Utah Hockey Club head coach Andre Tourigny was in awe of Clayton Keller after the captain's event...

<p>Utah Hockey Club head coach Andre Tourigny was in awe of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5592">Clayton Keller</a> after the captain's eventful night against the Winnipeg Jets.</p><p>"That's a hockey player, eh?" the bench boss <a href="https://x.com/UtahHC_PR/status/1881586698515304702">said</a> with a smile after Utah's 5-2 victory.</p><p>Keller took teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10909" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10909">Michael Kesselring</a>'s deflected shot to the face in the second period and headed down the tunnel. He got some stitches and returned before the end of the frame.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite his swollen eye and bloodied brow, he assisted on the first goal of the game - a slapper from defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3103" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3103">Olli Maatta</a>.</p><p>"Just coming back without hesitation, without a doubt in his head - that was great," Tourigny said.</p><p>Utah forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10715" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10715">Josh Doan</a> was similarly impressed by Keller. </p><p>"It does a lot for the bench, knowing that he's willing to do that, come back and go right back to the netfront the next shift and get rewarded. ... For him to bounce back like that was huge for us and our momentum," he <a href="https://x.com/UtahHC_PR/status/1881586615145136295">said</a>. "Obviously, you heard the crowd's reaction, it meant a lot to them, too."</p><p>Keller also capped off the game with an empty-netter after the Jets got back into the matchup with two third-period goals of their own. </p><p>"I'm feeling great," Keller <a href="https://x.com/UtahHC_PR/status/1881586662272381046">said</a>. "I got lucky, it didn't catch my eye. When it happened, it happened so fast that you don't really feel much, but I tried to look through my eye and I knew I could. I wasn't really too worried after that."</p><p>He added: "I was kinda sitting there for, like, 20 minutes just laying down on my back. I came back out, I just tried to get my legs into it, just be simple the first couple shifts. I think the guys helped me as well."</p><p>Keller estimates that he got around 12 stitches. </p><p>"I can see right now," he said. "I don't know about tomorrow. But just kind of feels like something's pushing, but I'm good."</p><p>Keller and Co. don't play again until Thursday against the Minnesota Wild.</p><p>Utah is currently four points behind the Calgary Flames for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference with a 20-19-7 record. </p><p> </p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 20: Clayton Keller #9 of the Utah Hockey Club prepares for a face off in the second period against the Winnipeg Jets on January 20, 2025 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Tourigny lauds Keller's return from puck to face: 'That's a hockey player'

Jets head coach Scott Arniel let his team have it after Winnipeg fell 5-2 to the Utah Hockey Club...

<p>Jets head coach Scott Arniel let his team have it after Winnipeg fell 5-2 to the Utah Hockey Club on Monday night. </p><p>"That was embarrassing," he <a href="https://x.com/NHLJets/status/1881571189610422769">said</a>. "That was, of all the games this year, that was the most embarrassing game for me, for our players. I take full credit, I gotta be the one that has to hold these guys accountable and make sure we're better. That was embarrassing. We were, from top to bottom, we did a horseshit job."</p><p>The contest was knotted in a scoreless deadlock until the final minutes of the second period when Utah opened the floodgates with goals from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3103" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3103">Olli Maatta</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12746" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12746">Logan Cooley</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The club kept its foot on the gas with a pair of tallies before the midway mark of the final frame. Though <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1826" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1826">Nino Niederreiter</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2549" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2549">Dylan DeMelo</a> got the Jets on the board, Utah captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5592">Clayton Keller</a> iced the contest with an empty-netter.</p><p>The Jets mustered just six shots in the middle stanza and eight in the last 20 minutes. They also weren't credited with a single high-danger chance in the third period, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20747&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>. </p><p>"We didn't win a whole lot of battles," Arniel said. "(Utah) got in on the forecheck, created turnovers. Even though it was 0-0 for a long stretch there, we still didn't get enough out of opportunities and didn't do enough to win a hockey game."</p><p>The loss stung the Jets in more ways than one - captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2147" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2147">Adam Lowry</a> didn't play the last two periods. It's unclear what happened to him, but he did crash awkwardly into the boards in the first.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here was the play from the 1st period where Jets captain Adam Lowry slid into the boards. <br><br>He did play after this happened. <br><br>No word if this is what caused him to miss the middle frame. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLJets?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLJets</a> <a href="https://t.co/BEXtqFIr6E">pic.twitter.com/BEXtqFIr6E</a></p>— Dave Minuk (@ICdave) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICdave/status/1881558891835871559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Arniel had no update on Lowry's status postgame.</p><p>Winnipeg was also without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6466" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6466">Gabriel Vilardi</a> for much of the second period after he was shaken up by a hit. However, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3995" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3995">Nikolaj Ehlers</a> wasn't interested in using the absences as an excuse. </p><p>"Don't take anything away from (Utah) - they're a really good team," the forward said. "They dominated us today, it's as simple as that. We're not winning the Stanley Cup with the way that we're playing today." </p><p>He added: "That is not Winnipeg Jets hockey, it's not the first time this year we've played this way. When you don't play the right way in this league ... you're not winning that game. You're letting our goalies down. We have the team in here to do something great. When we play the right way, we are dominant."</p><p>The Jets have lost their last two games in regulation and will face the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 20: Head Coach Scott Arniel of the Winnipeg Jets talks to his team on the bench during the second period against the Utah Hockey Club on January 20, 2025 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Arniel: Jets' loss to Utah 'most embarrassing game' of season

Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy wants more from goalies Adin Hill and Ilya Samsonov as Ve...

