">Travis Sanheim</a> was scratched as Canada's extra defenseman for Wednesday's contest. The squad won't be able to add another rearguard unless there are fewer than 18 healthy skaters on the roster, according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1889877169675161926">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>. Canada entered the 4 Nations Face-Off with 20 skaters.Theodore's Golden Knights teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a> pulled out of the tournament after Canada selected him in order to tend to an injury of his own.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - FEBRUARY 12: Shea Theodore #27 of Team Canada skates back on defense during the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between Canada and Sweden at Bell Centre on February 12, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Canada's Theodore out for tournament after injury vs. Sweden

Canada thwarted Sweden's comeback attempt with a 4-3 overtime victory to open the 4 Nations Face-...

Canada thwarted Sweden's comeback attempt with a 4-3 overtime victory to open the 4 Nations Face-Off on Wednesday night.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> scored the game-winner in the extra frame, but captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> led the way for the Canadians with three assists. The performance was his seventh multi-point outing when representing his home country, per <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1889873700704624753">Sportsnet Stats</a>."(Crosby) will go down as the greatest player to ever wear the Canadian jersey," national team coach Jon Cooper said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/EricEngels/status/1889901485187846425">Sportsnet's Eric Engels</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Crosby's first helper was a slick behind-the-back feed to fellow Nova Scotian <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> on the power play just 56 seconds into the game. He then held off Swedish defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9416">Gustav Forsling</a> to set up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> in the middle stanza before assisting on Marner's overtime tally."Insane," Marner said of Crosby's performance. "It's crazy, just watching him, being on his team, just seeing the work ethic, everything he does. Its insane, that Stone goal, what he did on that play was insane. That's why he's a top player in the world." He added: "You tell 10-year-old Mitch that he scored an overtime goal assisted by Sidney Crosby, the guy he's looked up to since Day 1, yeah, it's pretty crazy. I'm sure my family's going to be very excited about that one."Crosby was named the first star of the game and fans at the Bell Centre showed their appreciation by chanting his name. "Special, the atmosphere, played in this building many times in the playoffs, but tonight, it was pretty cool," he told <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1889894912856043663">Sportsnet's Kyle Bukauskas</a> after the matchup. "Just an unbelievable game, unbelievable skill and talent out there. It was some great hockey."Canada has now <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1889817383814176990">won 26 straight games</a> across all international competitions with Crosby in the lineup since Feb. 21, 2010, which was a preliminary clash at the Vancouver Olympics. The first period of Wednesday's showdown belonged to the Canadians. They outshot the Swedes 7-3 and held a 6-0 edge in high-danger chances, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=90001">Natural Stat Trick</a>. Sweden wasn't credited with a shot on goal until 17:16 in, four minutes after Canada made it 2-0 off a goal from <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>, which electrified the Bell Centre crowd. It was a change of pace for the Boston Bruins forward, who is used to being booed in Montreal. "I heard a few boos out there still, but it's incredible the way that Canada rallies behind the team," he told <a href="https://x.com/NHL_On_TNT/status/1889860404475486316">NHL Network's Jackie Redmond</a> during the first intermission. "You feel so much love and emotion. You can see how excited they are out there, so it's fun to be out there." It didn't take long for Sweden to quiet the crowd, though. Defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2600">Jonas Brodin</a> got his team on the board in the second, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4520">Adrian Kempe</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5684">Joel Eriksson Ek</a> knotted the game up at three before the halfway point of the third period.Stone revealed that Crosby helped settle the team down after Sweden came back. "It's special, man, the way he goes about his business, the way he can calm a bench down," Stone told the <a href="https://x.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1889896179414212653">NHL on TNT</a> panel. "Obviously we get the 3-1 lead going into the third, we kind of give it away there, but he calms things down, has that presence. He's still playing at a crazy-high level at his age. He's been doing it for what, 20 years? God, I don't see him slowing down any time soon."Swedish goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9896" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9896">Filip Gustavsson</a> made an incredible sprawling save on defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5553">Devon Toews</a> to help force overtime. He turned aside 24 shots in the loss. At the other end of the ice, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> made 23 saves on 26 shots, including some big game-saving stops in overtime.Canada earned two of a possible three points with the victory, but it came at a cost.Rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3216976" href="https://thescore.com/news/3216976">departed</a> the game in the second period with an apparent wrist injury, so his team had to play with five defensemen for more than half the contest.The Canadians will take on the United States on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.

MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 12: Mark Stone #61 of Team Canada (c) celebrates his goal against Team Sweden at 17:28 of the second period and is joined by Nathan MacKinnon #29 (l) and Sidney Crosby #87 (r) in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at Bell Centre on February 12, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand knows his name has popped up in plenty of trade rumors, but h...

Boston Bruins captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> knows his name has popped up in plenty of trade rumors, but he isn't worried about the speculation."That's just fans having fun with it all," he told DJ Bean and Pete Blackburn during an appearance on the "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/FsHRNeJD6WM">What Chaos!</a>" podcast.But Marchand conceded that he could understand why outsiders would suggest he could be a potential trade target.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He's playing out the final season of an eight-year, $49-million deal and can become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Marchand signed that pact in 2016 when he had one year remaining on his previous deal, and it includes some protection in the form of an eight-team no-trade list.The Bruins also entered the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off one point out of a wild-card spot. Boston president Cam Neely <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3191153" href="https://thescore.com/news/3191153">said</a> in January that, though he had no appetite for a rebuild, he'd have to consider two paths ahead of the March 7 trade deadline. "When things aren't going well with your group, or going the way that I think it was expected to go, that's what happens, right?" Marchand said. "These conversations start to come up more and more in the media, articles come out. "All it takes is one article or one person making a comment on TV or the radio or a podcast and it kind of takes off from there. ... I try not to get caught up in it. You can't worry about things you can't control and that you don't have a part in."The 36-year-old has recorded 20 goals and 44 points in 57 outings this season, his 16th in the league. Boston selected Marchand in the third round of the 2006 draft.The Bruins have been competitive for most of Marchand's tenure, only missing the playoffs twice in 2015 and 2016. According to <a href="https://moneypuck.com/predictions.htm">MoneyPuck</a>, Boston currently has a 14.9% chance of making the postseason this spring, but Marchand seems to believe those unfavorable odds can build character. "We've had years where we've missed the playoffs and we're fighting for our lives going down the stretch and in the playoff race like we are now, and those are some of the best years that you have because every game is meaningful," he explained. "It's like playoff hockey for a long stretch. A little adversity is good for a group." Reports <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3109467" href="https://thescore.com/news/3109467">emerged</a> in late October suggesting that Marchand and the Bruins were making progress on a three-year extension, but the veteran forward swiftly denied it before adding that he wouldn't discuss his contract talks with the media.Marchand reaffirmed his desire to be a Bruin for life on Tuesday. "That's always been my goal, is to play here forever," he said. "I love it here. ... It's all I know."Marchand ranks fourth in franchise history in goals (421) and games played (1,086), as well as fifth in points (973).

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 08: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins adjusts his stick before a face-off against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period at the TD Garden on February 08, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Bruins' Marchand shrugs off trade speculation: 'Just fans having fun'

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty may have been a late addition to Team Canada, but he's ...

