New York Sirens rookie Sarah Fillier, Boston Fleet star Hilary Knight, and Montreal Victoire snip...

New York Sirens rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15792" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15792">Sarah Fillier</a>, Boston Fleet star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15719" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15719">Hilary Knight</a>, and Montreal Victoire sniper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15778" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15778">Marie-Philip Poulin</a> are the three finalists for the PWHL's 2025 Forward of the Year award, the league announced Tuesday.A selection committee votes for the annual honor, which recognizes "the forward who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season."Fillier was outstanding in her first season after being selected first overall at the 2024 draft. She tied with Knight for the league lead in points (29) and ranked fourth in goals (13) in 30 outings.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 24-year-old factored in on 40.8% of the Sirens' 71 goals this season and was only held without a point in nine games. Fillier put together two different six-game point streaks this season, as well as a five-game goal streak.Knight enjoyed a strong second campaign in the PWHL after fighting through a nagging injury in her first season. She finished the year with the second-most goals (15) and sixth-most assists (14) in 30 matchups, smashing her previous career highs of six tallies and 11 points in 24 contests. The 35-year-old recorded two three-point games this campaign as well as a four-point performance that included a hat trick.Poulin, meanwhile, paced the PWHL with 19 goals - six of which were game-winners - while ranking fourth with 26 points in 30 contests. She was responsible for around one-quarter of the Victoire's 77 goals this season. The 34-year-old Montreal forward is the only finalist still playing in the postseason, as the Fleet and Sirens failed to qualify for the playoffs. Poulin was also nominated for the honor in the PWHL's inaugural season.The awards ceremony is scheduled for June 25 at 11:30 a.m. ET.

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 12: Marie-Philip Poulin #29 of Montréal Victoire skates during warm up prior to the game against the New York Sirens on March 12, 2025 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31277267/related

Fillier, Knight, Poulin voted finalists for Forward of the Year

The Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, and Seattle Kraken are believed to be top contenders for ...

The Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, and Seattle Kraken are believed to be top contenders for head coach Rick Tocchet's services, <a href="https://x.com/DarrenDreger/status/1922303076276334901">TSN's Darren Dreger</a> reports.Philadelphia, in particular, wants to be aggressive in its pursuit of the bench boss, Dreger adds.Tocchet became a free agent in late April after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277558" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277558">opting to not return</a> to the Vancouver Canucks for a fourth season. He cited prioritizing his family as a reason for the departure, adding that he felt it was the "right time" to explore other opportunities.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Last year, he won the Jack Adams Award as the league's top coach after guiding the Canucks to a first-place finish in the Pacific Division, but their 2024-25 campaign was marred by drama. Vancouver ended the season with a 38-30-14 record to miss the playoffs by six points.The Flyers fired John Tortorella in late March, and Brad Shaw guided them the rest of the way as an interim. The team finished the season 5-3-1 under his direction.Philadelphia hasn't qualified for the postseason since 2020, though it came close last year, falling just four points short. The Flyers ended the 2024-25 campaign with 11 fewer points and five fewer wins than the season prior.This year was tumultuous for the Bruins, who failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They let go of Jim Montgomery in November following an 8-9-3 start and promoted assistant coach Joe Sacco. Boston didn't turn things around and was a seller at the trade deadline, shipping off captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>, forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2474" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2474">Charlie Coyle</a>, and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4643" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4643">Brandon Carlo</a>.The Kraken, meanwhile, parted ways with Dan Bylsma in April after just one season behind the bench. Seattle finished in seventh place of the Pacific Division with a 35-41-6 record to miss the postseason for the second straight year.Tocchet owns a career 286-265-87 NHL record.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MARCH 30: Head coach Rick Tocchet of the Vancouver Canucks looks on from the bench during first period action against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on March 30, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31276743/related

Report: Flyers, Bruins, Kraken among top contenders for Tocchet

The Dallas Stars got one of their best players back for Tuesday's Game 4 against the Winnipeg Jet...

The Dallas Stars got one of their best players back for Tuesday's Game 4 against the Winnipeg Jets, as top defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a> returned to the lineup for the first time since Jan. 28.The Stars activated Heiskanen from long-term injured reserve Tuesday afternoon.Heiskanen sustained a serious knee injury after an awkward collision with Vegas Golden Knights captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> during the regular season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Miro Heiskanen injured after this play by Mark Stone 😬 <a href="https://t.co/Z4waa7atYv">pic.twitter.com/Z4waa7atYv</a>— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradyTrett/status/1884472494918361326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The rearguard had surgery to address the issue in February and has since undergone a lengthy recovery process. He missed the Stars' last 32 games of the regular season, with the club going 18-9-5 in his absence.Stars head coach Pete DeBoer said Monday that the Stars would "have to be smart" about how they deploy Heiskanen in his return."I don't think there are specific restrictions, but we're not going to put him out on the ice for 30 minutes in his first game back in three months," DeBoer said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/45115067/heiskanen-expected-return-round-2">ESPN's Greg Wyshynski</a>.Dallas bested the Colorado Avalanche in seven contests in the opening round without Heiskanen and winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6608">Jason Robertson</a>, who re-entered the fold in Game 1 against the Jets after getting injured in the regular-season finale.Heiskanen recorded five goals and 25 points in 50 outings during the regular season while averaging a team-leading 25:10 minutes of ice time per matchup. Blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8659">Thomas Harley</a> has shouldered the brunt of the workload without Heiskanen in these playoffs, playing 27:11 per night while chipping in with three goals and eight points in 10 contests.

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 16: Miro Heiskanen #4 of the Dallas Stars looks on during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at American Airlines Center on January 16, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31276668/related

Stars' Heiskanen makes 2025 postseason debut in Game 4

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch figured goaltender Stuart Skinner was due for his bounc...