<p>Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy wants more from goalies <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4649" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4649">Adin Hill</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7675" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7675">Ilya Samsonov</a> as Vegas' winless streak hit four games Monday against the St. Louis Blues. </p><p>"We need better play out of the goaltending position right now," Cassidy <a href="https://youtu.be/omtv1gyW1Bw">said</a> after his team's 5-4 shootout loss. "We can't expect to give up four and win - well, we're not. We're not winning, right? ... We need to outplay their guy a little more often here, and hopefully that changes."</p><p>The bench boss added, "I'm not blaming, but you need big saves to pick you up. It's a game of mistakes. We're not gonna be clean every night, and that's where you need to be bailed out sometimes. ... That hasn't happened as much as it did two weeks ago. We'll get that corrected, and then, I think when things start to go better, everyone relaxes a little more, too, and then you don't need that save. They kind of go hand-in-hand when you're not winning."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Golden Knights have lost six of their previous seven games. Their netminders have surrendered at least four goals in three of their last four defeats:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Opponent</th>
<th>Goalie</th>
<th>Result</th>
<th>SA</th>
<th>GA</th>
<th>xGA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Islanders (Jan. 9)</td>
<td>Hill</td>
<td>4-0</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1.73</td>
<td>.850</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rangers (Jan. 11)</td>
<td>Samsonov</td>
<td>2-1</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3.33</td>
<td>.923</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Predators (Jan. 14)</td>
<td>Samsonov</td>
<td>5-3</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>1.98</td>
<td>.818</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hurricanes (Jan. 17)</td>
<td>Hill</td>
<td>3-2</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2.88</td>
<td>.893</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blackhawks (Jan. 18)</td>
<td>Samsonov</td>
<td>5-3</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>2.40</td>
<td>.783</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blues (Jan. 20)</td>
<td>Hill</td>
<td>5-4 (SO)</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>1.91</td>
<td>.857</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Vegas entered the third period against St. Louis down 4-2, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4558">Jack Eichel</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11091" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11091">Pavel Dorofeyev</a> both scored with the goalie pulled to force overtime. However, Eichel missed a wide-open net in the extra frame, and St. Louis captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/589">Brayden Schenn</a> ended up scoring the shootout winner.</p><p>Cassidy acknowledged that the missed chances were also a driving force behind the Golden Knights' latest loss.</p><p>"There's a lot of different areas of our game that are self-inflicted, " he said. "I thought tonight we left some plays on the table that were there. I don't know if we're going through it a little bit here or if it just wasn't cooperating. There were a lot of plays, including overtime. Jack, right? These are plays we're gonna make. I know we're going to make them."</p><p>Vegas still occupies the first spot in the Pacific Division with a 29-14-4 record, but the Edmonton Oilers are just one point back with one game in hand.</p><p>"Nobody's panicking, I'll say that," Cassidy said. "We're not in the room tearing the walls down. ... This is a month we've got to push through."</p><p>He continued, "Every team goes through it, we just can't go through it much longer. I think we're all kinda like, 'Let's go.'" </p><p>Vegas faces the Blues again Thursday in St. Louis.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 02: Ilya Samsonov #35 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates with Adin Hill #33 after a victory against the Philadelphia Flyers at T-Mobile Arena on January 02, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Cassidy: Knights 'need better play' from their goalies amid skid

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers were both sus...

<p>Edmonton Oilers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> and Vancouver Canucks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/152">Tyler Myers</a> were both suspended three games for their cross-checks during Saturday's contest, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Monday. </p><p>Both incidents occurred in the final seconds of Edmonton's 3-2 loss. McDavid first caught Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4659">Conor Garland</a> up high, and Myers hit Oilers rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a> off the ensuing scrum.</p><p>McDavid and Myers were handed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3194477" href="https://thescore.com/news/3194477">match penalties</a>, which are automatically reviewed by the league.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Connor McDavid has been suspended for three games for cross-checking Conor Garland. <a href="https://t.co/eDLhaCouCD">pic.twitter.com/eDLhaCouCD</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1881488156022944059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>McDavid and Garland got tangled up with Edmonton pushing to tie the game. Garland avoided a penalty for pinning McDavid, and the superstar responded with a cross-check.</p><p>The league <a href="https://www.nhl.com/video/topic/player-safety/mcdavid-suspended-three-games-6367414481112">found</a> that McDavid retaliated "aggressively and intentionally, escalating the altercation by raising his stick significantly and creating this contact ... with sufficient force to merit supplemental discipline." </p><p>As for Myers, the Department of Player Safety <a href="https://www.nhl.com/video/topic/player-safety/myers-suspended-three-games-6367415236112">asserted</a> that the blue-liner delivered an "intentional cross-check" to Bouchard's head that warranted a ban.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tyler Myers has been suspended for three games for cross-checking Evan Bouchard. <a href="https://t.co/kmta8VEVpO">pic.twitter.com/kmta8VEVpO</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1881487906931720404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Myers said he didn't mean to hit Bouchard up high. </p><p>"I'm not ignorant of how it looked in real time," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/benkuzma/status/1881489897451843672">Postmedia's Ben Kuzma</a>. "If you slow (the video) down, I start lower and as he brought his hands up, it kind of redirected my stick up. </p><p>"I never intended to hit him in the face and I've never cross-checked anybody in the face in my whole career."</p><p>The league acknowledged Myers' assertion but argued that "players are responsible for their stick at all times."</p><p>This is the second suspension of McDavid's 688-game NHL career. He was previously banned for two games in 2019 for an illegal check to the head. </p><p>Myers, meanwhile, has now been suspended three times during his 1,040-game career. He got three games for boarding in 2012 and another three for a hit to the head in 2014.</p><p>McDavid is eligible to return next Monday against the Seattle Kraken, while Myers can re-enter the lineup the same day versus the St. Louis Blues. </p><p>Both will be serving the second game of their suspensions when the Oilers and Canucks meet again on Thursday. </p>

VANCOUVER, BC - NOVEMBER 06: Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) skates with the puck against Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (57) during an NHL game at Rogers Arena on November 6, 2023 in Vancouver, B.C.

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McDavid, Myers suspended 3 games for cross-checks

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes definitely noticed the fans during his first-ever start...

