Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has a fracture in his left fibula and will likely requi...

<p>Washington Capitals captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> has a fracture in his left fibula and will likely require four-to-six weeks to recover, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>The Capitals listed Ovechkin as week-to-week Tuesday after he suffered the ailment Monday following a collision with Utah forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11032" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11032">Jack McBain</a>. Washington placed Ovechkin on injured reserve Wednesday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alex Ovechkin is slow to get up after colliding knee-to-knee with Jack McBain. <a href="https://t.co/gQNOiDMcPR">pic.twitter.com/gQNOiDMcPR</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1858728676650614876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 39-year-old was in the midst of a hot start to the campaign with 15 goals through 18 games. He scored 31 tallies all last season. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ovechkin is just 27 goals away from claiming the all-time record from Wayne Gretzky. The Great One lit the lamp 894 times in 1,487 career games, while the Great Eight has 868 tallies under his belt in 1,444 outings. </p><p>Capitals teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> said Wednesday that Ovechkin's absence is a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3134295" href="https://thescore.com/news/3134295">"letdown"</a> for the hockey world now that the sniper's chase is on hold.</p><p>Washington is playing its first game without Ovechkin on Thursday night against the Colorado Avalanche. The Capitals entered the contest tied for the third-best points percentage (.750) in the NHL.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 08: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Capital One Arena on November 08, 2024 in Washington, DC.

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Ovechkin expected to miss 4-6 weeks with broken fibula

Darnell Nurse sounded off on the hit from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves that's sideline...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> sounded off on the hit from Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> that's sidelined the Edmonton Oilers defenseman since Saturday.</p><p>"In situations like that, there's definitely an onus on the player with the puck to be aware of where everyone else is on the ice, for sure," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/raw-nurse-11-21-24-6365008596112">told</a> reporters Thursday. "With that said, even if you put yourself in a bad spot, there's lots of body on a 6-foot-4 hockey player to hit, and not one piece was touched other than the head.</p><p>"You can argue about the intent, but there's certain guys in the league that, each shift they go out there, they try and go inflict pain. I think it's pretty obvious what was going on there." </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The hit occurred in the second period of the Oilers' 4-3 overtime loss. Nurse was bloodied on the play and subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Reaves was suspended five games for an illegal check to the head Sunday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ryan Reaves receives a 5-minute match penalty for this hit on Darnell Nurse. <a href="https://t.co/hVZN9FJpRY">pic.twitter.com/hVZN9FJpRY</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1857956894414885353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Nurse conceded he may not have been "aware enough" of his surroundings before the hit but restated that it was also Reaves' responsibility to keep it clean.</p><p>"It's one thing if my head is between my knees, but I was in a skating posture," he said. "You're elevating at that point to hit someone in the head." </p><p>Nurse added that he's feeling "good," and that Reaves apologized to him afterward.</p><p>Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3132357" href="https://thescore.com/news/3132357">said</a> Monday that Nurse was expected to miss 5-10 days. Edmonton will next play the Minnesota Wild on Thursday and the New York Rangers on Saturday, which falls within Nurse's recovery timeline. However, nothing has been confirmed.</p><p>"With these things, the timeline's kinda up to multiple people," the rearguard said. "What I feel sometimes isn't indicative of what's gonna happen, so we'll see." </p><p>Edmonton lost its first game without him in the lineup but beat the Ottawa Senators 5-2 on Tuesday. </p><p>Nurse, 29, is in the midst of his 11th season with the Oilers. He's logged nine points in 18 games while averaging 20:49 minutes of ice time per contest. </p>

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 16: Darnell Nurse #25 of the Edmonton Oilers is helped off the ice following a hit from Ryan Reaves #75 of the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on November 16, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Nurse: Obvious Reaves was looking to 'inflict pain' on hit

The Nashville Predators are looking to acquire a top-four defenseman with "a bit of term," report...

<p>The Nashville Predators are looking to acquire a top-four defenseman with "a bit of term," reports <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/32-thoughts-why-the-bruins-fired-jim-montgomery-and-whats-next/">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.</p><p>General manager Barry Trotz already <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3107246" href="https://thescore.com/news/3107246">revealed his intentions</a> to land a center in late October, though he acknowledged the trade market was cold at that point in the season.</p><p>The Predators are off to an abysmal 6-11-3 start to the campaign, falling well short of their lofty expectations after a busy summer. Trotz landed wingers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1152">Steven Stamkos</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2870" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2870">Jonathan Marchessault</a>, as well as rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4511" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4511">Brady Skjei</a>, but it's been slow going for each new addition.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Nashville sits 31st in the league with a .375 points percentage, ahead of only the Chicago Blackhawks. The Preds own a minus-18 goal differential and have been outscored 45-21 at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>The struggling squad has used seven defensemen so far this season, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5602" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5602">Dante Fabbro</a> has since been claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets. </p><p>Here's how the Predators' blue line has predominantly lined up:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LD</th>
<th>RD</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Brady Skjei</td>
<td>Roman Josi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeremy Lauzon</td>
<td>Alexandre Carrier</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marc Del Gaizo</td>
<td>Luke Schenn</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Each defenseman is under contract for at least one more season after this one, aside from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10982" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10982">Del Gaizo</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1663" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1663">Josi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4511" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4511">Skjei</a> have three more years remaining on their pacts.</p><p>Nashville has three 2025 first-round picks, but Trotz hasn't shown a willingness to move them, according to Friedman.</p><p>Trotz <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3120104" href="https://thescore.com/news/3120104">threatened</a> to start his "rebuild plan" in early November if the Predators didn't turn things around. They've gone 2-4-2 since he made those comments.</p><p>Nashville will host the league-leading Winnipeg Jets on Saturday.</p>

NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 18: Alexandre Carrier #45 and Roman Josi #59 of the Nashville Predators prepare for a face-off against the Vancouver Canucks during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on January 18, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Report: Predators seeking top-4 defenseman with 'a bit of term'

Matthew Knies is still being evaluated after being injured by a high hit during Wednesday's conte...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> is still being evaluated after being injured by a high hit during Wednesday's contest, but Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said the winger is doing better. </p><p>"Not bad," he said Thursday when asked about Knies' condition, according to <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1859648069895324147">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. </p><p>Berube added, "(He's) actually feeling OK today, which is good news."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Vegas Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7390" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7390">Zach Whitecloud</a> trucked the Leafs winger with <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3134755/knights-whitecloud-injures-leafs-knies-with-high-hit">a big hit</a> in the second period of Toronto's 3-0 win. The rearguard was initially handed a five-minute major before having it rescinded after a review.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zach Whitecloud catches Matthew Knies with a high hit. <a href="https://t.co/9DaenOV3zZ">pic.twitter.com/9DaenOV3zZ</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1859415450586583120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Knies exited the contest and was later <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3134755" href="https://thescore.com/news/3134755">ruled out</a> with an upper-body injury.</p><p>Berube chose his words carefully when asked about the hit immediately after the game but elaborated more Thursday.</p><p>"It’s a hockey hit," he <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1859649044311834656">said</a>. "It's been around forever … It's a clean hit. It's a tough play. He's in a vulnerable position a little bit. The guy was on him from behind and it's a tough play. It is, but it's hockey. That's part of the game."</p><p>Maple Leafs defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9758" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9758">Simon Benoit</a>, who mixed it up with Whitecloud in retaliation for the hit, didn't seem to agree with Berube's assessment. </p><p>"I think his feet were off the ice when he hit Kniesy right to the head, so I had to go in there and just protect my teammate," he <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1859658205577756689">said</a>. "It was just not a good hit ... I don't think it's a good call." </p><p>Knies suffered a concussion during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs and missed the last three games of the Maple Leafs' second-round series against the Florida Panthers. </p><p>Toronto was already without forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3007" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2576" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2576">Calle Jarnkrok</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6397" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6397">David Kampf</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> versus Vegas.</p><p>Berube said Matthews' recent trip to Germany to address his upper-body injury was a success.</p><p>“Everything went well," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/DaveAMcCarthy/status/1859648821250359701">NHL.com's Dave McCarthy</a>. "He's actually improving and in a really good spot right now going forward, so we are very happy with that."</p><p>Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133555" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133555">told reporters</a> Tuesday that Matthews might return Sunday against Utah but added that next week's Florida trip was more likely.</p><p> </p>

TORONTO, ON- NOVEMBER 20 - Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) lays on the ice after getting checked by Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud (2) as Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit (2) steps in and Vegas Golden Knights right wing Keegan Kolesar (55) and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Conor Timmins (25) tangle in second period action as the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Vegas Golden Knights at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. November 20, 2024.

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Berube: Knies 'feeling OK' after 'clean hit' by Whitecloud

Yaroslav Askarov will make his San Jose Sharks debut Thursday night when they take on the St. Lou...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9205" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9205">Yaroslav Askarov</a> will make his San Jose Sharks debut Thursday night when they take on the St. Louis Blues, the team announced.</p><p>The promising 22-year-old netminder has posted six wins, a .939 save percentage, 1.92 goals against average, and two shutouts in nine appearances for the AHL's San Jose Barracuda this season. </p><p>San Jose acquired Askarov, forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14047" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14047">Nolan Burke</a>, and a 2025 third-round draft pick from the Nashville Predators in August in exchange for forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13848">David Edstrom</a>, goaltender <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11080">Magnus Chrona</a>, and a 2025 conditional first-round pick.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Predators selected Askarov with the 11th overall pick at the 2020 NHL Draft, and he's since been considered one of the top goalie prospects in the game.</p><p>He made his NHL debut Jan. 12, 2023, with Nashville and surrendered four goals on 35 shots in a loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Askarov appeared in two more games last season - one start and one relief appearance - and registered a .943 save percentage.</p><p>Askarov missed all of San Jose's training camp with a lower-body injury.</p><p>The Russian owns a career .914 save percentage in the AHL across 101 games. </p><p>The Sharks have so far deployed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4779" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4779">Mackenzie Blackwood</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4035" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4035">Vitek Vanecek</a> between the pipes this campaign. Blackwood has a .910 save percentage and 4-6-3 record, while Vanecek has an .899 clip and 2-5-1 record.</p><p>San Jose ranks 20th in the league with a .908 save percentage at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php">Natural Stat Trick</a>. The team is last in the Pacific Division with a 6-11-4 record and .381 points percentage.</p><p> </p>

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 30: Yaroslav Askarov #30 of the Nashville Predators looks on during the second period of the game "W| at Capital One Arena on December 30, 2023 in Washington, DC.

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Askarov making Sharks debut vs. Blues

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen will undergo knee surgery Friday and is expected...