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch figured goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> was due for his bounce-back, 23-save shutout against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4."Stu is an outstanding goalie, and you know any time that he has a bad game, or with time off, he usually comes back with a really solid game," the bench boss said after Edmonton's 3-0 win Monday. "There's only so many times that he's not going to stand on his head or go a long period of time without having a game like that."We knew it was coming, and he made some really good saves, especially early on when we needed it. ... Not only did he make all the saves, but I thought he looked very confident doing it." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The victory was Skinner's first this postseason in his fourth appearance. He struggled mightily in the opening two games against the Los Angeles Kings, surrendering 11 goals on 58 shots.Edmonton then turned to running mate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a>, who helped the Oilers win their next six games before being injured in Game 2 versus Vegas.Skinner was beaten four times on 24 shots in his return between the pipes in Game 3 as Vegas got on the board in the series, thanks to a buzzer-beater with 0.4 seconds left.Skinner said he wasn't worried about his statistics during his underwhelming start to the playoffs."Numbers don't really matter, especially in playoffs," he said. "The biggest thing is just trying to give your team a chance to win. If you let in five and it's a 5-5 game going into OT, you're giving your team a chance to win."Honestly, it doesn't really bother me. It's about the wins." Luckily for Edmonton, Skinner rebounded in a big way in Game 4. He saved 1.96 goals above expected at all strengths Monday for his first postseason shutout since Game 4 against the Kings in the opening round last spring, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30244&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1882" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1882">Adam Henrique</a> was impressed by his netminder's resilience with his performance under the microscope."It's great to see him come out of that and just be him," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/post-raw-evander-kane-adam-henrique-05-12-25-6372730997112">said</a>. "We all face pressure, but to be a No. 1 goalie in a market like this, there's probably extra pressure. ... You gotta be ready, and he did his job when he wasn't playing."Henrique added, "We've got all the confidence in the world in him."Skinner joked that he wasn't aware of any extra pressure. "What outside noise? I have no idea," he said. "No clue what's going on." Edmonton will try to eliminate Vegas in Game 5 on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET.

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 12: Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers smothers the puck as players search for the rebound during the second period of Game Four of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Place on May 12, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31276313/related

Knoblauch: Oilers knew 'outstanding' Skinner's shutout was coming

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone was in the lineup for Monday night's Game 4 shutout loss ...

Vegas Golden Knights captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> was in the lineup for Monday night's Game 4 shutout <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3285076" href="https://thescore.com/news/3285076">loss</a> to the Edmonton Oilers.The veteran forward exited during the first period of Vegas' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3283887" href="https://thescore.com/news/3283887">dramatic 4-3 victory</a> Saturday in Game 3 because of an upper-body injury. He took three more shifts after losing an edge and colliding with Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> but ultimately didn't return to the contest.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Correcting erroneous info: this was not on Stone's last shift...he played three after this one, as <a href="https://twitter.com/JesseGranger_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JesseGranger_</a> mentioned <a href="https://t.co/s0GDEWF3QI">pic.twitter.com/s0GDEWF3QI</a>— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1921394615799701918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Cassidy <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3283835" href="https://thescore.com/news/3283835">told reporters </a>after Game 3 that Stone was considered day-to-day. He was listed as a game-time decision entering Monday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Stone has racked up four goals and eight points in 10 games this season, including two tallies in Game 1 versus the Oilers.

EDMONTON, CANADA NOVEMBER 6: Mark Stone #61 of the Vegas Golden Knights awaits a face-off during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on November 6, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31268344/related

Stone in lineup for Game 4 vs. Oilers

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi avoided a suspension for boarding Florida Panthers captain A...

Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3007" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a> avoided a suspension for boarding Florida Panthers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> at the end of Game 4, instead earning a $5,000 fine, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Monday. The temperature rose in the final seconds of Toronto's 2-0 loss Sunday, with Domi drawing attention from the Panthers after hitting Barkov.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Max Domi's hit on Sasha Barkov sparks chaos at the final horn <a href="https://t.co/j3zVuJUsDk">https://t.co/j3zVuJUsDk</a> <a href="https://t.co/uqREDFahJs">pic.twitter.com/uqREDFahJs</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1921754148690710921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Florida head coach Paul Maurice <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3284457" href="https://thescore.com/news/3284457">said</a> postgame that he expects Barkov to be fine moving forward and expressed confidence that the league would "do their job" in assessing Domi's actions.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, that wasn't the only controversial moment in Game 4. Panthers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4582" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4582">Niko Mikkola </a>wasn't penalized after catching star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> with a <a href="https://x.com/TicTacTOmar/status/1921734289151979837">high elbow</a> during the second period."To me, the Kulikov hit on Marner was 10 times worse," Toronto bench boss Craig Berube said Monday when asked about Domi's hit on Barkov, according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1921939369453047893">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>. Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3284454" href="https://thescore.com/news/3284454">said</a> Wednesday's Game 5 should "be a fun one" as the tension ramps up in the second-round series.Berube added that his players will be ready for whatever the defending champions throw at them."We expected it, and I think we're fine with it," Berube said, per <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1921948637795405995">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. "We're handling it, we're physical. I thought we were the more physical team last night."The Panthers tied the series with back-to-back wins in Florida. The puck drops on Game 5 at 7 p.m. ET back in Toronto.

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - MAY 11: Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers and Max Domi #11 of the Toronto Maple Leafs are separated by a referee during the third period in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 11, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31267183/related

Maple Leafs' Domi fined $5K for boarding Panthers' Barkov

Few could blame the Ottawa Charge for feeling deflated after losing a quadruple-overtime marathon...