<p>Montreal Canadiens goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9298" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9298">Jakub Dobes</a> definitely noticed the fans during his first-ever start at the Bell Centre on Sunday night. </p><p>"I might play on the road because these guys are nuts," he <a href="https://x.com/CanadiensMTL/status/1881176229648466042">joked</a> after the Habs' 5-4 overtime victory over the New York Rangers. "The best crowd I ever had. I said it before, it gives me goosebumps. ... I didn't want to look around because I knew, but I'm really happy to be part of this. This is the best place to play."</p><p>Dobes received a rousing cheer after making two game-saving stops in the extra frame. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JAKUB DOBES MASTERCLASS 😤<br><br>He makes not one, but TWO, HUGE stops in overtime to help secure the win! <a href="https://t.co/5O5MDoVqLl">pic.twitter.com/5O5MDoVqLl</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1881180084930744590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Though it was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5587" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5587">Patrik Laine</a> who scored the dagger in overtime, captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6457" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6457">Nick Suzuki</a> credited Dobes for keeping the Habs in it. </p><p>"He's the reason we won there in overtime," the forward said. "Big saves. We got kinda caught out there and he bailed us out. ... He's got a lot of confidence and he was itching to play at the Bell Centre. He had his big moment." </p><p>Dobes made 23 saves on 27 shots, but the rookie refused to take full credit for the win.</p><p>"I made two good saves in OT, but you guys gotta give it to the guys," he said. "I can take some credit, but these guys played unbelievable. ... Everyone has eyes, like, it wasn't the best game. The guys battled, they obviously came back, and I'm really proud of the team."</p><p>The Canadiens never held the lead until the very end of the back-and-forth contest, and Dobes admitted it was a learning experience.</p><p>"When the guys score, you cannot give up a goal right away, so that's something that I need to think of," he said. "I need to make sure that the momentum is on our side as long as possible."</p><p>Dobes is the 13th goalie to start his NHL career 5-0-0 and the fourth to do it in a Canadiens jersey, according to team reporter <a href="https://x.com/HabsInHighHeels/status/1881175822738088036">Priyanta Emrith</a>.</p><p>The 23-year-old owns a sterling .940 save percentage and 1.55 goals against average so far this season. His other victories came against the Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, and Dallas Stars, which were all on the road. </p><p>Dobes revealed that his father - who he hadn't seen for around a year and a half - was in attendance for Sunday's clash.</p><p>"He's a big impact on my hockey career, so I just wanted to do good," he said with a smile. "Not everything was going my way today. It was a battle, definitely. My mind was definitely racing a little bit. But we got it done so we are going to celebrate with my dad."</p>

MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 19: Juraj Slafkovsky (20) of the Montreal Canadiens hugs teammate Jakub Dobes (75) after winning the NHL game between the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens on Jan 19 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC

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Dobes relishes crowd in Bell Centre debut: 'These guys are nuts'

New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe challenged his star players after the team's losing st...

<p>New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe challenged his star players after the team's losing streak hit four games with Sunday's 2-1 setback against the Ottawa Senators.</p><p>"Our best players have to be better," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/devils/video/topic/raw-interviews/keefe-post-raw-1-19-25-6367360608112">said</a> when asked how his team can fight its way out of it. "It's that simple. End of statement." </p><p>Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6426" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6426">Nico Hischier</a> has scored three goals over the skid, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a> has bagged one tally and two helpers. However, the two players were held without a point in New Jersey's last two losses, which both came in regulation. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6404" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6404">Jesper Bratt</a>, meanwhile, has logged just one assist.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sunday's defeat was particularly irksome, as the Devils outshot the Senators 16-2 in the first period but had nothing to show for it. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10571" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10571">Zack Ostapchuk</a> opened the scoring for Ottawa in the second stanza, and though <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1364" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1364">Tomas Tatar</a> got New Jersey on the board, defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9911" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9911">Artem Zub</a> bagged the eventual game-winner early in the final frame. The Devils mustered just three shots in the last 20 minutes.</p><p>"I think we ran out of gas, there's no question on that," Keefe said.</p><p>He added, "We let a team hang around on a back-to-back on the road. Especially the way things are going for us, things start to pile up."</p><p>The bench boss noted he doesn't blame the Devils' defensive structure for their current predicament. All four of his team's recent losses were decided by two goals or less.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Opponent</th>
<th>Result</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Florida Panthers (Jan. 14)</td>
<td>2-1 (SO)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Toronto Maple Leafs (Jan. 16)</td>
<td>4-3 (OT)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Philadelphia Flyers (Jan. 18)</td>
<td>3-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ottawa Senators (Jan. 19)</td>
<td>2-1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>"Our structure has been fine, which is why we're hanging around in these games and not getting blown out. ... We've got to execute better," Keefe said. "I mean, we're in alone two, three times in the first period (against Ottawa with) some of our best people ... those got to go in the net with where we're at.</p><p>"We gotta convert, and when you don't, it's gonna be a tough game. It was a tough game here again today." </p><p>The Devils still occupy the second spot in the Metropolitan with a 26-17-6 record, but the Carolina Hurricanes are just one point behind with three games in hand. New Jersey is also a distant nine points back of the Washington Capitals for first place in the division, and the latter has played three fewer contests.</p><p>New Jersey has scored three or fewer goals in its last 11 games and is 2-6-3 over that span.</p><p>"We have elite players," Keefe said. "Once they get clicking again, we'll be rolling. ... Once these pucks start falling and guys can loosen up on their sticks a little bit and make some more plays, things will come together."</p><p>New Jersey will take on the Boston Bruins on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 1: New Jersey Devils Sheldon Keefe looks on from the bench during the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on January 1, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Devils' Keefe: 'Our best players have to be better'

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers will have hea...