<p>Carolina Hurricanes goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> will undergo knee surgery Friday and is expected to be sidelined for 8-12 weeks, the team confirmed Thursday.</p><p>Andersen hasn't played since Oct. 26 against the Seattle Kraken. He turned aside 18 of 19 shots during the Hurricanes' 4-1 victory.</p><p>Carolina head coach Rod Brind'Amour said the veteran netminder "came up a little gimpy" after the game. Andersen was labeled <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3113777" href="https://thescore.com/news/3113777">week-to-week</a> with a lower-body injury a few days later.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Hurricanes initially believed the Dane's ailment wouldn't keep him out long term, but Brind'Amour revealed last week that Andersen would be out "way longer" than expected, per <a href="https://x.com/RyanHenkel_/status/1857471169546592549">The Hockey News' Ryan Henkel</a>.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12697">Pyotr Kochetkov</a> has been outstanding since Andersen went down, going 8-1-0 with a .911 save percentage and 2.16 goals against average. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3025" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3025">Spencer Martin</a>, meanwhile, has gone 1-1-0 with an .891 clip in a backup role. </p><p>"Obviously, Freddie has been great for us, and it stinks to lose him," general manager Eric Tulsky said, per the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/what-s-the-plan-tulsky-talks-canes-crease-without-andersen">team website</a>. "But Pyotr has also been great for us and we are very comfortable with him and Spencer."</p><p>When asked if he's thinking about exploring the trade market for a goalie, Tulsky said "of course" he's considering multiple scenarios. </p><p>"We want to be prepared for whatever may happen," he said. "But we want to preserve flexibility to make sure we have the ability to address our most important needs.</p><p>"The way our goalies are playing right now buys us time to assess the situation and make sure we use our assets where they are needed most."</p><p>Andersen was limited to 16 regular-season games in 2023-24 because of a blood-clotting issue. </p><p>The 35-year-old has posted three victories and a .941 save percentage in four games this campaign. </p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - OCTOBER 22: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes takes a drink during a stoppage in play in the second period of the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on October 22, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Andersen to miss around 8-12 weeks after knee surgery

Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour believes star center Sebastian Aho will leave quite the leg...

<p>Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour believes star center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a> will leave quite the legacy behind in Carolina.</p><p>"He's going to be the franchise leader in everything when it's all said and done, and he should be," the bench boss <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/tzxjut1tinfoxza0gmqzg/ACuNryGYeT3x-YuzN2-IJ3I?dl=0&amp;e=1&amp;preview=BrindAmourPost112024.mp3&amp;rlkey=ubbzj7cb7jtzpchyo7gdzbqh2&amp;st=06psgspv">said</a> Wednesday. "He's going to be the best player that's played here."</p><p>Aho already ranks third in the organization's record books in goals, assists, and points, but the 27-year-old is quite a ways away from catching Hall of Famer Ron Francis for the No. 1 spot in all three categories:</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>Goals</th>
<th>Assists</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>P/GP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Ron Francis</td>
<td>382</td>
<td>793</td>
<td>1175</td>
<td>1186</td>
<td>0.99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Eric Staal</td>
<td>322</td>
<td>453</td>
<td>775</td>
<td>909</td>
<td>0.85</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Sebastian Aho</td>
<td>259</td>
<td>315</td>
<td>574</td>
<td>616</td>
<td>0.93</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Aho has already taken over one team record, however. His third-period goal during Wednesday's 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers propelled him past Francis for the most game-winners in franchise history:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>GWG</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Sebastian Aho</td>
<td>58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Ron Francis</td>
<td>57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Eric Staal</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Jeff O'Neill</td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Kevin Dineen</td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>"Having my name next to that kind of legend and in the same sentence is special," Aho <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/tzxjut1tinfoxza0gmqzg/ACuNryGYeT3x-YuzN2-IJ3I?dl=0&amp;e=1&amp;preview=Aho112024.mp3&amp;rlkey=ubbzj7cb7jtzpchyo7gdzbqh2&amp;st=06psgspv">said</a> of surpassing Francis.</p><p>"Obviously, everyone knows what he did for the game and how good of a player he was. It probably means I've done something right to be able to at least be in the same sentence as that guy. Hopefully a lot, lot more to come."</p><p>Although Aho now has 17 points in 18 games following Wednesday's match, he's only scored five times after netting 37 goals in 2021-22 and 36 in each of the past two campaigns. Part of the issue is he owns a 10.4 shooting percentage while ranking second on the Hurricanes with 48 shots.</p><p>However, Brind'Amour isn't concerned.</p><p>"It's not just about scoring, and when you're not scoring ... you've gotta be doing the other things," the coach said. "And he does. Hopefully (Wednesday's goal) jumpstarts him and gets that department going."</p><p>A franchise legend in his own right, Brind'Amour amassed 174 goals and 473 points in 694 contests for Carolina.</p><p>The Hurricanes entered Thursday's slate in the top spot of the Eastern Conference with a 14-4-0 record and .778 points percentage. They'll take on the New Jersey Devils at 7 p.m. ET. </p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 03: Sebastian Aho #20 of the Carolina Hurricanes prepares for a face off during the second period against the Washington Capitals at Lenovo Center on November 3, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Brind'Amour: Aho will end career as 'best player that's played' for Canes

Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney detailed why he felt the need to change course one day ...

