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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The New York Islanders interviewed Ken Holland for their general manager vacancy, and he's consid...

The New York Islanders interviewed Ken Holland for their general manager vacancy, and he's considered a serious candidate for the position, reports <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6338637/2025/05/07/nhl-rumblings-islanders-flyers-ducks-kings/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>.New York <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3272770" href="https://thescore.com/news/3272770">opted not to renew</a> longtime executive Lou Lamoriello's contract in late April, ending his seven-year tenure with the team. He was also the organization's president of hockey operations.The Islanders would prefer to hire one person to take over both roles, LeBrun adds. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Holland served as the Edmonton Oilers' general manager and president of hockey operations for five seasons beginning in 2019-20. He and the team mutually agreed not to renew his contract in June.Edmonton ranked seventh in the league with a 220-121-32 record and .633 points percentage during Holland's tenure. The Oilers also qualified for the playoffs every season over that span, highlighted by a run to the conference finals in 2022 and a trip to the Stanley Cup Final last spring. Holland also won four Stanley Cups during his time in the Detroit Red Wings' front office - one as an assistant general manager (1997) and three as general manager and executive vice president (1998, 2002, 2008).The 69-year-old was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2020. The Islanders also want to speak to Marc Bergevin and Mathieu Darche, according to LeBrun.Bergevin has served as the special advisor to the general manager for the Los Angeles Kings since 2022. The Kings <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281073" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281073">parted ways</a> with general manager Rob Blake on Monday. Prior to his stint in California, Bergevin was general manager and executive vice president of the Montreal Canadiens from 2012 until his firing in 2021. He also won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks as the director of player personnel in 2010.Darche has been assistant general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning for the last three seasons and has held the club's director of hockey operations title since 2019-20.

EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 06: President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Ken Holland of the Edmonton Oilers speaks at the podium during the first round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft at Rogers Place on October 06, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The 2020 NHL Draft was held virtually due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

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Report: Ken Holland a serious candidate for Isles' GM vacancy

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy offered up a straightforward assessment of his club...

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy offered up a straightforward assessment of his club's play through the last two periods of Tuesday's 4-2 Game 1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers."They elevated their game today, and I don't think we did halfway through the game," Cassidy <a href="https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/video/round-2-game-1-bruce-cassidy-postgame-6372451694112">said</a>. "It's that simple. They were just better than us. You could almost - on the bench - see that we needed to string some positive shifts together to start the third, right?"Because we got out of the second. They probably felt pretty good about it, they're like, 'Hey, we're right there.' Then they get a lucky one to start, so now they're really on. We needed to build our game from there better." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Vegas carried a one-goal lead heading into the first intermission after captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> found the back of the net twice before the midway mark of the opening period. Though <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> got Edmonton on the board, the shots were equal at 10-10. However, Edmonton had the upper hand at five-on-five through the first 20 minutes, including a 10-8 advantage in scoring chances and a 5-2 edge in high-danger chances, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30241&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.That gap only widened in the second frame. Though no goals were scored, the Oilers dictated 62.1% of the shot attempts and 76.9% of the scoring chances at five-on-five. Edmonton also had two power plays and outshot Vegas 12-1 overall in the period. "The kill takes some energy against those guys," Cassidy said. "You're using your top guys, so that bleeds into your offensive ability after that. ... But we got through it. That was the good thing. We got through it, but unfortunately didn't do enough in the third to get it to go our way."Oilers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> knotted the contest at 2-2 in the opening minute of the third period. <a href="https://www.nhl.com/player/8475786">Zach Hyman</a> bagged the winner with just over three minutes remaining before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3202" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3202">Connor Brown</a> added an insurance marker. All four of Edmonton's unanswered goals came at five-on-five, and the club owned a 66.7% expected goals share at even strength through the entire contest."I think they have a great hockey team, but at the same time, I don't think we played up to our standard tonight," Vegas forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2086" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2086">Brandon Saad</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/video/round-2-game-1-brandon-saad-postgame-6372449245112">said</a>. "Obviously, they took advantage of it."He added that the Golden Knights know the importance of Thursday's Game 2 after dropping the opener in Sin City."I think we can bounce back," Saad said. "We're confident in our group. We let that one slip away, which is tough, especially at home. But for us, I think there's no panic. It's just reset and get onto the next."

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 12: Head coach Bruce Cassidy of the Vegas Golden Knights speaks with the media after a victory against the Minnesota Wild at T-Mobile Arena on January 12, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Knights' Cassidy: Oilers 'were just better than us' in Game 1

The Buffalo Sabres hired former NHL forward Eric Staal as special assistant to general manager Ke...