<p>Edmonton Oilers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> and Vancouver Canucks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/152">Tyler Myers</a> will have hearings for cross-checking incidents that earned match penalties at the end of Saturday night's contest, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced.</p><p>The hearings are set for Monday afternoon. Edmonton and Vancouver resume their schedules Tuesday.</p><p>Match penalties are automatically reviewed by the league.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>McDavid and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4659">Conor Garland</a> got tied up in the dying seconds of the contest with the Oilers pushing to tie the game. The Canucks forward avoided a penalty for pinning down McDavid, and the superstar retaliated by cross-checking Garland up high. Myers caught <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a> in the ensuing scrum.</p><p>Edmonton went on to lose 3-2. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">EDM VAN G46. January 18, 2025. Conor Garland pins Connor McDavid, McDavid retaliates with cross check replay. 🎥 Sportsnet <a href="https://t.co/OVUVfHEVU3">pic.twitter.com/OVUVfHEVU3</a></p>— Nation Network Media (@NationNMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationNMedia/status/1880852295933693986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">EDM VAN G46. January 18, 2025. Tyler Myers cross checks Evan Bouchard. 🎥 Sportsnet <a href="https://t.co/5M2CtGc7e6">pic.twitter.com/5M2CtGc7e6</a></p>— Nation Network Media (@NationNMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationNMedia/status/1880853407977844784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Garland and Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch chalked McDavid's hit up to frustration.</p><p>"He's a passionate guy, he's a good dude," Garland said postgame of McDavid, according to <a href="https://x.com/noahstrang_/status/1880869512876298572">Noah Strang of Offside</a>. "Everybody has the fire in their belly trying to win a hockey game, so that's stuff that happens."</p><p>"There's a rivalry. Connor gets frustrated," Knoblauch said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/game-recap-canucks-3-oilers-2-01-18-25">Jamie Umbach of NHL.com</a>. "He gets his stick up, and he's frustrated because we're down one goal and the best player in the league is getting held for 15 seconds. There's frustration that that's allowed to happen, and his stick got up."</p><p>According to Rule 21 of the <a href="https://media.nhl.com/site/asset/public/ext/2024-25/2024-25Rules.pdf">NHL's handbook</a>, "A match penalty shall be imposed on any player who deliberately attempts to injure or who deliberately injures an opponent in any manner." The player will also be held out of further competition until the league makes its ruling. </p><p>McDavid also got into some <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3191288" href="https://thescore.com/news/3191288">hot water</a> Wednesday after he caught Minnesota Wild forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1646">Marcus Johansson</a> up high with his elbow, though the superstar avoided supplemental discipline on the play.</p><p>The 28-year-old McDavid was suspended for two games in 2019 for an illegal check to the head of <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1502">Nick Leddy</a>. Myers, meanwhile, has two career suspensions: He got three games for boarding in 2012 and another three for a hit to the head in 2014.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 18: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers is checked by Conor Garland #8 of the Vancouver Canucks during the third period of their NHL game at Rogers Arena on January 18, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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McDavid, Myers face hearings for cross-checking ejections

The Predators' 6-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night was a fiery affair with thre...

<p>The Predators' 6-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night was a fiery affair with three fights in the game's opening seven minutes, and Nashville head coach Andrew Brunette hopes it's a performance his team can build off of. </p><p>"You're extremely proud of them (for) coming together," Brunette said postgame, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/forsberg-helps-preds-to-emotional-win-over-wild-2025-01-18">NHL.com's Brooks Bratten</a>. "To me, hopefully this is a little bit of a defining moment that kind of kick-starts us here. We've been playing better the last six weeks, and something like that actually makes your group even tighter."</p><p>First up, Predators rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10679" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10679">Zachary L'Heureux</a> dropped the gloves with Wild forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4568" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4568">Yakov Trenin</a>, which was immediately followed by a bout between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1200" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1200">Luke Schenn</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1489" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1489">Marcus Foligno</a> in the first two minutes. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5522" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5522">Mark Jankowski</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3289" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3289">Ryan Hartman</a> got into a scrap soon after, and the former was ruled out for the remainder of the matchup with an upper-body injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It should come as no surprise that the contest was an emotional one. L'Heureux was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3175778" href="https://thescore.com/news/3175778">suspended three games</a> for slew-footing Wild captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1873" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1873">Jared Spurgeon</a> during the Central Division rivals' last meeting on New Year's Eve. </p><p>Foligno <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3190882" href="https://thescore.com/news/3190882">said</a> that he was sure L'Heureux would "have to answer to someone" for the play that injured Spurgeon. Predators forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3067">Michael McCarron</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3193928" href="https://thescore.com/news/3193928">responded</a> to Foligno before Saturday's game, saying "They can say everything they want, we have guys in here that'll protect our team."</p><p>The Wild opened the scoring between the bouts, but the Predators erupted to a 4-1 lead before the end of the second frame, ultimately putting the game out of reach.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2919" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2919">Filip Forsberg</a> was key to Nashville's effort with a pair of goals and two assists.</p><p>"Fil just decided nobody was going to take the puck off him tonight," Brunette said. "And when he does that, and he gets on these kinds of rolls ... it's fun to watch, and I'm sure for the crowd and for his teammates. </p><p>"It was really good. He kind of grabbed everybody on his back. ... It's his way of sticking up for his teammate."</p><p>Nashville has now won three in a row and five of its last seven games. </p><p>It's going to be difficult for the Preds to overcome their abysmal first half of the season, which featured an eight-game losing streak. They're still 12 points back from the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference with a 16-22-7 record.</p><p>Next up for Nashville is a tilt with the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. </p>

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 18: Colton Sissons #10 celebrates his goal with Luke Schenn #2, Zachary L'Heureux #68 and Adam Wilsby #83 against the Minnesota Wild during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on January 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Brunette hopes fiery win vs. Wild will serve as 'defining moment' for Preds