Los Angeles Kings defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/560">Drew Doughty</a> may have been a late addition to Team Canada, but he's already bringing the right attitude to the 4 Nations Face-Off. "Obviously, as Canadians, the players feel the same way as the fans," he said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/4-nations-face-off/canada-embracing-pressure-at-4-nations-face-off">NHL.com's Nicholas J. Cotsonika</a>. "We expect to win, and we're not going to be satisfied with anything but a championship. I think a lot of the guys in here, we feel that pressure, obviously. But that's what we thrive under. "That's why (we're) all superstars in this league, is because we thrive under that pressure, and it doesn't affect our game."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Colorado Avalanche star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> similarly welcomed the spotlight. "Definitely feel a lot of pressure," he said. "Absolutely. I think pressure is a privilege, and I'm glad there's pressure. It means people expect a lot of us. "We're maybe (an) inspiration to some young kids around the country. If I was 10 years old right now, I'd be tuned in to this tournament. So, definitely excited."Doughty made his season debut on Jan. 29 after recovering from a fractured ankle and was swiftly named to Team Canada's blue line as a replacement for the injured <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a>. The veteran rearguard helped his country win gold at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. NHL players didn't participate in the past two Games, so the last taste of best-on-best action in men's hockey came at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where Doughty and Team Canada beat Team Europe to finish atop the podium.The Canadians held their first 4 Nations practice on Monday, where head coach Jon Cooper got his first on-ice look at his stacked roster:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
TEAM CANADA PRACTICE: Stone-Crosby-MacKinnon Reinhart-McDavid-Marner Marchand-Point-Jarvis (Konecny sick) Hagel-Cirelli-Bennett Toews-Makar (Sanheim) Morrissey-Parayko Theodore-Doughty Hill Binnington Montembeault— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricEngels/status/1888979586542698925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Despite Canada's pedigree and its long list of superstars, Team USA is largely considered the favorite to win the 4 Nations Face-Off, thanks to its elite group of goaltenders and star-studded blue line. The U.S. program as a whole is also carrying some momentum after winning the past two World Juniors Championships, while Canada failed to medal at both.Captain Canada <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> - also a two-time Olympic gold medalist - didn't sound too worried about how outsiders are viewing his team's chances at the 4 Nations. "That's OK," he said. "There's always going to be certain narratives. I think really it's just about our group and making sure that we do everything we can to be at our best. "Whether it's the U.S. or Sweden or Finland, (these are) some good teams, so we've just got to worry about what we need to do to be the best team we can."The tournament kicks off Wednesday with Canada's clash against Sweden at 8 p.m. ET. The final is scheduled for Feb. 20.

BROSSARD, QUEBEC - FEBRUARY 10: Sidney Crosby #87 of Team Canada skates with teammate Drew Doughty #87 during practice for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at CN Sports Complex on February 10, 2025 in Brossard, Quebec.

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Doughty: Canada won't be 'satisfied with anything' but 4 Nations victory

The Toronto Sceptres placed star forward Sarah Nurse on long-term injured reserve with a lower-bo...

The Toronto Sceptres placed star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhw/players/11633" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhw/players/11633">Sarah Nurse</a> on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury, the team announced Monday. Nurse will be out of the lineup indefinitely. Per the PWHL rules, players on LTIR must miss a minimum of 21 days, meaning Nurse will first be eligible to return on March 6 against the Montreal Victoire after missing six games.The Sceptres signed forward Laura Kluge to a standard player agreement for the remainder of the season in a corresponding move. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nurse got hurt Thursday in Game 4 of the Rivalry Series against the United States and did not play in Game 5 on Saturday.The 30-year-old has scored five goals and 12 points in 15 contests with the Sceptres so far this season. She ranked second in the league behind only PWHL MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhw/players/11638" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhw/players/11638">Natalie Spooner</a> with 11 tallies and 23 points in 24 outings last campaign.Spooner hasn't played a game so far this season after tearing her ACL in the playoffs. Toronto is currently in fourth place with a 5-0-4-6 record. The Sceptres will return from the international break on Tuesday against the Minnesota Frost.

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 25: Sarah Nurse #20 of Toronto Sceptres looks on before a face-off against the New York Sirens during the second period at Scotiabank Arena on January 25, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Sceptres' Nurse placed on LTIR with lower-body injury

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is unable to represent Finland at the 4 Nations...