<p>Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney detailed why he felt the need to change course one day after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133503" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133503">firing</a> head coach Jim Montgomery. </p><p>"We're 20 games in," Sweeney <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/press-room-don-sweeney-6364958352112">said</a> Wednesday. "You might think it's a smaller sample size, I just didn't like the direction. ... Our team can't stay as close-knit as they've been, they can't get through the adversity piece within a game, and they can't respond from game to game."</p><p>The executive added: "We want to find out what this team is capable of based on where we're at right now with 60 games to go. There's a lot of season. But you can't stay in neutral."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Montgomery was on the last season of his deal and Sweeney revealed they held unsuccessful contract talks over the summer. Coupled with the team's underperformance, he felt as though he had to make a decision. </p><p>"Moving forward, that rests with me now," he said. "From a personnel standpoint and the players themselves, they have to understand that they're not where they need to be. We're either going to get back there, or there'll be continued changes across the board." </p><p>Sweeney made it clear that Montgomery hadn't lost the room, adding that the Bruins' issues are "confounding" and "team-wide." </p><p>Boston held its first practice Wednesday under interim head coach Joe Sacco, who's been with the team as an assistant since 2014.</p><p>Despite the familiarity with Sacco, it was a somber day for the players. </p><p>"Very frustrating because this is a reflection of our play, and it was avoidable," captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/locker-room-raw-brad-marchand-6364960649112">said</a>. "That's the tough part about this. If we would have done our job in here, (Montgomery) would still be around. We feel terrible as a group and individually that we let a really good coach and really good person down."</p><p>The Bruins currently sit in fourth place of the Atlantic Division with an 8-9-3 record. For comparison, they went 14-3-3 through their first 20 contests of the 2023-24 campaign. </p><p>Defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a> said he doesn't know what went wrong exactly, but he's confident Boston can turn things around. </p><p>"You want to go back to camp or the beginning of the season or whatever it was, we lost it. We lost it for a minute, and this is life," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/locker-room-raw-charlie-mcavoy-6364961026112">said</a>. "These things happen. </p><p>"But today you wake up and you realize that you still have the best job in the world playing for the best team in the world. ... We've got everything to play for and that's the crest, that's each other, that's everything. It's all going to be all right." </p><p>The Bruins will play their first game under Sacco against Utah on Thursday. </p>

Boston, MA - September 20: Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney speaks with the media.

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Bruins' Sweeney explains coaching change: 'You can't stay in neutral'

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones is expected to miss around four weeks with a foot injury...

<p>Chicago Blackhawks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3005" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a> is expected to miss around four weeks with a foot injury, head coach Luke Richardson announced Wednesday, per <a href="https://x.com/MarkLazerus/status/1859302675923468659">The Athletic's Mark Lazerus</a>. </p><p>Jones was hurt blocking a shot during last Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken. He was placed on injured reserve Saturday.</p><p>The Blackhawks have already played two games without their top rearguard in the lineup, and they dropped both in regulation.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jones leads the entire league in average ice time (25:43) and has registered two goals and 10 points - half of which have come on the power play - in 17 games so far this season. He's under contract through the 2029-30 campaign with a $9.5-million cap hit. </p><p>This is Jones' fourth season in the Windy City after being traded there by the Columbus Blue Jackets in July 2021. His 129 points and 445 blocks since his arrival are the second most on the Blackhawks and he leads the team with 234 games played over that span. </p><p>The 30-year-old has racked up 415 points in 814 career NHL games split between the Nashville Predators, Jackets, and Blackhawks. Nashville selected Jones with the fourth overall pick at the 2013 NHL Draft.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 28: Seth Jones #4 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on before a faceoff against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on October 28, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Blackhawks' Jones out about 4 weeks with foot injury

Tom Wilson believes Alex Ovechkin's injury absence impacts more than just the Washington Capitals...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> believes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a>'s injury absence impacts more than just the Washington Capitals now that the sniper's historic chase for the all-time goals record has been put on pause. </p><p>"It was emotional at first, to be completely honest. ... He's the hottest guy in the league," Wilson <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/tom-wilson-november-20-6364956061112">said</a> Wednesday about his teammate. "He's chasing something bigger than hockey. I think everyone in the hockey world just feels that little bit of letdown, that emotion, that you're just pulling for him.</p><p>"He's putting everything that he has into it. He feels all that pressure and the whole world of hockey is just rooting him on."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ovechkin is considered <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133026" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133026">week-to-week</a> with a lower leg injury after a knee-on-knee collision with Utah's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11032" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11032">Jack McBain</a> in the third period of Washington's 6-2 victory Monday.</p><p>The veteran forward scored two goals before going down, bringing his season total to a league-leading 15 tallies in 18 games. With 868 career goals, Ovechkin is only 27 away from passing Wayne Gretzky in the NHL record book.</p><p>The Capitals officially placed Ovechkin on injured reserve Wednesday and recalled forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12723">Ivan Miroshnichenko</a> from the AHL. Head coach Spencer Carbery said the team will know more about Ovechkin's recovery timeline Thursday, per <a href="https://x.com/TomGulittiNHL/status/1859279227482406986">NHL.com's Tom Gulitti</a>.</p><p>Ovechkin has built a reputation thanks to his uncanny ability to stay healthy. He's missed less than 40 games because of injury in his 20-season career, so this absence has come as a surprise for Wilson.</p><p>"We were sitting there saying, 'This is just weird.' It's unbelievable that he's actually hurt," he said. "It's one of those things where (we're) like, 'He's going to miss games?' I've been here a long time, and it's new to me."</p><p>Wilson added, "I'm sure he's going to be back stronger than ever and flying around soon."</p><p>The Capitals sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 13-4-1 record, but their red-hot start will be difficult to maintain without Ovechkin in the mix.</p><p>Wilson thinks he and his teammates are well-equipped to pick up the slack.</p><p>"I think what's gotten us success this year is the team game and every line having an identity, the group playing really well together," he said. "This doesn't change that. I think it puts more of an emphasis on us just to continue doing what we're doing and working for the guy next to you.</p><p>"We want to play for (Ovechkin), too. ... When he's out, we've got to make sure we're playing to the standard that he would appreciate." </p><p>Washington will play host to the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - NOVEMBER 18: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates his second period goal with teammate Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals during a game against the Utah Hockey Club on November 18, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Wilson: Ovi's injury a 'letdown' for hockey world amid record chase