The Winnipeg Jets aren't sure why they struggle so much when backup goaltender Eric Comrie is in ...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets aren't sure why they struggle so much when backup goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/450" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/450">Eric Comrie</a> is in net, but they're desperate to turn things around for their teammate. </p><p>"I feel for the guy," captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2147" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2147">Adam Lowry</a> said Saturday, according to <a href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1880817973663010933">The Hockey News' Carter Brooks</a>. "He's played amazing all year, he's great in the locker room, works so hard day-in, day-out, he's the first guy on the ice, last guy off. ... He's battling his heart out for us. We are not getting the results for him that he deserves." </p><p>Comrie has lost his last eight starts, including Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Calgary Flames. The 29-year-old owns a .900 save percentage and 2.94 goals against average over that span.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He allowed two goals on 21 shots against Calgary, marking his fourth straight appearance with a save percentage above .900. </p><p>Winnipeg has mustered just 12 tallies in Comrie's eight losses, five of which were one-goal showings. It's an odd trend for the Jets, who rank third among all teams in goals per game (3.51). </p><p>"I have no idea why we can't score when he's in the net," head coach Scott Arniel said, per <a href="https://x.com/WPGMurat/status/1880816804882522467">The Athletic's Murat Ates</a>. "We're the highest-scoring team in the league and it just seems like we can't get him any run support. He gives us a chance every night."</p><p>Comrie's last win came on Nov. 1 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, when Winnipeg gave him tons of support in the form of six goals.</p><p>Arniel added that Comrie, who is "extremely popular" in the Jets' room, has taken this drought to heart. </p><p>"He's taking it hard on himself," the bench boss said, per Brooks. "And he shouldn't because he's given us a chance every time he goes in there. Guys are great with him. ... They really are and they know that they've got to get him some run support.</p><p>"Hopefully we have one of those ones where we break out big time, where we can get him that win by us supporting him with some goals."</p><p>Sniper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> made it clear that the Jets believe in Comrie's ability even if the results aren't coming. </p><p>"He's played amazing the whole year," he said. "It's definitely unfortunate, but we don't look at that. We see the work he does and the goaltender that he is. We're not worried at all." </p><p>Next up for Winnipeg is a clash against Utah Hockey Club on Monday at 9:30 p.m. ET. </p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - JANUARY 18: Goaltender Eric Comrie #1 of the Winnipeg Jets looks on from the crease prior to puck drop against the Calgary Flames at the Canada Life Centre on January 18, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets desperate to get Comrie a win: 'He's battling his heart out for us'

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar found himself in awe of Cale Makar after the star defenseman en...

<p>Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar found himself in awe of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> after the star defenseman enjoyed another prolific game during Colorado's 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars on Saturday night. </p><p>"I'm a little biased, but you're watching one of the best defensemen that's ever played the game," the bench boss <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T040H3p0jgw">said</a> after Makar helped secure the win with a two-goal outing. "There's no question. </p><p>"The league has a handful of guys that are super dynamic right now. I think that that's a trend that we're gonna see moving forward, but in my opinion, he's the best of the best."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Makar's first goal of the contest was the 100th of his career, making him the quickest active rearguard to hit the mark and sixth fastest all time at his position, according to <a href="https://media.nhl.com/public/live-updates?date=2025-01-18">NHL PR</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>GP to 100 goals</th>
<th>Year</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>George Boucher</td>
<td>223</td>
<td>1926</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Bobby Orr</td>
<td>299</td>
<td>1971</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Paul Coffey</td>
<td>300</td>
<td>1984</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Ray Bourque</td>
<td>329</td>
<td>1984</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Denis Potvin</td>
<td>348</td>
<td>1977</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Cale Makar</td>
<td>362</td>
<td>2025</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The four-time Norris Trophy finalist was stung after blocking a shot soon after his second-period goal. Makar struggled to get to his feet but still attempted to rejoin the play.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cale Makar took a shot off the inside of his left ankle and needed assistance getting to the locker room 🤕 <a href="https://t.co/jPj25r20iM">pic.twitter.com/jPj25r20iM</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1880746833041117467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Makar needed help down the tunnel but returned to the ice at the start of the third period.</p><p>"He's tough," Bednar said. "Unfortunate he gets hit and kind of finishes that shift, and it turned into a little bit of a debacle. He's certainly sore, but he's able to come back and continue to play, which is big. He kinda kept playing his game, grinding through it. Hopefully, he's not too sore tomorrow."</p><p>Though he was seen standing on the bench in discomfort at several points in the final 20 minutes, Makar scored the game's final goal after the Stars built some momentum with two tallies from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6608">Jason Robertson</a> in a 39-second span.</p><p>Makar ranks third on the Avalanche with 37 assists and 52 points in 47 outings. </p><p>Colorado sits in fourth place in the Central Division with a 28-18-1 record.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 16: Cale Makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche plays the Edmonton Oilers in the first period at Ball Arena on January 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Bednar in awe of Makar: 'Watching one of the best' D-men to ever play

Panthers star Sam Reinhart was ejected after catching Anaheim Ducks forward Isac Lundestrom with ...

<p>Panthers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a> was ejected after catching Anaheim Ducks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9752" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9752">Isac Lundestrom</a> with a knee-on-knee hit in the first period of Florida's 3-0 victory Saturday.</p><p>Reinhart received a five-minute major and game misconduct, while Lundestrom needed help off the ice and didn't return to the contest.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Isac Lundestrom is heading to the locker room after this hit from Sam Reinhart. <a href="https://t.co/cIdxsZKs7e">pic.twitter.com/cIdxsZKs7e</a></p>— Victory+ (@victoryplustv) <a href="https://twitter.com/victoryplustv/status/1880762638671515744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Reinhart played 4:34 of action before getting tossed. He entered Saturday's slate with 27 goals and 51 points in 46 contests, but the Panthers managed just fine without their leading scorer. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9848" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9848">Jesper Boqvist</a> broke the scoreless deadlock in the second period before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9200" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9200">Anton Lundell</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9416" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9416">Gustav Forsling</a> put the game out of reach in the final frame.</p><p>Reinhart has never been suspended in his 743-game career. This was the first game misconduct of his NHL tenure.</p><p> </p>

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 06: Sam Reinhart #13 of the Florida Panthers plays the Colorado Avalanche in the third period at Ball Arena on January 06, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Reinhart ejected for kneeing Ducks' Lundestrom

New York Islanders forward Bo Horvat knows his team isn't doing enough to give general manager Lo...