Few could blame the Ottawa Charge for feeling deflated after losing a quadruple-overtime marathon to the Montreal Victoire in Sunday's Game 2, but forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15828" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15828">Emily Clark</a> said the vibes were high in the locker room."There's no long faces," Clark <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CkRKZrjnHQ">said</a> after her club's 3-2 defeat. "At some points, you just laugh. It's almost comical. It's just a blast. This is what you grow up watching, dreaming of. ... You love this, this is exactly what we want to do."The contest set a record for the longest game in PWHL history, surpassing a triple-overtime playoff meeting between the Victoire and Boston Fleet exactly one year prior. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The puck dropped on Sunday's game at 2:08 p.m. ET and didn't end until 7:42 p.m., stretching 5 hours and 34 minutes. Victoire forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15777" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15777">Catherine Dubois</a> sent both teams home with the winner in the late stages of the fourth overtime period after over 135 minutes of playoff hockey."The initial reaction (when the puck goes in) is, 'Aw, shoot,'" Charge defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15827" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15827">Jocelyne Larocque</a> said. "I mean, not ideal, but ... there's so much to be proud of. We never gave up. ... I still feel like we do have momentum." Montreal held a 2-0 lead entering the third period thanks to goals from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15782" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15782">Kristin O'Neil</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15763" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15763">Laura Stacey</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15812" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15812">Aneta Tejralova</a> halved the deficit for Ottawa before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15824" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15824">Brianne Jenner</a> scored the equalizer in the frame's final minute.Victoire goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15780" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15780">Ann-Renee Desbiens</a> made a whopping 63 saves on 65 shots, while Charge netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15830" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15830">Gwyneth Philips</a> was similarly outstanding with a 53-save performance."Obviously, it was a long one, it was pretty entertaining," Desbiens <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNC9DOI4arY">said</a>. "A lot of back-and-forth hockey, it was good. You love that for the fans, don't love it for my parents' hearts, though."Dubois admitted that the memory of her big-time goal is a little fuzzy. "To be quite honest, I think I blacked out," she said. "I don't remember anything except the girls coming to me and celebrating. I'm just very happy that we won this game. ... It's just fun to win hockey games." The win was the Victoire's first in the playoffs after being swept last season and dropping Game 1 against the Charge. Montreal was the top-seeded team in the regular season and picked Ottawa as its playoff opponent in the opening round. Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET at TD Place."With a win, it does give us a little bit of momentum," Victoire head coach Kori Cheverie said. "I think that Ottawa came into the playoffs believing in their group, and belief is powerful."I think that tonight, we took a little bit of that belief into our room."

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31266567/related

Charge's Emily Clark: 'No long faces' despite 4OT loss to Victoire

Marc-Andre Fleury has racked up numerous accomplishments over his professional hockey career, but...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1010" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1010">Marc-Andre Fleury</a> has racked up numerous accomplishments over his professional hockey career, but he experienced a new first Sunday after making his World Championship debut during Canada's 7-1 rout of Latvia.The tournament is serving as a fitting conclusion to his 21-year stint in the NHL."Every time you wear the Canadian jersey, it's such a great experience and always an honor to be able to play with that jersey on," Fleury said postgame when asked about his decision to play at the Worlds, effectively postponing his retirement by a couple of weeks.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"A chance to play with these guys in the locker room, too, I think was very appealing. I don't know, why not? It's a lot of fun, I'm going to try and enjoy this as much as I can." Fleury allowed the first goal of the game on Eduards Tralmaks a little more than seven minutes into the contest, but he was perfect the rest of the way, turning aside all seven shots he faced in the second period and six in the third.All in, he made 16 saves on 17 shots. He was named Canada's player of the game as a result of his efforts.Fleury stood tall during a particularly adventurous sequence after he turned the puck over from behind his own net. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MARC-ANDRE FLEURY 😮<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MensWorlds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MensWorlds</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ity100ajr9">pic.twitter.com/Ity100ajr9</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1921589253147885895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>He also broke out his patented <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1921600985593426196">poke check</a> in the final stanza. "It's fun, it was a little bit of a tough start there, but it was a good time," Fleury said with a smile. Canadian teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4574" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4574">Travis Konecny</a> is relishing the chance to play with the future Hall of Famer. "I've never really had a chance to play this close to him, other than when he's stopping me in the NHL," the Philadelphia Flyers forward said. "He's great, I mean, he's a lot of fun to play for. He's always having a good time in there. He makes you feel comfortable." The tournament is a significant one for Fleury, who is just one first-place World Championship finish away from becoming a member of the Triple Gold Club.He won three Stanley Cup championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins (2009, 2016, and 2017) and captured a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, although he didn't see any playing time.Fleury played out the 2024-25 NHL campaign with the Minnesota Wild, who were eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in the opening round. He got one last taste of playoff action in Game 5 when he came in for an ill <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9896" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9896">Filip Gustavsson</a>, making six saves on seven shots in the overtime loss. Canada also brought <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9236" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9236">Dylan Garand</a> to the Worlds. Binnington was the starter at the 4 Nations Face-Off, while Garand stopped all 11 shots he faced Saturday during the team's opening 4-0 victory over Slovenia.

Canada's goaltender #29 Marc Andre Fleury reaches out to block the puck from Latvia's forward #17 Martins Dzierkals during the IIHF Men's Ice hockey World Championship match between Latvia and Canada in Stockholm, on May 11, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31259389/related

Fleury stars in Worlds debut: Going to 'enjoy this as much as I can'