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3173" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3173">Rasmus Ristolainen</a> is unable to represent Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off due to an upper-body injury, the national team announced Sunday. Ottawa Senators rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13815" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13815">Nikolas Matinpalo</a> will replace him in the lineup. Ristolainen missed the third period of Philadelphia's 2-0 loss to the Colorado Avalanche last Sunday and was sidelined for the last three games. He was considered a game-time decision for the past two contests.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 30-year-old has recorded two goals, 15 points, 83 hits, and 85 blocks in 54 outings so far this campaign. He's averaging 20:31 minutes of ice time per contest, his highest total under head coach John Tortorella.Matinpalo, meanwhile, has appeared in 22 career NHL games, including 18 this season. He's logged eight hits and 10 blocks while seeing 12 minutes of playing time per game for the Senators in 2024-25. The 26-year-old participated at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, chipping in with one goal and two assists in eight games as Finland finished seventh.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3173" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3173">Ristolainen</a> is the third Finnish defenseman who needed to be replaced due to injury. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6450" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6450">Henri Jokiharju</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7730" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7730">Urho Vaakanainen</a> were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3207760" href="https://thescore.com/news/3207760">added</a> to the lineup in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a>'s and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2566" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2566">Jani Hakanpaa</a>'s steads. Only 11 Finnish blue-liners have played in the NHL this season. Winnipeg Jets rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10038" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10038">Ville Heinola</a> is the only one who wasn't named to the tournament's roster at some point. The 4 Nations Face-Off kicks off on Wednesday.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 30: Rasmus Ristolainen #55 of the Philadelphia Flyers looks on during warm-ups prior to his game against the New York Islanders at the Wells Fargo Center on January 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 19: Adin Hill #33 of the Vegas Golden Knights stops an attempt by Brandon Hagel #38 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at T-Mobile Arena on March 19, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Detroit Red Wings have joined the Calgary Flames...

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Detroit Red Wings have joined the Calgary Flames on the list of teams expressing interest in Buffalo Sabres center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10037">Dylan Cozens</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/KevinWeekes/status/1887211203359060048">NHL Network's Kevin Weekes</a>.Cozens has totaled 10 goals and 26 points in 53 outings this campaign while averaging a career-high 17:24 minutes of ice time and winning 50.4% of his faceoffs.He's under contract for five more years after this one with an average annual value of $7.1 million. Cozens carries the second-highest cap hit among Sabres forwards this season, trailing only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5611">Tage Thompson</a>'s $7.14-million price tag.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cozens signed the pact as a pending restricted free agent in the midst of his breakout 2022-23 campaign. The Whitehorse, Yukon, native totaled 31 goals and 68 points in 81 games that season but failed to replicate that success last year, managing 18 tallies and 29 assists in 79 matchups.Calgary's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3190713" href="https://thescore.com/news/3190713">interest in Cozens</a> was reported in January, while the Maple Leafs are apparently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3183554" href="https://thescore.com/news/3183554">on the hunt</a> for a center with term. Cozens, 23, also fits within the age range of the younger talent on the Red Wings and Canadiens. The Canucks <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3209474" href="https://thescore.com/news/3209474">reportedly</a> spoke to the Sabres about Cozens, but it isn't clear if Vancouver is still interested in the wake of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> trade.Cozens missed Wednesday's practice with what head coach Lindy Ruff called a "lower-body aggravation," per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/buffalo-sabres-injury-updates-transactions">NHL.com's Jourdon LaBarber</a>.Buffalo selected him with the seventh overall pick at the 2019 NHL Draft. Cozens has amassed 76 goals and 192 points in 333 career games. The Sabres entered Wednesday's slate in last place in the Eastern Conference with a 22-26-5 record.

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 2: Dylan Cozens #24 of the Buffalo Sabres prepares for a face-off during an NHL game against the New Jersey Devils on February 2, 2025 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is being evaluated for an upper-body injury, head coach...