The Buffalo Sabres hired former NHL forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/242" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/242">Eric Staal</a> as special assistant to general manager Kevyn Adams, the club announced Wednesday. Staal will report directly to Adams in his new role and aid in all aspects of the hockey department, including scouting and working closely with players and prospects."As I looked for ways to enhance our existing staff, I wanted to add somebody to our group that has a fresh perspective and the direct experience of winning at all levels of hockey," Adams said in a statement. "Eric was one of the first people I thought of when I originally became general manager, so it is fitting that he is the first addition to our organization this offseason.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"He has done it all as a player, and I know his experience and knowledge will be invaluable to our team as we look to take the next step."Staal's NHL playing career spanned 18 seasons, and he officially retired in July. He played in only 32 games with the Sabres in 2020-21, but the club clearly made an impression on him."Although it was short, I loved my time in Buffalo, and as a player, I was lucky to get a small glimpse of what makes the city such a special place and a terrific sports town," he said.Staal last suited up in 2022-23 as a member of the Florida Panthers, when he played in 72 regular-season contests before appearing in all 21 of their playoff games during their run to the Stanley Cup Final. The 40-year-old spent the bulk of his career with the Carolina Hurricanes and won a Stanley Cup with the franchise in 2006."Throughout my career, I was fortunate to be on so many successful teams, and I hope I can lean on some of those experiences to help the organization moving forward," Staal said. "I'm thankful to Kevyn for giving me this opportunity, and I'm eager to lend my experience to help in any way that I can."The Sabres haven't made the playoffs since 2011, marking a 14-year drought. They missed the postseason by 12 points this campaign.Staal also played for the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens. He amassed 455 goals and 1,063 points in 1,365 career regular-season games and 64 points in 104 playoff outings.The Sabres acquired Staal from the Wild in September 2020 in exchange for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1646" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1646">Marcus Johansson</a>. Buffalo later sent Staal to the Canadiens prior to the 2021 trade deadline for a third-round pick and a fifth-round selection in that year's draft.

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 24: Eric Staal #12 of the Buffalo Sabres looks on during the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 24, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Sabres hire Eric Staal as special assistant to GM

The Edmonton Oilers scored four unanswered goals to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 1...

The Edmonton Oilers scored four unanswered goals to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 1 on Tuesday, making NHL history in the process.The Oilers are the first team ever with five straight comeback wins in a single Stanley Cup Playoffs.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Largest deficit</th>
<th>Final score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Game 1 vs. Golden Knights</td>
<td>2-0</td>
<td>4-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 6 vs. Kings</td>
<td>2-1</td>
<td>6-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 5 vs. Kings</td>
<td>1-0</td>
<td>3-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 4 vs. Kings</td>
<td>3-1</td>
<td>4-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 3 vs. Kings</td>
<td>4-3</td>
<td>7-4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>"You don't want to be down in five games, but we have the experience that we can come back and fight our way out of it," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/post-raw-hyman-05-06-25-6372451102112">said</a> postgame. "You have to have that belief in your group when you're down that you can come back. If you don't, you're not gonna win five in a row like that."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Edmonton has outscored its opponents 18-6 in the third period and overtime this postseason.Hyman ripped the game-winner off the post and in with 3:02 remaining in the third period Tuesday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3202" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3202">Connor Brown</a> notched a key insurance marker 1:16 later to seal the victory.Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said he's been "very happy" with his club's third-period efforts in these playoffs. "That's part of having a mature, older group. ... Those players have seen a lot - a lot of good things, a lot of bad things," Knoblauch <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/post-raw-knoblauch-05-06-25-6372451217112">said</a> when asked about Edmonton's lack of panic when facing a deficit. "They know that, during the playoffs, things fluctuate."There's a lot of things that can stress out the team, and no matter what happens, I think we handle it really well." <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> also scored for the Oilers. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a> chipped in with two assists apiece.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> stopped 15 of 17 shots in the victory. The journeyman netminder is now a perfect 5-0 in five starts this postseason since taking over for a struggling <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a>.The puck drops on Game 2 at 9:30 p.m. ET on Thursday. "It gives you a great opportunity," Hyman said. "Obviously, you steal one in their rink, and now you have a chance at taking both, so we haven't been in that spot a lot."We've always kind of had to fight from behind in series, and it's nice to get the first one out of the way early."