Pavel Dorofeyev seems set to check into the Vegas Golden Knights' second-round series against the...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11091" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11091">Pavel Dorofeyev</a> seems set to check into the Vegas Golden Knights' second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers for the first time.The winger is expected to suit up in Game 3 on Saturday night, head coach Bruce Cassidy announced, according to <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1921290079827378468">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>. Dorofeyev missed the previous three contests with an undisclosed injury. He didn't play in overtime during Vegas' Game 5 victory over the Minnesota Wild and was sidelined for the series clincher two days later. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He led the Golden Knights with 35 goals in 82 games during the regular season while ranking fifth with 52 points. However, it wasn't all good news for Vegas on Saturday, as defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1866" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1866">Brayden McNabb</a> and veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2086" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2086">Brandon Saad</a> will be unavailable for Game 3. Both players are day-to-day.McNabb was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3283037" href="https://thescore.com/news/3283037">injured</a> on an unpenalized trip from Oilers forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4111">Viktor Arvidsson</a> during Vegas' overtime loss in Game 2, though Cassidy said the rearguard travelled to Edmonton, per <a href="https://x.com/JesseGranger_/status/1921270947887157480">The Athletic's Jesse Granger</a>.He's logged three assists in these playoffs and averaged 21:14 of ice time while being a key fixture on the penalty kill.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10043" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10043">Kaedan Korczak</a> will draw in on the blue line in McNabb's absence.Saad saw 16:11 of ice time in Game 2 and has chipped in with two assists this postseason.The Golden Knights are down 0-2 in their series against the Oilers. Game 3 is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.

ST. PAUL, MN - APRIL 26: Vegas Golden Knights left wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) looks on during the third period of Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild on April 26th, 2025, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31248661/related

Dorofeyev expected to return for Game 3; McNabb, Saad out

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner started Game 3 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Satu...

Edmonton Oilers goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> started Game 3 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.Saturday's appearance is Skinner's first since Game 2 against the Los Angeles Kings in the first round."Fortunately, we've got a great backup option (in Skinner), and when I say backup, he was our starter for all of the year," Knoblauch <a href="https://x.com/JesseGranger_/status/1921250748953710616">said</a>. "He's ready to go. We're lucky to have two quality goaltenders."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a>, who started Edmonton's last six contests, missed the morning skate and is considered day-to-day. He appeared shaken up after Golden Knights forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2991">Tomas Hertl</a> fell on his left leg during Game 2, though he remained in the contest.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tomas Hertl fell on Calvin Pickard's left leg and he was in some discomfort 🤕 <a href="https://t.co/im0tNtaEkr">pic.twitter.com/im0tNtaEkr</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1920696107203493977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Referees didn't call a penalty on the play, and Vegas scored the equalizer a few minutes later to force overtime. Pickard made seven saves in the extra frame en route to Edmonton's 5-4 victory.The 33-year-old hasn't lost a game in these playoffs. Pickard is just the third goalie in Oilers history to begin a postseason 6-0, joining Andy Moog (1983) and Grant Fuhr (1985), according to <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1921212206848360958">Sportsnet</a>.Pickard owns an .888 save percentage and 2.84 goals against average this postseason.Skinner struggled in his two appearances against the Kings, logging an .810 clip and 6.11 goals against average while allowing 11 goals on 58 shots."Not the situation that we probably want to be in, but I mean, that's playoffs," Skinner <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1921252473089544446">said</a> Saturday. "You need two goalies to go all the way, so yeah, I'm excited to go back into the net. I've had some time to work on some things, and I'm ready to go."Skinner added, "I've been here before, so nothing's that new to me. It's an opportunity again for me to go into the net and do my job and just give these guys a chance to win. It's all I can do."Skinner faced the Golden Knights in the second round of the 2023 postseason. He recorded an .875 clip and 3.97 goals against average as Vegas eliminated Edmonton in six games. The 26-year-old played against Vegas three times during the regular season. He went 1-2-0 with a .924 save percentage.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 23: Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on at warmups during Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on April 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31246779/related

Skinner starts Game 3, Pickard day-to-day

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said injured netminder Anthony Stolarz is "progressin...

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said injured netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> is "progressing in the right direction," though he isn't skating yet, according to <a href="https://x.com/jonassiegel/status/1921215434361098640">The Athletic's Jonas Siegel</a>. Stolarz hasn't played since Game 1 of Toronto's second-round series against the Florida Panthers on Monday. His mask popped off after taking a shot from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a> up high in the first period and was later removed from the contest after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> hit him <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281350" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281350">in the head</a> in the second frame.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Stolarz initially stayed in the game after the collision but appeared to vomit over the Maple Leafs' bench during a TV timeout and reportedly departed Scotiabank Arena on a stretcher before being taken to a hospital.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> has started the past two contests in Stolarz's absence. He allowed three goals on 28 shots during Toronto's Game 2 victory Wednesday, but the Panthers got on the board in the series with a 5-4 overtime win in Game 3. Woll saved 31 of 36 shots Friday."The difference you see is just, it's a bounce one way," Woll said postgame. "That's how playoff games go, so just gonna reset and get ready for the next one."Berube was largely pleased with Woll's performance. "I thought he was really good," Berube said. "I mean, I don't love the fourth goal (in the second period), but other than that, I thought he was solid."It was Woll's first postseason defeat since Toronto's season-ending Game 5 loss to the Panthers in the second round in 2023. He has appeared in six playoff contests since then.Woll was outstanding in two victorious starts in the first round against the Boston Bruins last spring, recording a .961 save percentage and 0.98 goals-against average before missing Game 7's loss with an injury.Stolarz was instrumental in Toronto's first-round victory over the Ottawa Senators, posting a .901 clip and 2.21 goals-against average in six games.Game 4 against Florida is scheduled for Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 2: Joseph Woll #60 congratulates Anthony Stolarz #41 of the Toronto Maple Leafs on a win over the Florida Panthers at the Scotiabank Arena on April 2, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31245981/related

Berube: Stolarz 'progressing' but not skating yet

Stars forward Matt Duchene is looking to rebound after the Winnipeg Jets and star netminder Conno...