<p>New York Islanders forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3009" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3009">Bo Horvat</a> knows his team isn't doing enough to give general manager Lou Lamoriello a convincing reason to keep the band together leading up to the March 7 trade deadline. </p><p>"We have to start winning hockey games if we want everybody to stay, right?" he said after his team's 5-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, per <a href="https://x.com/RTaub_/status/1880096163619303756">News 12 New York's Rob Taub</a>. "It's on us at the end of the day to do what we can in here, on the ice and in the room, to gather this team and push for a playoff spot.</p><p>"I know it's not going to be easy, but I mean, if there's any group that's gonna do it, we're pretty relentless in here. I definitely have confidence that we can pull through."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Thursday's defeat was New York's second straight loss after the team rattled off three consecutive wins against the Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights, and Utah Hockey Club.</p><p>The Islanders now sit in last place in the Metropolitan Division with a 17-20-7 record. They're eight points behind the Bruins for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, but New York has two games in hand.</p><p>Though the Isles haven't made any moves yet, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2524" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2524">Brock Nelson</a> is emerging as a top trade target for contenders in need of an effective center. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3190723" href="https://thescore.com/news/3190723">Dallas Stars</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3182753" href="https://thescore.com/news/3182753">Minnesota Wild</a> reportedly have their eyes on the veteran forward, who can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.</p><p>Lamoriello expressed his confidence in his team last Thursday and didn't seem to have much of an appetite for moving Nelson and fellow pending UFA <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1756">Kyle Palmieri</a> at the time.</p><p>"First of all, it's not even a thought in my mind right now," Lamoriello said, per <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-lou-lamoriello-vttlnpxb">Newsday's Andrew Gross</a>. "Where we are in the season and where we are in the standings where everything is in reach, that's the focus. The focus is on who we are here right now and not hypothetically, if this, if that. I'm just not from that school."</p><p>He added: "It's all in our hands. I feel good about this team. I feel good about this coaching staff. I’ll take full responsibility for both groups in where we stand."</p><p>Next up for the Islanders is a showing against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET. </p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - JANUARY 02: Bo Horvat #14 of the New York Islanders skates during warm up prior to the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 2, 2025 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York

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Horvat: Isles have to start winning 'if we want everybody to stay'

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored on the 179th different goaltender of his career, br...

<p>Washington Capitals star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> scored on the 179th different goaltender of his career, breaking his tie with Jaromir Jagr for the most in NHL history. </p><p>Ovechkin beat Ottawa Senators netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9225" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9225">Leevi Merilainen</a> in overtime to seal Thursday's 1-0 victory and accomplish the feat. Merilainen was playing in his 10th career NHL game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">874.<br><br>ALEX OVECHKIN IS 21 GOALS AWAY FROM WAYNE GRETZKY'S RECORD! <a href="https://t.co/v6IE9z0FWX">pic.twitter.com/v6IE9z0FWX</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1880082301943448000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The goal was the 874th of Ovechkin's career in his 1,455th contest, putting him 21 tallies away from passing Wayne Gretzky's all-time record.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ovechkin has done most of his damage against longtime Pittsburgh Penguins rival <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1010" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1010">Marc-Andre Fleury</a>, according to <a href="https://x.com/CapitalsPR/status/1880082691959451812">Capitals PR.</a></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Goalie</th>
<th>Goals</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Marc-Andre Fleury</td>
<td>28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Henrik Lundqvist</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Kari Lehtonen</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Carey Price</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Cam Ward</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Ryan Miller</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Ondrej Pavelec</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Sergei Bobrovsky</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Devan Dubnyk</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Brian Elliott</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Andrei Vasilevskiy</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Ovechkin has scored 37 goals in 58 matchups against the Senators, trailing only Jagr's 44 tallies in 79 outings for the most by a single opponent.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 10: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals smiles against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Capital One Arena on January 10, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Ovechkin scores on 179th different goalie to break Jagr's record

Jakob Chychrun admits he's expecting a "mixed" reception Thursday when he faces the Ottawa Senato...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5601">Jakob Chychrun</a> admits he's expecting a "mixed" reception Thursday when he faces the Ottawa Senators as a member of the Washington Capitals for the first time.</p><p>"I didn't trade myself," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/jakob-chychrun-january-16-6367194497112">said</a> when asked what went wrong during his time in Ottawa. "I think a lot of people were talking about the fit, obviously they got the two (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9188" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9188">Jake Sanderson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4794">Thomas Chabot</a>) on the left side. I just think maybe the fit wasn't as good as it is here."</p><p>The rearguard added, "I'm sure there's gonna be some people who are not happy with me for whatever reason and be booing. It is what it is, you're not gonna please everybody. I think, at times, fans think they really understand everybody's situation in this league and that's just not the case. ... I'll be happy to come back and play in front of them."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chychrun spent one full season in Canada's capital after being acquired by the Senators from the Arizona Coyotes prior to the 2023 trade deadline.</p><p>Ottawa failed to take a step in 2023-24 and Chychrun's name resurfaced in trade rumors throughout the season, but he wasn't dealt until the summer. The Senators sent him to the Capitals in July in exchange for defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2967" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2967">Nick Jensen</a> and a 2026 third-round pick.</p><p>Chychrun, who has family in Ottawa, made it clear he has "great memories" with the franchise.</p><p>"Not everybody gets to play in a spot where they're that close to home," he said. "It was a very special time for my family and I. I'm glad I got to experience that with them." </p><p>Chychrun is currently thriving with the Capitals. He boasts 12 goals and 30 points in 39 outings entering Thursday's action and is on pace to surpass his previous career high of 41 points - set last season with the Senators and in 2020-21 with the Coyotes.</p><p>The 26-year-old can become an unrestricted free agent after the season upon the expiry of his six-year, $27.6-million deal. </p><p>Chychrun addressed his contract status Wednesday during an appearance on <a href="https://x.com/granthpaulsen/status/1879706094131667139">106.7 The Fan</a>, saying, "we'll see how things go." </p><p>"It's been a blast," he said. "The contract stuff, I mean obviously for the most part, I'm not the one on the phone doing that stuff, so I just try to focus on preparing each night and just helping this club win hockey games. </p><p>"As long as we're doing that, I know all the other stuff will take care of itself. We have loved our time here so far. Hopefully, all that other stuff gets taken care of soon."</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 22: Jakob Chychrun #6 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the first period of a game against the Los Angeles Kings at Capital One Arena on December 22, 2024 in Washington, D.C.

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Chychrun expects mixed reception in Ottawa: 'I didn't trade myself'

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid passed Jari Kurri for sole possession of second place on t...