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 06: Zach Hyman #18 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates with teammates after a goal during the third period of Game One of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on May 06, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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'Have that belief': Oilers set playoff record with 5th straight comeback win

The NHL updated its second-round playoff schedule Sunday after the Winnipeg Jets became the last ...

The NHL updated its second-round playoff schedule Sunday after the Winnipeg Jets became the last team to stamp a ticket to the conference semifinals.The Jets advanced on a double-overtime comeback versus the St. Louis Blues. They'll open their next series Wednesday, while the other three series get underway Monday and Tuesday. Here's how the schedule shakes out for all four series:<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>All times ET. *If necessary<h3>Winnipeg Jets (C1) vs. Dallas Stars (C2)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784109/cropped_GettyImages-2209756775.jpg?ts=1746416045" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784109/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209756775.jpg?ts=1746416045 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784109/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209756775.jpg?ts=1746416045 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784109/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209756775.jpg?ts=1746416045 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784109/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209756775.jpg?ts=1746416045 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784109/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209756775.jpg?ts=1746416045 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Sam Hodde / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>May 7</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>May 9</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>May 11</td>
<td>4:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>May 13</td>
<td>8 p.m.</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>May 15</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 17</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 19</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Toronto Maple Leafs (A1) vs. Florida Panthers (A3)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783960/cropped_GettyImages-2123634530.jpg?ts=1746333394" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783960/w220xh124_GettyImages-2123634530.jpg?ts=1746333394 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783960/w320xh180_GettyImages-2123634530.jpg?ts=1746333394 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783960/w640xh360_GettyImages-2123634530.jpg?ts=1746333394 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783960/w768xh432_GettyImages-2123634530.jpg?ts=1746333394 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783960/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2123634530.jpg?ts=1746333394 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Claus Andersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>May 5</td>
<td>8 p.m.</td>
<td>Maple Leafs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>May 7</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Maple Leafs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>May 9</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Panthers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>May 11</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Panthers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>May 14</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Maple Leafs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 16</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Panthers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 18</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Maple Leafs</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Washington Capitals (M1) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (M2)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783961/cropped_GettyImages-2207638078.jpg?ts=1746333437" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783961/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207638078.jpg?ts=1746333437 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783961/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207638078.jpg?ts=1746333437 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783961/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207638078.jpg?ts=1746333437 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783961/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207638078.jpg?ts=1746333437 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783961/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207638078.jpg?ts=1746333437 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> John McCreary / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>May 6</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>May 8</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>May 10</td>
<td>6 p.m.</td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>May 12</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>May 15</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 17</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 19</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Vegas Golden Knights (P1) vs. Edmonton Oilers (P3)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783962/cropped_GettyImages-2189339482.jpg?ts=1746333501" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783962/w220xh124_GettyImages-2189339482.jpg?ts=1746333501 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783962/w320xh180_GettyImages-2189339482.jpg?ts=1746333501 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783962/w640xh360_GettyImages-2189339482.jpg?ts=1746333501 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783962/w768xh432_GettyImages-2189339482.jpg?ts=1746333501 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783962/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2189339482.jpg?ts=1746333501 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>May 6</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>May 8</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>May 10</td>
<td>9 p.m.</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>May 12</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>May 14</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 16</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 18</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MARCH 14: Wyatt Johnson #53 of the Dallas Stars and Adam Lowry #17 of the Winnipeg Jets face-off in the first period on at Canada Life Centre on March 14, 2025 in Winnipeg, Canada.

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NHL polishes Round 2 postseason schedule

The Winnipeg Jets completed a showstopping comeback during Sunday's 4-3 double-overtime victory a...