Stars forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/284" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/284">Matt Duchene</a> is looking to rebound after the Winnipeg Jets and star netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> blanked Dallas 4-0 in Game 2 on Friday."Guys were working and trying their best out there, trying to do the right things, but we didn't have enough tonight," the veteran <a href="https://www.nhl.com/stars/video/dal-wpg-postgame-matt-duchene-6372610339112">said</a> after Winnipeg evened the series. "Obviously when you get shut out it doesn't feel good, and we don't want to have that. We're too good of a team to get shut out."(Hellebuyck) made some great saves, he's going to have games like that. He might be MVP of the league this year. Short memory, and get ready for Game 3."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Friday marked the Stars' second shutout loss of these playoffs after they dropped Game 4 of their first-round matchup against the Colorado Avalanche 4-0. Dallas responded with a six-goal outburst in Game 5.Dallas was held off the scoresheet once in the regular season - a 4-0 loss to the Jets on April 10. The Stars' lack of offense Friday wasn't for a lack of trying. They held a 24-16 edge in scoring chances and outshot Winnipeg 17-11 at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30232&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.Hellebuyck was the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3283396" href="https://thescore.com/news/3283396">difference-maker</a>, preventing 2.30 goals above expected at all strengths en route to the 21-save shutout. "They were better than us tonight, simple as that," Duchene said. "I don't think it was a horrible effort from us. I think it was just not at the level it needs to be at."Penalties plagued the Stars in Game 2, uncharacteristic of one of the least penalized teams in the league during the regular season.Dallas forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1693" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1693">Tyler Seguin</a> was handed a four-minute penalty for high-sticking just 17 seconds into the contest, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6466" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6466">Gabriel Vilardi</a> capitalized with the game's first goal. "It's unfortunate, another four-minute (penalty)," Duchene said. "It seems like it's happening a ton and the guys aren't trying to do it, obviously, but we're in the box a little too much this postseason. It's really tough to get some momentum." Duchene added he's never seen so many double-minor high-sticking penalties in his life. Dallas took three such infractions in the first round, including one on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/353" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/353">Jamie Benn</a> in Game 7.The Stars haven't been able to set the tone early in games. They've scored the opening goal once through nine contests this postseason."I think we're taking more penalties in games we're chasing it, but I don't know," Duchene said. "I have no explanation. ... We've gotta try to find a way to clean it up because we're a heck of a team five-on-five." Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET in Dallas.

WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 09: Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene (95) is stopped by Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) in game 2 of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Winnipeg Jets and the Dallas Stars on May 09, 2025 at the Canada Life Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31245521/related

Duchene: Stars 'too good of a team to get shut out'

Vegas Golden Knights center Nicolas Roy has been docked $7,812.50, the maximum allowable under te...

Vegas Golden Knights center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4714" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4714">Nicolas Roy</a> has been docked $7,812.50, the maximum allowable under terms of the CBA, for cross-checking Edmonton Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5614" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5614">Trent Frederic</a> during Thursday's Game 2, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Friday.Roy had a hearing but avoided suspension.He was handed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for striking Frederic in the face with the two making a play for the puck in the early stages of overtime. Frederic left the ice but later returned for one shift during the Oilers' 5-4 victory.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XYD4DjZqN-M?si=ywfOEe5hxoBqquJU" 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>Roy has never been suspended through 369 career regular-season games and 76 playoff outings.The 28-year-old has chipped in with one goal and three points in eight playoff games so far this spring. Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3283037" href="https://thescore.com/news/3283037">fuming</a> at an unpenalized play after his club's Game 2 loss. Vegas killed off the five-minute penalty to Roy, but defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1866">Brayden McNabb</a> was injured by Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4111" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4111">Viktor Arvidsson</a> right before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>'s overtime winner.Vegas will try to get on the board in the second-round series during Game 3, which goes Saturday at 9 p.m. ET in Edmonton.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 08: Nicolas Roy #10 of the Vegas Golden Knights passes the puck during the third period of Game Two of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at T-Mobile Arena on May 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31236903/related

Knights' Roy fined for cross-checking Oilers' Frederic

Dallas Stars head coach Peter DeBoer strongly believes that center Wyatt Johnston will serve as t...

Dallas Stars head coach Peter DeBoer strongly believes that center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10699">Wyatt Johnston</a> will serve as the club's captain in the future."(He's) mature and wise beyond his years," the bench boss <a href="https://www.nhl.com/stars/video/5-8-25-off-day-pete-deboer-6372541136112">said</a> Thursday. "Even when you're speaking to him, he's got great, instinctual leadership to him. I think he's going to wear a 'C' one day for the Dallas Stars. There's no doubt in my mind."He's learned from the best, you know? Joe Pavelski, and now <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/353" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/353">Jamie Benn</a>. You forget sometimes how young he is until you get reminded. ... It's incredible, the names of the players that he's in the company of on some of the things he's done."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Johnston will turn 22 years old Wednesday, but he's already played in 46 career playoff games, including the Stars' back-to-back runs to the Western Conference Final.He was instrumental to Dallas' postseason success in 2023 and 2024, leading the team with 14 goals and four game-winners in 38 outings during that stretch.Though <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a>'s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3282593" href="https://thescore.com/news/3282593">incredible play</a> has rightfully been stealing most of the headlines this spring, Johnston continues to be a key producer. He scored three goals and seven points during the Stars' fiery first-round meeting with the Colorado Avalanche this spring, including the winner in Game 7.Johnston has played in three Game 7s in his career and scored a goal in each of them. The all-time record for most career tallies in those situations is seven, held by Justin Williams and Glenn Anderson.He also potted the series-clincher in the second round against the Seattle Kraken in 2023, making him the youngest player (20 years, one day) to score the winning goal in a Game 7. The record was previously held by Jaromir Jagr (20 years, 76 days), who did it in 1992. When asked about Johnston's ability to seemingly always be in the right place at the right time, DeBoer likened him to a future Hall of Famer. "That's what makes you a special player," the bench boss said. "I coached (Patrice) Bergeron at 19 on the (2005) world junior team, and he stepped into the NHL and was doing similar things."I think he has those types of instincts. That's stuff you can't teach. He has a confidence to his game, he has just a great IQ." Benn has served as the Stars' captain since 2013 but can become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Johnston has occasionally been given an "A" throughout the season.Johnston chipped in with a career-high 33 tallies and 71 points in 82 contests during the regular season. He's hit the 30-goal mark twice in his three-year NHL career and has never missed a game.He signed a five-year extension with an $8.4-million cap hit in March.