<p>Edmonton Oilers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> passed Jari Kurri for sole possession of second place on the franchise's all-time points list during Wednesday's 5-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild.</p><p>McDavid accomplished the feat with his second goal and third point of the outing to accumulate the 1,044th point of his career.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Connor's got ✌️<br><br>He just makes it look soooo easy 😮‍💨<br><br>🇺🇸: <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL_On_TNT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHL_On_TNT</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsonMax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SportsonMax</a> ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T">https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T</a><br>🇨🇦: <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sportsnet</a> or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF">https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF</a> <a href="https://t.co/hLGwC7dMHA">pic.twitter.com/hLGwC7dMHA</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1879744748036014197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Here's how the Oilers' record book stands now:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>GP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Wayne Gretzky</td>
<td>1669</td>
<td>696</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Connor McDavid</td>
<td>1044</td>
<td>686</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Jari Kurri</td>
<td>1043</td>
<td>754</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Mark Messier</td>
<td>1034</td>
<td>851</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Leon Draisaitl</td>
<td>914</td>
<td>762</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>McDavid is 626 points away from passing Wayne Gretzky for the No. 1 spot.</p><p>"Quite a remarkable feat for him to go up the scoring list as quickly as he has and within an organization that has had so many significant players," Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1879762148311847003">said</a> of McDavid's accomplishment after the game. "I said I wouldn't be surprised anymore just because he's surprised you so often over these years, but it's a nice feat for him, and the guys here are very proud of him."</p><p>The 28-year-old has racked up 62 points in 41 contests this season and is on pace for his fifth consecutive 100-point campaign.</p><p>McDavid became the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3127526" href="https://thescore.com/news/3127526">fourth-fastest player</a> in NHL history to hit the 1,000-point milestone in his 659th career game in November, trailing only Mike Bossy (656), Mario Lemieux (513), and Gretzky (424).</p><p>The Ontario native already boasts a full trophy cabinet through his first nine seasons in the NHL, complete with five Art Ross Trophies, four Ted Lindsay Awards, three Hart Trophies, one Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, and one Conn Smythe Trophy. </p><p> </p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - JANUARY 13: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers in action during the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Place on January 13, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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McDavid passes Kurri for 2nd on Oilers' all-time points list

Bruins president Cam Neely isn't interested in blowing up his team, but he's also realistic about...

<p>Bruins president Cam Neely isn't interested in blowing up his team, but he's also realistic about where Boston stands past the midway mark of the 2024-25 season with the March 7 trade deadline on the horizon. </p><p>"Right now, I don't really have that appetite (for a rebuild or retool) but like I told our (general manager) and the staff - we have our meetings coming up here in a little bit - we do have to prepare for two paths," the executive <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/black-and-gold-gala-cam-neely-6367150007112">said</a> Wednesday. "Obviously, the one path is that we're buyers and we feel good about our team, but the other path is, maybe, somewhat of a retool. But we're not focusing on that right now, we're focussing on trying to get our team to be in a better place."</p><p>He added: "We still feel like we've got a playoff team here, and we certainly don't want to jeopardize getting out of the playoffs because we made some moves that may be good for the future but not good for the present."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Bruins entered Wednesday's action holding the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 22-19-5 record, but their footing in the playoff race is precarious. They have the same number of points (49) as the Lightning, who sit in third place in the Atlantic Division, but Tampa Bay has four games in hand.</p><p>Meanwhile, there are plenty of other teams in the wild-card hunt who have played fewer contests than Boston:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>WC1</td>
<td>Boston Bruins</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WC2</td>
<td>Columbus Blue Jackets</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Ottawa Senators</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Montreal Canadiens</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Detroit Red Wings</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Philadelphia Flyers</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>New York Rangers</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>New York Islanders</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>41</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>It's been a dramatic campaign for the Bruins: They've dealt with a coaching change and criticism of their leadership group, not to mention <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9893" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9893">Jeremy Swayman</a>'s public contract negotiations before the season even started.</p><p>"This year's been a little frustrating because we honestly felt, coming out of the offseason, that we had a better team than what we've showed on the ice," Neely said. "Maybe that's a product of us overvaluing what we have, or just the start that we had was not expected, to be honest with you."</p><p>He also understands that Boston fans have gotten used to a certain level of success after making the playoffs in each of the last eight seasons.</p><p>"We're aware of the expectations here, and we try to meet and exceed those every year," Neely continued. "Right now, it's a year that we're not really accustomed to."</p><p>Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs backed Neely and general manager Don Sweeney on Wednesday.</p><p>"I have faith that they'll make the right decisions," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/black-and-gold-gala-charlie-jacobs-6367147042112">said</a>. "I don't have the playbook for that. I have faith that they will make those decisions, though."</p><p>Boston has won its past two games after dropping six straight contests. The team will take on the Ottawa Senators on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. </p><p> </p>

Boston, MA - September 30: Boston Bruins President Cam Neely spoke to reporters during the team's annual start-of-season press conference at TD Garden.

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Bruins' Neely: No appetite for retool, but need to 'prepare for 2 paths'