Dustin Wolf enjoyed another gem of a performance during Calgary's 2-1 shootout win over the New Y...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9990" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9990">Dustin Wolf</a> enjoyed another gem of a performance during Calgary's 2-1 shootout win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday, but Flames defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> isn't surprised by the rookie goalie's poise.</p><p>"The more comfortable you get in this league, the more you believe in yourself, the more success you're going to have," Andersson <a href="https://www.nhl.com/flames/video/postgame-andersson-19-11-24-6364936325112">said</a> postgame. "(Wolf), for sure, believes in himself quite a bit. He's been awesome, especially the last seven, eight games he's played. He saved us tonight."</p><p>Wolf now owns a dazzling 7-2-1 record while ranking within the top eight in save percentage (.925) and goals against average (2.36) among all goalies to make at least five starts this season. His 8.19 goals saved above average and 8.18 goals saved above expected at all strengths also lead the rookie class by a large margin, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/goalie_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_gl_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_gl_team=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_str=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_gl_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_gl_span=%22Regular%22&amp;std_gl_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_gl_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_gl_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_status=%22Rookie%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=null&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_season=%2220242025%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 23-year-old has been particularly outstanding as of late, with a 4-0-1 record in his last five starts:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Opponent</th>
<th>Result</th>
<th>SA</th>
<th>xGA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Canadiens (Nov. 5)</td>
<td>3-2 (OTW)</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>3.72</td>
<td>.917</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bruins (Nov. 7)</td>
<td>4-3 (OTL)</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>3.75</td>
<td>.895</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kings (Nov. 11)</td>
<td>3-1 (W)</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>2.55</td>
<td>.966</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Predators (Nov. 15)</td>
<td>2-0 (W)</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>3.73</td>
<td>1.000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Islanders (Nov. 19)</td>
<td>2-1 (SOW)</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>2.49</td>
<td>.966</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Statistics courtesy of <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>. </em></p><p>When asked to describe his recent play, Wolf <a href="https://www.nhl.com/flames/video/postgame-wolf-19-11-24-6364936533112">admitted</a> "the zone" was an apt description.</p><p>"'Zone' is definitely a great word to use," he said. "That's kind of the stuff I work on, the mindfulness side of the game. If you can reach that zone, you're going to feel good." </p><p>He added: "You're reading plays well ... you're kind of envisioning what's going to happen next. You're seeing through bodies, you're just connected. And it's a good feeling to have, and one you certainly have to work every day to keep."</p><p>Wolf's excellent play has created a good problem for head coach Ryan Huska. The Flames have largely been platooning Wolf and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3929" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3929">Dan Vladar</a>, who's also performed admirably with a .906 clip in nine appearances.</p><p>Both netminders have gotten two straight starts on at least one occasion so far, but neither of them has appeared in three consecutive games. That might change when Calgary hosts the New York Rangers on Thursday.</p><p>"(Wolf's) been great, what can you say?" a smiling Huska <a href="https://www.nhl.com/flames/video/postgame-huska-19-11-24-6364937297112">said</a> after beating the Islanders. "We'll have some conversations after the game, for sure." </p><p>The Flames entered Wednesday in third place in the Pacific Division with a 10-6-3 record and a .605 points percentage.</p>

CALGARY, AB - NOVEMBER 19: Dustin Wolf #32 of the Calgary Flames skates against the New York Islanders at Scotiabank Saddledome on November 19, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

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Flames' Andersson praises rookie Wolf: 'He's been awesome'

The Toronto Maple Leafs' forward group has taken another hit with Max Domi landing on injured res...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs' forward group has taken another hit with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3007" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a> landing on injured reserve because of a lower-body ailment Wednesday. </p><p>The move is retroactive to Saturday. Domi won't be eligible to return until Sunday's clash against Utah since he must miss a minimum of seven days.</p><p>Toronto recalled forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14961" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14961">Nikita Grebenkin</a> from the AHL in a corresponding move.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said Wednesday that Domi "just needed some rest," according to the <a href="https://x.com/sunhornby/status/1859267313465237632">Toronto Sun's Lance Hornby</a>. The bench boss <a href="https://x.com/sunhornby/status/1859245694525039083">revealed</a> Tuesday that Domi was "banged up."</p><p>Domi is the sixth veteran forward who will be unavailable Wednesday night for the Maple Leafs when they play host to the Vegas Golden Knights.</p><p>Superstar sniper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> is set to miss his seventh consecutive game with an upper-body injury for which he's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133555" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133555">sought treatment</a> in Germany, while winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a> hasn't played since suffering an <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3123669" href="https://thescore.com/news/3123669">apparent leg injury</a> Nov. 9 against the Montreal Canadiens.</p><p>Bottom-six center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6397" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6397">David Kampf</a> was placed on injured reserve Tuesday - also retroactive to Saturday - with a lower-body issue, and the Leafs called up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12711" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12711">Fraser Minten</a> as a result. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2576" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2576">Calle Jarnkrok</a>, meanwhile, has yet to make his season debut and was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3132265" href="https://thescore.com/news/3132265">labeled month-to-month</a> Monday after undergoing groin and sports hernia surgery. </p><p>Finally, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> is out of action after earning a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3131419" href="https://thescore.com/news/3131419">five-game suspension</a> for catching Edmonton Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> up high with an illegal hit during Saturday's clash.</p><p>Grebenkin projects to make his NHL debut Wednesday as a result of the absences. The 2022 fifth-rounder has four goals and 10 points in 13 AHL outings so far this season. </p><p>"I feel perfect," Grebenkin said when asked if he was feeling any nerves, per <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1859266945884782675">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>. "Let's go work today."</p><p>Minten is set to make his season debut as the Leafs' third-line center against Vegas. He was sidelined by an ankle sprain to start the campaign, but he's logged two tallies and two assists in five AHL contests since his return. </p><p>The 20-year-old got into four NHL games in 2023-24. </p><p>Berube said Tuesday that playing star winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> at center was "definitely an option" for his depleted squad, per <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/its-definitely-an-option-if-we-need-it-maple-leafs-head-coach-craig-berube-leaves-door-open-on-mitch-marner-playing-center-amid-injury-pile-up">The Hockey News' Evan Doerfler.</a> Marner has never lined up at center in his 595-game NHL career.</p><p>It doesn't sound as though the Leafs will be pulling that card against the Golden Knights, though. Berube announced before the game that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11027" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11027">Pontus Holmberg</a> will be moving to the middle of the ice, according to <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1859269171076338147">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. </p><p>Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday. </p>