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 01: Wyatt Johnston #53 of the Dallas Stars leans down during a face-off in the second period of Game Six of the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on May 01, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31236577/related

DeBoer: 'No doubt in my mind' Johnston will captain Stars one day

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy let loose after an unpenalized play preceded Edmont...

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy let loose after an unpenalized play preceded Edmonton's overtime winner and allowed the Oilers to take a 2-0 series lead Thursday night.Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4111" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4111">Viktor Arvidsson</a> got his stick caught between Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1866" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1866">Brayden McNabb</a>'s legs with less than five minutes remaining in the extra frame, sending the rearguard crashing into the boards.McNabb departed the game, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> potted the 5-4 winner just 17 seconds later. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Listen, (referee Gord Dwyer's) looking at it," Cassidy said postgame. "He blew it. He missed the call. I don't know what else to say. I mean, it's a can-opener trip, it's a dangerous play, it's all those things. But it didn't get called, so you gotta keep playing. (McNabb) is one of our guys, probably one of the most popular teammates in the room, so that is a tough part of playing through it." He added, "At the end of the day, that's the task in front of you when those calls happen or don't happen. They made a play and capitalized on it. It stings to lose that way. Next question."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The refs missed a trip by Arvidsson in OT that left Brayden McNabb injured 😳 <a href="https://t.co/5zjooyEidf">pic.twitter.com/5zjooyEidf</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1920714410152079687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Cassidy didn't have an update on McNabb's status.Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> agreed with his bench boss' take on the play. "Pretty clear it's a penalty," he said. "His stick's between McNabb's legs, he sends him headfirst into the boards. A pretty clear-cut penalty in my eyes, I think everybody's eyes, right? ... It's just a dirty play."That wasn't the only controversial sequence between the Pacific Division rivals in overtime. Vegas center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4714" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4714">Nicolas Roy</a> was handed a five-minute major and tossed from the game for cross-checking Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5614" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5614">Trent Frederic</a> in the face. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XYD4DjZqN-M?si=--EJPzU-ZSCKuC-M" 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>Roy will have a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3283127" href="https://thescore.com/news/3283127">hearing</a> for his actions Friday.The Golden Knights were able to kill the five-minute power play but couldn't turn that momentum into a goal."This one will sting, but the positive tomorrow will be good," Cassidy said. "I felt we outplayed the Oilers for most of the game and deserved a better fate. How will the guys look at that? If they take it as, 'Hey, we've just gotta carry that over.' "We've always said we want to get better as the series goes on. Well, we were certainly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3282052" href="https://thescore.com/news/3282052">better than Game 1</a>, so we've got to improve on today if we expect to get back into it. It's that simple."The Oilers have their first 2-0 series lead since 2017 when they ultimately fell to the Anaheim Ducks in the second round.Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday at 9 p.m. ET in Edmonton.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 08: The Edmonton Oilers celebrate after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 5-4 in overtime of Game Two of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31235167/related

'He blew it': Cassidy irked after ref's non-call precedes Oilers' OT winner

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington and captain Brayden Schenn will represent Canada at ...

St. Louis Blues goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/589">Brayden Schenn</a> will represent Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, the team announced Thursday. The tournament kicks off Friday and runs through May 25 in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark.Binnington played for Team Canada at the 2024 tournament, picking up six wins and an .885 save percentage in eight appearances en route to a fourth-place finish. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The netminder was outstanding in a starting role for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, going 3-1 with a .907 clip and 2.37 goals against average. He made 31 saves on 33 shots in the final against Team USA.Schenn has suited up in four Worlds but hasn't featured at the tournament since 2018. He won gold with Canada in 2015 and silver in 2017.The veteran forward chipped in with 18 goals and 50 points in 82 games this regular season. Binnington, meanwhile, went 28-22-5 with a .900 save percentage. They won the Stanley Cup together in 2019. The Blues' season ended with a Game 7 double-overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday.Canada opens its World Championship on Saturday against Slovenia at 6:20 a.m. ET.

ST. LOUIS, MO -APRIL 05: St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (10) congratulates St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) after winning a NHL game between the Colorado Avalanche and the St. Louis Blues on April 05, 2025, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis MO.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31230279/related

Blues' Binnington, Schenn representing Canada at Worlds

Head coach Sheldon Keefe made it clear he expects more from his New Jersey Devils after his first...

Head coach Sheldon Keefe made it clear he expects more from his New Jersey Devils after his first year behind the bench."We took steps this season, without question," he said Thursday. "When I reflect on it, my message to a lot of the guys is, there's a foundation here now, but when I look at it, to me, we finished 16 out of 32 teams in the regular season. That's average, and we're not here to be average. We want to be better, and we will get better."It was a tale of two campaigns for the Devils before and after the Christmas break:<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Span</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>P%</th>
<th>GF/GP</th>
<th>GA/GP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Before Christmas</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>23-11-3 (3rd)</td>
<td>.662 (4th)</td>
<td>3.35 (7th)</td>
<td>2.46 (1st)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>After Christmas</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>19-22-4 (27th)</td>
<td>.467 (27th)</td>
<td>2.58 (31st)</td>
<td>2.87 (13th)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Keefe pointed to the drop-off as his "big project" for the offseason."We showed an inability to sustain our game, and that's the hardest thing to do in the league," he said.Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald was concerned by his club's lack of offensive output. "I think players underachieved for sure," he said. "I think players who have scored enough goals in this league to give assurance that we have depth scoring, didn't." Despite the Devils' slide down the standings, they still finished third in the Metropolitan Division and set up a meeting with the Carolina Hurricanes. New Jersey's playoff run didn't last long, as it was eliminated in five games.Injuries to players like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2155" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2155">Dougie Hamilton</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4707" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4707">Jonas Siegenthaler</a> were major factors in the Devils' struggles down the stretch. The team's luck didn't turn in the playoffs, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10579" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10579">Luke Hughes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9987" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9987">Johnathan Kovacevic</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1903" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1903">Brenden Dillon</a> all got hurt against Carolina.Keefe said he liked how his group managed adversity throughout the season and didn't want to lean on absences as an excuse for falling short."You think about the potential of the group had it been at full health ... but things happen," he said. "The Dallas Stars have been on a run here without key players."The Devils have eight pending unrestricted free agents and three restricted free agents on the active roster, making change inevitable."Looking back, I think it was a good year," Fitzgerald said. "Now, was it a great year? No. It was disappointing that we got knocked out in five games, but the fun part is to start to build around what we created here." He added, "I like our group. My job is to continue to better the group. We've got a lot of decisions to make on certain players, whether we bring guys back, trade players. We won't be coming back with the same group, I can tell you that, because it wasn't good enough."