Andrew Copp knows his Detroit Red Wings are in for a challenge on their upcoming four-game road t...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4496" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4496">Andrew Copp</a> knows his Detroit Red Wings are in for a challenge on their upcoming four-game road trip as they look to stay in the playoff mix.</p><p>"This is a huge test, four good teams, teams that we haven't really faced yet this year, teams that are above us in the standings," the forward <a href="https://www.nhl.com/redwings/video/andrew-copp-and-todd-mclellan-practice-media-6367137749112">said</a> Wednesday. "So this is gonna be a real good measuring-stick road trip for us."</p><p>The Red Wings take on the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday and Saturday, respectively, before heading to Dallas to face the Stars on Sunday. The tour concludes with a matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Panthers, Lightning, and Stars are all contenders, while the Flyers are fighting with Detroit for one of the wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference. </p><p>Here's how the race looked entering Wednesday's two-game slate:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>WC1</td>
<td>Boston Bruins</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WC2</td>
<td>Columbus Blue Jackets</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Ottawa Senators</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Montreal Canadiens</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Detroit Red Wings</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Philadelphia Flyers</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>New York Rangers</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>New York Islanders</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Buffalo Sabres</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Though the Red Wings aren't interested in watching the standings, Copp said they're aware of how tight the Eastern Conference is right now. Detroit forced itself into the playoff conversation by going 7-2-0 since Todd McLellan took over behind the bench in late December.</p><p>The new head coach is focused on ensuring the Red Wings aren't getting too ahead of themselves as they try to climb the standings.</p><p>"What I don't want them to do is get caught up in a seven-game win streak or a four-game losing streak. I want them to live in the moment and just worry about that. There's so much noise that goes on," McLellan said. "It can be hard if you get caught up in all of that stuff. It can take you down or it could put you too far up. Put the equipment on and let's deal with things between minute one and minute 60 and we're fine."</p><p>The Red Wings won seven straight contests before Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks, but Copp thinks the defeat can benefit them.</p><p>"You find a good feeling in the locker room, you forget how hard it is to get seven in a row, a little bit. ... Things were coming easy to us, so you forget how hard it is and how hard you have to fight to keep a roll like that going," he said. "Obviously we got a nice reminder of that last night.</p><p>"We can either use it as a point to springboard and as a teaching moment, or we can use it as a point in the season where we had something going but we couldn't get it going again. So hopefully, it's the former."</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 9: Andrew Copp #18 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates his third period goal with teammates on the bench during an NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres on December 9, 2024 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Red Wings, Copp bracing for 'huge test' on upcoming trip

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice hasn't been pleased with his team's lack of discipline i...

<p>Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice hasn't been pleased with his team's lack of discipline in back-to-back losses.</p><p>"We've taken 12 minor penalties in the last two games, and I don't think in either of those games anybody needed to wear equipment," Maurice told reporters after Monday's 4-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. "They're not heavy games. They weren't mean, they weren't angry, they're just, I don't even know what the hell they are.</p><p>"But with (defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a>) out of the lineup, we can't be in the box 12 times in two games. We just can't. We've given them four goals and that's the difference in both of them." </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Panthers had a 2-0 lead over the Flyers after the first period, with their first goal coming from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a> on the penalty kill. However, Philadelphia scored twice on the power play in the final frame to knot the game up at 3-3. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11203" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11203">Noah Cates</a> completed the comeback with less than six minutes remaining in regulation.</p><p>Florida was assessed 14 penalty minutes in the loss and handed its Eastern Conference rivals five chances on the man advantage.</p><p>Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins was a similar story. The Panthers again took 14 penalty minutes, and the Bruins converted on two of their five opportunities, including the overtime winner.</p><p>Ekblad has missed the past two contests with an undisclosed issue, a major blow to Florida's PK. The rearguard ranks second on the team in shorthanded ice time per game (2:34) this season, trailing only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9416" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9416">Gustav Forsling</a>.</p><p>The Panthers also had trouble staying out of the box Wednesday against Utah, but they killed off three of their four penalties to win 4-1.</p><p>"If we get to 18 (penalties) in three games, we deserve what we get," Maurice said. "I don't understand half the calls, but that's OK. I don't get paid to understand that, I'm still trying to figure out my team."</p><p>Florida will be tasked with holding off the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - JANUARY 11: Florida Panther Head Coach Paul Maurice looks up to the scoreboard during the NHL game between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers on Saturday January 11, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.

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Maurice rues penalties in back-to-back losses: 'Not heavy games'

Flames forward Martin Pospisil was ejected for boarding Chicago Blackhawks veteran Taylor Hall du...

<p>Flames forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11086" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11086">Martin Pospisil</a> was ejected for boarding Chicago Blackhawks veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a> during Calgary's 5-2 victory Monday.</p><p>The incident occurred midway through the second period. Pospisil received a five-minute major and game misconduct.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Martin Pospisil hits Taylor Hall on the numbers. <br><br>🎥: Amazon Prime | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flames</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blackhawks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blackhawks</a> <a href="https://t.co/jrXQYegm5c">pic.twitter.com/jrXQYegm5c</a></p>— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1878985843492462854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Blackhawks phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a> scored on the ensuing power play, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9843" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9843">Yegor Sharangovich</a> responded with a shorthanded marker for the Flames two minutes later.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The NHL suspended Pospisil for three games for boarding Seattle Kraken defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4581" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4581">Vince Dunn</a> in March. He was also ejected for cross-checking Boston Bruins veteran<a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100"> Brad Marchand</a> in the face in February and tossed from a game in April for elbowing Winnipeg Jets rearguard<a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161"> Josh Morrissey</a>.</p><p>The 25-year-old entered Monday's matchup with 10 goals, 36 points, and 160 penalty minutes in 104 career games.</p>

CALGARY, AB - JANUARY 2: Martin Pospisil #76 of the Calgary Flames prepares to face off against the Utah Hockey Club at Scotiabank Saddledome on January 2, 2025 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

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Flames' Pospisil ejected for boarding Blackhawks' Hall

Xander Schauffele withdrew from this week's The American Express, the PGA TOUR announced Monday. ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1213" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a> withdrew from this week's The American Express, the PGA TOUR <a href="https://x.com/PGATOURComms/status/1878925094912958844">announced</a> Monday.</p><p>The TOUR didn't disclose a reason for the World No. 2's absence. Philip Knowles will replace Schauffele in the tournament's field.</p><p>Schauffele played in The Sentry in early January and opened his 2025 season with a T-30 finish. He also participated in the TGL's long-awaited debut last week.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The two-time major winner isn't the only high-profile golfer sidelined for The American Express in California. <a href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3181765" href="https://thescore.com/news/3181765">announced</a> that he'd miss the event after cutting his hand on broken glass while preparing dinner on Christmas Day.</p><p> </p>

KAPALUA, HAWAII - JANUARY 03: Xander Schauffele of the United States plays his shot from the 18th tee during the second round of The Sentry 2025 at Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on January 03, 2025 in Kapalua, Hawaii.

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Schauffele withdraws from The American Express

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