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 31: Max Domi #11 of the Toronto Maple Leafs waits on a face off against the Seattle Kraken during the first period at the Scotiabank Arena on October 31, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Maple Leafs down another forward with Domi on IR 

The Boston Bruins fired head coach Jim Montgomery after starting the season 8-9-3, the team annou...

<p>The Boston Bruins fired head coach Jim Montgomery after starting the season 8-9-3, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>Boston filled the vacancy by promoting Joe Sacco to interim head coach. He's served as a Bruins assistant coach since 2014. A former NHL forward, Sacco was head coach of the Colorado Avalanche for four seasons from 2009-13.</p><p>"Jim Montgomery is a very good NHL coach and an even better person," general manager Don Sweeney said in a <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-announce-coaching-change">statement</a>. "He has made a positive impact throughout the Bruins organization, and I am both grateful and appreciative of the opportunity to work with him and learn from him.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Our team's inconsistency and performance in the first 20 games of the 2024-25 season has been concerning and below how the Bruins want to reward our fans. I believe Joe Sacco has the coaching experience to bring the players and the team back to focusing on the consistent effort the NHL requires to have success. We will continue to work to make the necessary adjustments to meet the standard and performance our supportive fans expect."</p><p>Montgomery was in the midst of his third campaign behind the bench in Beantown. He was hired in June 2022 to replace Bruce Cassidy. </p><p>The Bruins finished atop the league during Montgomery's first season, establishing new all-time NHL records in wins (65) and points (135), though they were upset by the Florida Panthers in the opening round of the playoffs. Montgomery won the Jack Adams Award that year as the league's top coach.</p><p>Boston was also strong in 2023-24, posting a 47-20-15 record and advancing to the second round of the playoffs.</p><p>In total, the Bruins went 120-41-23 with Montgomery over 184 regular-season games and 9-11 in the playoffs.</p><p>Boston has struggled mightily in the early days of the 2024-25 campaign, however. They're 31st in goals for per contest (2.40), 28th in goals against (3.45), and they own the league's worst power play (11.7%).</p><p>The Bruins were 14-3-3 through its first 20 games last season.</p><p>Though Boston occupies the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders are one point behind with at least one game in hand. The Bruins sit fifth in the Atlantic Division in terms of points percentage (.475).</p><p>Boston squares off against the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday.</p>

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Montgomery of the Boston Bruins shouts at his players during the third period of their 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets at TD Garden on November 18, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Bruins fire coach Montgomery; Sacco named interim

Brad Treliving revealed Tuesday that Auston Matthews went to Germany to receive treatment for his...

<p>Brad Treliving revealed Tuesday that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> went to Germany to receive treatment for his mysterious injury, but the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager isn't concerned by the superstar's trek overseas.</p><p>"We haven't been trying to be cryptic with all this stuff," Treliving said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/not-alarming-treliving-reveals-matthews-is-in-munich-receiving-t~3032501">TSN</a>. "We've been calling him day-to-day because that's what he's been. ... He and our (team doctor) went over to Germany to see a doc that he's used in the past, more as a general checkup but also to get some work done on his thing. It's not alarming."</p><p>He added that Matthews' trip was possible in part because of the Maple Leafs' light schedule: Toronto last played Saturday, and its next two games are Wednesday and Sunday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Matthews has missed the past six contests with an upper-body injury but has been labeled day-to-day since the start of his absence.</p><p>Treliving wouldn't budge when asked for specifics surrounding the sniper's ailment, though he noted that Matthews has continued his regular off-ice work.</p><p>"I'm protective of our players," he said. "We want to share as much as we can, but anything that may put the player at jeopardy, I'm not going to do that. There's not surgery. There's not any speculation like that. I think we're in a good spot here where we're getting beyond it."</p><p>There's a possibility Matthews could come back Sunday against Utah, but Treliving said he's "more comfortable" with targeting a return during the Maple Leafs' Florida road trip, which kicks off Nov. 27. </p><p>Toronto head coach Craig Berube <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3129398" href="https://thescore.com/news/3129398">stressed</a> Friday that there have been "no setbacks" in Matthews' recovery.</p><p>The Leafs center initially suffered the injury during training camp. He's had a slow start to the season with five goals and 11 points in 13 games. Toronto has gone 5-1 in his absence.</p><p>The Maple Leafs put forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6397" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6397">David Kampf</a> on injured reserve retroactive to Saturday and recalled <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12711" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12711">Fraser Minten</a> from the AHL on Tuesday.</p>

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 24: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs shoots on net during warm ups before playing the St. Louis Blues at the Scotiabank Arena on October 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Treliving: Matthews went to Germany for treatment, no surgery needed

Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller is taking an indefinite leave of absence for personal reaso...