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 27: New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe speaks to the media after Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 27, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31229331/related

Keefe vows Devils will improve: 'Not here to be average'

New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan is kicking off his tenure in the Big Apple with a clear...

New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan is kicking off his tenure in the Big Apple with a clear directive. "I know there's a lot talent in the dressing room, but as we all know, talent alone doesn't win championships," he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDEBaRmhHkU">said</a> during his introductory news conference Thursday. "Teams win championships. I think that's going to be our challenge from Day 1, is to become a team in the true sense of the word. That was the challenge I think most organizations go through when they enter training camp every single year. We're no different in that regard."He added, "We're gonna try to push these guys every day to maximize the potential that exists here. We'll see where that takes us." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Rangers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3270817" href="https://thescore.com/news/3270817">fired</a> former bench boss Peter Laviolette in April after a shockingly underwhelming campaign in which they finished fifth in the Metropolitan Division with a 39-36-7 record. They missed the playoffs by six points one year after winning the Presidents' Trophy and making it all the way to the Eastern Conference Final.Sullivan was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3279293" href="https://thescore.com/news/3279293">announced</a> as Laviolette's replacement Friday.Though Sullivan believes it would be irresponsible for him to comment on what went wrong in New York this season, he's deeply familiar with the Rangers after coaching against them for 10 years while running the Pittsburgh Penguins' bench. New York eliminated the Penguins in seven games during the first round in 2022, which was Pittsburgh's last playoff appearance. The Rangers, meanwhile, made the conference finals twice in three years before missing out on the dance this spring."I've grown a ton of respect for the players that are in that room and the talent that they have," Sullivan said. "The opportunity to work with a group like that certainly excites me."He added, "I think they've been knocking on the door to the Stanley Cup for a number of years now. Every time we've played against this group of players, they've been fierce battles."Sullivan already has experience coaching a few of New York's star players thanks to the 4 Nations Face-Off. He served as head coach of Team USA at the February tournament, where the Americans lost to Canada in the final. The Rangers were well-represented at the event, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8555" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8555">Adam Fox</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2089" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2089">Vincent Trocheck</a> all donning the stars and stripes. "What I learned is that they're fierce competitors, and they have an insatiable appetite to win," Sullivan said. "All you need to do is watch that tournament and you'll understand what I'm talking about. ... They want to win in the worst way, and those are the types of guys that I get excited about working with."Rangers general manager Chris Drury <a href="https://x.com/SNYRangers/status/1920483846346203460">said</a> he "quickly and aggressively pursued" Sullivan once he was available. Sullivan was an assistant coach for the Rangers from 2009-13, a stretch that covered Drury's last two campaigns as captain.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 05: Head Coach Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on during the second period of a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on January 05, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31228289/related

Sullivan: Rangers must become team in 'true sense of the word'