Pittsburgh Penguins captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> is being evaluated for an upper-body injury, head coach Mike Sullivan announced Wednesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/OtherNHLCrosby/status/1887202015295500761">NHL.com's Wes Crosby</a>.Sullivan didn't provide any specifics. Pittsburgh's next game is Friday against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Crosby exited Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils following a <a href="https://x.com/GinoHard_/status/1886961445017149799">collision</a> with opposing forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2935">Erik Haula</a> and defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10579">Luke Hughes</a> during the third period.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Penguins' star center skated off holding his left arm and went down the tunnel to the dressing room, but he returned to the contest around 10 minutes later.Crosby <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/video/post-game-crosby-02-04-25-6368281647112">told reporters</a> postgame that he "just got tangled up," but he was absent from Wednesday's practice.The Penguins have been without veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> for the last four games because of a lower-body ailment. He is considered <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3202208" href="https://thescore.com/news/3202208">week-to-week</a>. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Sullivan <a href="https://x.com/OtherNHLCrosby/status/1887205715733070280">said</a> when asked about potentially playing without both Crosby and Malkin. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, obviously Sid is an important guy for us, he's a tough guy to replace. I'm stating the obvious there."Crosby leads the Penguins with 58 points in 55 outings and ranks third on the team with 17 goals. He was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3204695" href="https://thescore.com/news/3204695">tabbed</a> as Canada's captain at next week's 4 Nations Face-Off last Thursday. Pittsburgh entered Wednesday's action in seventh place of the Metropolitan Division with a 22-24-9 record and seven points out of a wild-card spot. The Penguins have two games remaining on their schedule before the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 4: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against Luke Hughes #43 of the New Jersey Devils in the first period at PPG PAINTS Arena on February 4, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Penguins' Crosby being evaluated for upper-body injury

Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander had a night to remember during his team's 6-3 victory o...

Toronto Maple Leafs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> had a night to remember during his team's 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.Nylander led the way with his second career hat trick, which came on the eight-year anniversary of his first one. The Swedish winger was also born in Calgary while his father, Michael, played for the Flames. "Obviously it's super special," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/video/william-nylander-post-game-6368285988112">said</a> postgame. "Born here and scoring my second career hat trick eight years after my first one is pretty wild. It'll be a special one." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nylander's first three-goal game came in a 6-5 road victory over the Boston Bruins on Feb. 4, 2017. He had 32 two-goal outings between then and Tuesday night.The 28-year-old said he had "no clue" that it'd been eight years on the dot, adding that the timing was "pretty insane." "I didn't really expect that to happen tonight," Nylander said. "I mean, I've had a lot of other games where I've had two goals and not been able to score. It was nice that it finally went in." Nylander leads Toronto with 33 tallies in 53 contests so far this season and is on pace for his first-ever 50-goal season. Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> wasn't surprised to see his teammate erupt against the Flames. "I was just laughing," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/video/jospeh-woll-post-game-6368286115112">said</a>. "Yesterday in practice, he scored on me every time he shot on me, so as soon as he got the puck on the two-on-one, I'm like, 'There's no question he's gonna score.'"He's a special player. Any time the puck's in his hands, he's dangerous." The Maple Leafs won both their games in Alberta, starting with a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13037">Bobby McMann</a> scored in both contests to reach 16 goals on the season, a new career high.McMann said he's trying to learn everything he can from Nylander. "He makes it look easy every time," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/video/bobby-mcmann-post-game-6368285707112">said</a>. "It's crazy. Sometimes he just holds that shot or finds those little spots just above the pad or glove there." He added, "I think that's what I've watched the most, is how he kind of baits the goalie for a half second. ... I think just he timing of when he releases the puck is something I'm trying to pick up on." Nylander said he wanted to celebrate his hat trick with a day off in Seattle on Wednesday, and Toronto head coach Craig Berube granted his wish by canceling practice, according to <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1887035980634579193">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>. Maple Leafs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> was sidelined versus Calgary due to a lower-body injury, and his status for Thursday's clash with the Kraken is up in the air. "I don't think it's serious. ... He was better today, so that was a good sign," Berube <a href="https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/video/craig-berube-post-game-6368287117112">said</a>.

CALGARY, AB - JANUARY 18: Toronto Maple Leafs Winger William Nylander (88) skates between whistles during the first period of an NHL game between the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 18, 2024, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB.