<p>Vancouver Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> is taking an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons, the club announced Tuesday.</p><p>"Right now, our sole focus is making sure that J.T. knows the entire organization is here to support him," general manager Patrik Allvin said in a <a href="https://x.com/Canucks/status/1858937082028458459">statement</a>. "Out of respect to J.T., we will have no further comment at this time." </p><p>Miller is tied for the team lead with six goals and ranks second with 16 points in 17 games this season. He played in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Nashville Predators, though <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3132113/tocchet-talks-miller-benching-i-played-guys-who-could-help-us-win">he was benched</a> for much of the third period.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said Miller's absence is unrelated to the benching. </p><p>"Millsy is his worst critic," Tocchet told the media, including <a href="https://x.com/CanucksArmy/status/1858959121740906707">Canucks Army</a>. "The guy wears his heart on his sleeve. He's our 'F you,' he's the guy that's our emotional leader. He takes it upon himself to do it every night, and it's hard to do. ... I'm lucky to have him."</p><p>Miller has been a key contributor for the Canucks since being traded to the Pacific Division squad during the 2019 NHL Draft. He scored a career-high 37 goals and 103 points in 2023-24 while appearing in all but one game.</p><p>The 31-year-old added 12 points in 13 games this past spring during Vancouver's first playoff appearance since 2020.</p><p>Miller is playing in the second campaign of a seven-year extension with an $8-million cap hit.</p><p>The Ohio native has amassed 244 goals and 655 points in 816 career contests split between the New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Canucks. New York drafted him 15th overall in 2011.</p><p>The Canucks will square off against the Rangers on Tuesday. </p><p>Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4659">Conor Garland</a> may not be available Tuesday as he awaits the birth of his child. Vancouver also recalled forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13077" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13077">Arshdeep Bains</a> and reassigned defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14963" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14963">Elias Pettersson</a> to the AHL.</p>

VANCOUVER, BC - OCTOBER 30: Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (9) prepares for a face off during an NHL game between the New Jersey Devils and the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C.

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Miller leaves Canucks indefinitely for personal reasons

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas is set to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Minnesota...

<p>St. Louis Blues center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6443" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6443">Robert Thomas</a> is set to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild, the team announced. </p><p>Thomas missed the last four weeks with a broken ankle. However, he was initially expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks with the ailment, which he suffered after blocking a shot against the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 22.</p><p>"It's frustrating being out, but I invested a lot in myself, and I'm pretty happy with the result and getting back so soon," Thomas said, according to <a href="https://x.com/jprutherford/status/1858931861466071123">The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford</a>. "I'm excited to be back in the lineup and looking forward to getting in the trenches with the guys."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Thomas began skating again last week and accompanied the Blues on their latest three-game road trip, though he didn't play. </p><p>St. Louis went 4-7-1 in his absence, slipping to sixth place in the Central Division.</p><p>Here's how the Blues lined up at Tuesday's morning skate:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stlblues?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stlblues</a> morning skate lines vs. Minnesota:<br><br>Buchnevich-Thomas-Kyrou<br>Saad-Schenn-Neighbours<br>Toropchenko-Faksa-Walker<br>Bolduc-Holloway-Texier<br><br>Suter-Parayko<br>Perunovich-Faulk<br>Joseph-Kessel<br><br>Binnington in starter’s net</p>— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) <a href="https://twitter.com/jprutherford/status/1858912459630780552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Thomas collected one goal and six points in seven games before being sidelined. He led the Blues with 60 assists and 86 points while skating in all 82 contests last season. </p><p>The 25-year-old is currently playing out the second season of an eight-year extension and carries an $8.125-million cap hit, tied with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5678" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5678">Jordan Kyrou</a> for the highest on the team. </p><p>St. Louis selected Thomas with the 20th overall pick at the 2017 NHL Draft. He's amassed 87 goals and 321 points in 403 career outings. </p>

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 10: Robert Thomas #18 of the St. Louis Blues stands on the ice against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on October 10, 2024 in San Jose, California.

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Blues' Thomas returning early from broken ankle vs. Wild

The Tampa Bay Lightning got Brayden Point back Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Point, w...

<p>The Tampa Bay Lightning got <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4013" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4013">Brayden Point</a> back Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.</p><p>Point, who scored a goal early in the third period, missed the previous four games after exiting last Sunday's 7-4 loss to the Winnipeg Jets due to injury. The Bolts went 2-1-1 in his absence.</p><p>The 28-year-old took up his usual spot on the top line between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5578" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5578">Jake Guentzel</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3322" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3322">Nikita Kucherov</a> at Tuesday's morning skate. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Point had recorded eight goals and 13 points in 12 games entering Tuesday's game, including four tallies and seven points in his previous five outings.</p><p>His 566 career points in 592 previous games since his debut season in 2016-17 are the third-most on the team over that span, while his 272 goals were the most.</p><p>The Lightning occupied third place in the Atlantic Division with a 9-6-1 record prior to Tuesday's action. </p>

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 15: Brayden Point #21 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Amalie Arena on October 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

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Lightning's Point returns vs. Penguins

Although Jeremy Swayman's early struggles continued during the Boston Bruins' 5-1 loss to the Col...