Mikko Rantanen is having a postseason for the ages.  The Dallas Stars winger became the third pla...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> is having a postseason for the ages.The Dallas Stars winger became the third player in NHL history to record back-to-back hat tricks with a stunning effort in Wednesday's 3-2 Game 1 victory against the Winnipeg Jets.Below, we look at some of the wildest numbers behind Rantanen's red-hot stretch, including reactions from his teammates and the man himself.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>40 - Jari Kurri was the last player with back-to-back postseason hat tricks, accomplishing the feat during the 1985 Western Conference Final almost exactly 40 years ago. Doug Bentley was the first to do it in Games 4 and 5 of the 1944 Stanley Cup Final."Keep it going," Stars head coach Peter DeBoer <a href="https://www.nhl.com/stars/video/dal-wpg-postgame-pete-deboer-6372506162112">said</a> of Rantanen's dominance. "Let's see how long he can run this for. He's rolling, and he's feeling it. Pretty impressive what he's doing considering the opponent and the time of year."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784625/cropped_GettyImages-2213352822.jpg?ts=1746678376" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784625/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213352822.jpg?ts=1746678376 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784625/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213352822.jpg?ts=1746678376 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784625/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213352822.jpg?ts=1746678376 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784625/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213352822.jpg?ts=1746678376 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784625/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213352822.jpg?ts=1746678376 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>1 - Rantanen is the first player in NHL history to have multiple three-goal periods during the same postseason. His Game 7 hat trick against the Colorado Avalanche came in the third frame, and his outburst in Game 1 versus the Jets was in the second period.He's also the fourth player with two three-goal periods at any point in his playoff career, joining Wayne Gretzky and Maurice Richard, who did it three times, and Tim Kerr, who did it twice."Sometimes it goes that way," Rantanen <a href="https://www.nhl.com/stars/video/dal-wpg-postgame-mikko-rantanen-6372505172112">said</a>. "Even the third goal (against Winnipeg) goes off them and goes five-hole. "When you're going through a tough stretch, you feel like you can only pray for those, and those never come. Sometimes it's ups and downs in hockey, and now it's going well individually and as a team."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784653/cropped_GettyImages-2210622909.jpg?ts=1746711456" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784653/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210622909.jpg?ts=1746711456 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784653/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210622909.jpg?ts=1746711456 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784653/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210622909.jpg?ts=1746711456 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784653/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210622909.jpg?ts=1746711456 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784653/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210622909.jpg?ts=1746711456 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>12 - Rantanen has factored in on 12 straight Stars goals, beginning with an assist on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6400" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6400">Roope Hintz</a>'s empty-netter in Dallas' Game 5 victory over the Avalanche on April 28. He's recorded five helpers and seven goals over that span.That stretch is the longest in Stanley Cup Playoffs history. Rantanen entered Wednesday's contest tied with Mario Lemieux, who recorded a point on nine straight postseason goals in 1992."Twelve straight?" a disbelieving <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6608">Jason Robertson</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/stars/video/dal-wpg-postgame-jason-robertson-6372506547112">said</a>. "I've never heard of that."That said, Robertson wouldn't mind taking some of those points off Rantanen's plate."I think everyone's playing great. Everyone's getting opportunities, chances. He's a premier player, so he gets good bounces," Robertson said with a laugh. "I'm sure everyone else will get good bounces, too."He's working hard, everyone else is working, and I'm sure everyone in here is itching to take the load off him, but we're happy to take his performances."14 - Rantanen has totaled eight goals and 14 points in his last four games after logging one assist in his first four outings this postseason. His 15 points lead all skaters in these playoffs, two more than <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> in second place.47.1 - Rantanen has scored on nearly half of his 17 shots in his last four games, good for a blistering 47.1 shooting percentage. <figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784654/cropped_GettyImages-2213385300.jpg?ts=1746711593" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784654/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213385300.jpg?ts=1746711593 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784654/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213385300.jpg?ts=1746711593 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784654/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213385300.jpg?ts=1746711593 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784654/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213385300.jpg?ts=1746711593 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784654/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213385300.jpg?ts=1746711593 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Darcy Finley / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>6 - Six different Stars assisted on Rantanen's hat trick Wednesday: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/513" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/513">Evgenii Dadonov</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5615" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5615">Sam Steel</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8659">Thomas Harley</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7697">Ilya Lyubushkin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/284" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/284">Matt Duchene</a>, and Hintz.DeBoer double-shifted Rantanen during the contest, using him in the top six with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2567" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2567">Mikael Granlund</a> and Hintz and on the fourth line with Dadonov and Steel."I don't think it matters to him who he's out there with," DeBoer said. "He's trying to make a difference when he's on that ice every time that he's out there."Rantanen appears to be just fine with the arrangement. "I don't mind it. If (DeBoer) wants to do that, I'm ready for it," he said.1.88 - Rantanen is rocking a 1.88 point-per-game rate in these playoffs, the highest of his postseason career. He produced at a 1.25 clip with 25 points in 20 contests when he won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022.He already established a new career high with eight goals through eight games this spring."I don't think so, no," Rantanen said when asked if he's ever had a heater like this. "But linemates, teammates are obviously helping me a lot on the ice. Such a deep lineup we have, so it doesn't really matter who we play with."

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 12: Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Dallas Stars looks on during the first period against the Utah Hockey Club at American Airlines Center on April 12, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31227407/related

By the numbers: Tip your cap to Rantanen's postseason

The Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars could both be getting key reinforcements for their series-open...

The Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars could both be getting key reinforcements for their series-opening clash Wednesday.The Jets' top center, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a>, and Stars winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6608">Jason Robertson</a> are considered game-time decisions, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/jets-scheifele-morrissey-stanley-still-game-time-decisions-for-game-1-vs-stars/">Sportsnet</a>.Scheifele missed the last two contests of the Jets' opening-round series against the St. Louis Blues after taking big hits from <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/589">Brayden Schenn</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2601">Radek Faksa</a> in Game 5.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The star forward was a regular participant in Wednesday's skate, putting in work on Winnipeg's top line and power-play unit. He was also slotted between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6466" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6466">Gabe Vilardi</a> on the Jets' <a href="https://x.com/NHLJets/status/1920150575255294042">projected lineup card</a>.Scheifele recorded two goals and six points through five contests before getting hurt. He ranked second on the Jets with 39 goals and 87 points while appearing in all 82 outings in the regular season, trailing only Connor in both offensive categories.Winnipeg dropped Game 6 to St. Louis by a 5-2 score, but the club rebounded with a wild 4-3 double-overtime victory in Game 7 to eliminate the Blues. Robertson, meanwhile, has yet to make his 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs debut after suffering a lower-body injury in Dallas' regular-season finale. He led the team with 35 goals and ranked second with 80 points while appearing in all 82 games.The Stars topped the Colorado Avalanche in seven games in the first round despite Robertson's absence. He's racked up 14 tallies and 38 points in 45 career playoff contests. While Dallas might get Robertson back, star defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a> will remain out for Game 1.As for the Jets' blue line, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a> is also a game-time decision after exiting Game 7. He was in discomfort during the first period after a collision with <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3965">Oskar Sundqvist</a> and left the matchup outright after laying a hit on <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4751">Mathieu Joseph</a> soon after.Morrissey didn't participate in line rushes Wednesday.The puck drops on Game 1 at 9:30 p.m. ET in Winnipeg.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MARCH 14: Goaltender Jake Oettinger #29 and Ilya Lyubushkin #46 of the Dallas Stars guard the net as Mark Scheifele #55 of the Winnipeg Jets plays the puck behind the goal during second period action at the Canada Life Centre on March 14, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31219214/related

Jets' Scheifele, Stars' Robertson both game-time decisions 

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