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Nylander: Hat trick in Calgary 'super special'

Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmark started for the first time in more than a month Tuesday nigh...

Ottawa Senators goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> started for the first time in more than a month Tuesday night in a 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.Ullmark allowed three goals on 37 shots. Lightning defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1691" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1691">Ryan McDonagh</a> scored Tampa's fourth tally with an empty net to make it 4-2 for the Bolts late in the third period.The Swedish goaltender previously took to the crease Dec. 22 against the Edmonton Oilers. He was pulled after the first period due to back tightness and made six saves on seven shots before departing.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ullmark was out of the lineup entirely for 18 games, then served as the backup but did not enter the Senators' 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Monday.Ottawa boasted an 11-6-2 record in the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner's absence, climbing its way to third place in the Atlantic Division in the process.Rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9225" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9225">Leevi Merilainen</a> led the way with Ullmark on the sidelines, going 7-2-1 with a sterling .938 save percentage and 1.70 goals-against average. Regular backup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2978" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2978">Anton Forsberg</a>, meanwhile, won four of his eight starts while logging a .902 clip.Merilainen was loaned to the AHL on Sunday. Ullmark came into Tuesday with a 12-7-2 record on the season, as well as a .915 save percentage, 2.38 GAA, and three shutouts. He found his form before getting hurt, winning his previous seven appearances while sporting a .967 save percentage and 0.99 GAA over that span.The 31-year-old is in his first year with the Senators after being traded to Canada's capital by the Boston Bruins in June. Ottawa signed Ullmark to a four-year, $33-million extension, which kicks in next season.

MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 01: Linus Ullmark (35) of the Ottawa Senators waits for play to begin during the third period of the NHL pre-season game between the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens on Oct 1, 2024, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC

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Ullmark starts after missing over a month with back injury

The Buffalo Sabres held a meeting Monday to address their lack of response to the hit that injure...

The Buffalo Sabres held a meeting Monday to address their lack of response to the hit that injured forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5611">Tage Thompson</a>, head coach Lindy Ruff revealed Tuesday. "We had some hard conversations," Ruff said. "It's over. What we discussed will stay inside the room."Thompson took a <a href="https://x.com/SabresPlays/status/1886144842385780974">high hit</a> from Devils winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2092" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2092">Stefan Noesen</a> in the third period of Buffalo's 4-3 victory over New Jersey. He remained face down on the ice with his helmet off for several seconds.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The star is day-to-day and won't play Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, though Ruff said he doesn't believe Thompson will miss much time.The Sabres canceled practice Monday and held the meeting instead, which Ruff said was productive."You have meetings about games where you get blown out or when you're giving up all kinds of terrible goals," he said. "It's about growing together. The only way to get better is (to) learn from where you've been."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10037">Dylan Cozens</a> wants to make it clear to Buffalo's opponents that they can't take liberties with Sabres players."You obviously don't want teams to think of us like that," the forward said. "We're going to do what we can to not let teams think like that. We have each other's back, we're a tight group, everyone in here loves each other."Next time, it'll be different." Sabres veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5550" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5550">Alex Tuch</a> shared a similar vow. "What happened last game won't happen again," he said.Noesen was assessed a match penalty for the hit, meaning it was automatically reviewed by the league. He avoided supplemental discipline, much to Ruff's surprise. "I think that's what they want to try and get out of the game. ... I don't think that was an accidental play," the bench boss said. Thompson leads Buffalo with 26 goals and 48 points in 47 games this campaign.The Sabres won their last three games heading into Tuesday's matchup. They are last in the Atlantic Division with a 21-26-5 record.Defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9735" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9735">Mattias Samuelsson</a> will also miss Buffalo's date with the Blue Jackets due to a lower-body injury.

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 2: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres warms up before the game against the New Jersey Devils on February 2, 2025 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Sabres held meeting about response to hit that injured Thompson

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Kayla Douglas

News Editor

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