<p>Although <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9893" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9893">Jeremy Swayman</a>'s early struggles continued during the Boston Bruins' 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night, the goalie remains optimistic about his game.</p><p>"I think it can only go up from here," he <a href="https://youtu.be/dAQLPSI9eQE">said</a> postgame. </p><p>Swayman owns a 5-7-2 record and a .884 save percentage this campaign after surrendering five goals on 29 shots against the rebuilding Jackets. He ranks 65th out of 70 netminders in goals saved above average (minus-6.68) and 68th in goals saved above expected (minus-7.02), according to <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/goalie_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_gl_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_gl_team=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_str=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_gl_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_gl_span=%22Regular%22&amp;std_gl_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_gl_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_gl_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_status=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=null&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_season=%2220242025%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His performance likely isn't what the Bruins were expecting when they signed him to an eight-year, $66-million extension two days before their first game of the season. The netminder's $8.25-million cap hit ties him with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7301" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7301">Ilya Sorokin</a> as the NHL's fifth-highest-paid netminder in 2024-25.</p><p>Swayman said the added pressure of heightened expectations isn't contributing to his issues.</p><p>"I think 'standard' is the word I would use, and the standard that I have myself held to is not met right now," he said, according to <a href="https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-bruins/2024/11/18/jeremy-swayman-boston-bruins-nhl-hockey-goalie-contract-jim-montgomery/">Boston.com's Conor Ryan</a>. "That's what's going to happen in our careers. I know that a lot of veteran guys that I've looked up to and followed have been through the ups and downs, and right now, I'm in one.</p><p>"I'm going to do whatever I can to get out of it." </p><p>The 25-year-old missed all of Boston's training camp as a result of his contract stalemate. Swayman maintains that he's "had enough time now to adapt and get back to things," and head coach Jim Montgomery doesn't disagree.</p><p>"I don't think missing training camp helps anyone. ... But by no means do I think (Monday's loss) is (a result of) Jeremy Swayman not having training camp," Montgomery said. "We're long into that now."</p><p>The Bruins have lost three games in a row and are 8-9-3 on the season. They rank 31st in goals for per contest (2.40), 28th in goals against (3.45), and 25th in penalty-kill percentage (75.6) while owning the league's worst power play (11.7%).</p><p>"Definitely not happy with the way that things are going," captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> said. "We need to be much better in a lot of areas. Mistakes are gonna happen in the game, and we're just kind of compounding them. It's not acceptable to continue to have the same mistakes."</p><p>He added: "I think it starts with our compete level. ... We have it throughout periods of the game, we have it at times, and when we do, we're really good. But then we have these other moments where we think we're a skill team ... and that's not us.</p><p>"We have to understand what our identity is and play to that."</p><p>The Bruins will play Utah on Thursday. </p>

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 18: Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman (1) during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 18, 2024, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Swayman optimistic amid struggles: My game 'can only go up from here'

Nelly Korda fired a 3-under 67 Sunday at The Annika to secure her seventh LPGA Tour victory of th...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///lpga/players/2910" href="https://thescore.com/lpga/players/2910">Nelly Korda</a> fired a 3-under 67 Sunday at The Annika to secure her seventh LPGA Tour victory of the season and first since May.</p><p>The LPGA Player of the Year beat out<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///lpga/players/6215" href="https://thescore.com/lpga/players/6215"> Jin Hee Im</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///lpga/players/3709" href="https://thescore.com/lpga/players/3709">Weiwei Zhang</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///lpga/players/2758" href="https://thescore.com/lpga/players/2758">Charley Hull</a> by three strokes thanks in part to a blistering back-nine run that saw her record five straight birdies.</p><p>Sunday's win marks Korda's third victory at the event in the last four years. She claimed the title in 2021 and 2022 when it was known as the Pelican Women's Championship.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
<th>Round 4 score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Nelly Korda</td>
<td>-14</td>
<td>67</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-2</td>
<td>Jin Hee Im</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-2</td>
<td>Weiwei Zhang</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-2</td>
<td>Charley Hull</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>71</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Linn Grant</td>
<td>-10</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Rose Zhang</td>
<td>-10</td>
<td>67</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Korda won six times in seven starts earlier this year.</p><p>The 26-year-old is the first player to win seven tournaments in a single season since Yani Tseng in 2011 and the first American to do so since Beth Daniel in 1990. </p><p>Korda entered Sunday's action one stroke back of Hull for the lead.</p><p>She hadn't played since Sept. 22 at the Kroger Queen City Championship because of a minor neck injury. </p><p>"After taking some time off with an injury, it feels great to be back out here," Korda said, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nelly-korda-lpga-charley-hull-annika-46b4502ae434894015c519f88aaee8d2">Associated Press</a>. "Nothing like being in the hunt, the adrenaline feeling on the back nine, and being in contention. </p><p>"I love it so much."</p>

BELLEAIR, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Nelly Korda of the United States plays a shot on the fourth hole during the final round of The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican 2024 at Pelican Golf Club on November 17, 2024 in Belleair, Florida.

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Korda wins The Annika for 7th LPGA victory of season

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves was suspended five games for an illegal check to the head...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> was suspended five games for an illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a>, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Sunday.</p><p>The hit occurred in the second period of Toronto's 4-3 overtime victory Saturday night. Reaves was assessed a match penalty, while Nurse was ruled out of the remainder of the contest with an upper-body injury.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ryan Reaves receives a 5-minute match penalty for this hit on Darnell Nurse. <a href="https://t.co/hVZN9FJpRY">pic.twitter.com/hVZN9FJpRY</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1857956894414885353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The league found that head contact was avoidable.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>There's been no update on Nurse's status.</p><p>This is the fourth suspension of Reaves' 893-game NHL career. He'll forfeit just over $35,000 in salary and is eligible to return Dec. 4 against the Nashville Predators. </p><p>Reaves is under contract for one more season after this one with a $1.35-million cap hit. The 37-year-old has recorded one assist, 23 penalty minutes, and 44 hits in 16 games so far this campaign.</p><p>Nurse, meanwhile, has two goals and nine points under his belt in 18 games. He was averaging 21:36 minutes of ice time before being knocked out of Saturday's contest. The 29-year-old is signed through the 2029-2030 season with a $9.25-million cap hit.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 12: Ryan Reaves #75 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms up prior to playing against the Ottawa Senators in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on November 12, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Leafs' Reaves suspended 5 games for hit to head of Oilers' Nurse

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