The Winnipeg Jets completed a showstopping comeback during Sunday's 4-3 double-overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues in an instant-classic Game 7. Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2147" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2147">Adam Lowry</a> scored the winner to book Winnipeg's second-round matchup against the Dallas Stars. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8VUct01uz10?si=2UOwswxu7vC-GYQ8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>Though it wasn't the prettiest goal, it was still a moment the longtime Jet has been thinking of for some time. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It's incredibly special," Lowry said. "I probably dreamt that it was a little nicer than just going off my leg, but it's one of those things - on the outdoor rink, in the driveway - you dream about being the hero in a Game 7, giving yourself a chance to continue chasing the Stanley Cup. "To do it in Winnipeg at home, we have such tremendous fans, such tremendous support. Just really happy that we can continue playing in front of them." Jets forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9198">Cole Perfetti</a> forced overtime in the dying seconds of regulation as the Presidents' Trophy winners avoided the first-round upset.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rNVnQGcEzI4?si=lVp-Bei6TN79KewO" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>"There wasn't one point where I don't think guys believed in here," sniper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> said. "We just kept playing, kept fighting."He added, "It's euphoric, it's emotional, it's motivating." Perfetti's tally was the latest game-tying goal in Game 7 history, while Lowry scored the third-latest Game 7 goal ever, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1919227711240765580">Sportsnet Stats</a>."Just so much fight," goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> said. "Every single guy brought their game. Top to bottom (of the) lineup, our details are awesome, and we fought right to the end."He added, "The guys gave it their all. You could see it every second out there."Winnipeg pulled the victory off without star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a>, who suffered an injury in Game 5, and top defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a>, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3280704" href="https://thescore.com/news/3280704">exited early</a> in the first period on Sunday. Rearguards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9989" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9989">Dylan Samberg</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6396" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6396">Neal Pionk</a> both saw their ice time eclipse 40 minutes (44:00 and 46:15, respectively) with the Jets down to five blue-liners for most of the contest.Hellebuyck rebounded from a shaky start and stopped all 13 shots faced in the third period and two overtime frames to help secure the victory."This is our series," he said when asked what went through his mind when Perfetti tied it. "It's time to lock it down, try to make a difference. Don't give them many looks, don't get beat clean, just let our guys roll the way they're rolling."The Blues were off to a roaring start as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5678" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5678">Jordan Kyrou</a> opened the scoring just 70 seconds in, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4751" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4751">Mathieu Joseph</a> doubled the lead from distance just over six minutes later.Perfetti got Winnipeg on the board in the second period with his first goal of the game, but St. Louis forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2601">Radek Faksa</a> potted what appeared to be the backbreaker with less than one minute remaining in the frame. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2119" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2119">Vladislav Namestnikov</a> got Winnipeg's comeback rolling with 1:56 remaining in the third period."Our mantra from training camp - get better every day, focus on the process and the results will take care of themselves," Lowry said. "Just really proud of the guys. You get down 2-0, Game 7, it kind of feels like it's an insurmountable lead. ... Wild game, but that's our group. "There's not a lot of quit in here." The Jets are the <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1919229725345550738">fifth team</a> to rally from a multi-goal deficit in the third period of a Game 7 and the first since the Stars <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3280166" href="https://thescore.com/news/3280166">stunned</a> the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, according to <a href="http://x.com/SNstats/status/1919229725345550738">Sportsnet Stats</a>.The series win is Winnipeg's first since 2021, when it swept the Edmonton Oilers out of the opening round before being eliminated by the Montreal Canadiens in four games.Hellebuyck has struggled in the postseason since then, but he came out on the right side of things Sunday."I don't think it's any secret that this whole series has been a mental grind," he said. "Ups and downs. It takes a team to win. We've been doing it all year, continue to build. I'm looking forward to the next one."

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MAY 04: Adam Lowry #17 of the Winnipeg Jets is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against the St. Louis Blues in double overtime to win Game Seven of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre on May 04, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets complete comeback in Game 7 double-OT stunner vs. Blues

Team Canada is about to have a lot more star power at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.   Pittsbu...

Team Canada is about to have a lot more star power at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. Pittsburgh Penguins captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> will join the club at the upcoming international tournament, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>'s agent, Pat Brisson, told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6333587/2025/05/04/sidney-crosby-nathan-mackinnon-team-canada-world-championship/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic</a> that the Colorado Avalanche superstar will tag along.MacKinnon's Avalanche were eliminated by the Dallas Stars in the first round on Saturday, while Crosby's Penguins missed the playoffs for the third straight season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Crosby has not played at the Worlds since 2015, when he won gold after chipping in with 11 points in nine games. He also suited up at the 2006 event after his rookie NHL season, and he went off for a tournament-leading 16 points and eight goals en route to a fourth-place finish. The 37-year-old just wrapped up his 20th career NHL season, in which he stunned with 33 goals and 91 points in 80 games. The forward also surpassed Wayne Gretzky's record with his 20th point-per-game campaign.His international resume also includes two Olympic gold medals (2010, 2014) and a championship at the 2005 World Junior Championships.Crosby is a member of the Triple Gold Club as one of 30 players to win a World Championship, Stanley Cup, and Olympic gold.MacKinnon, meanwhile, most recently participated at the 2017 Worlds, where he amassed 15 points in 10 games as Canada won silver. He also played in the 2014 and 2015 tournaments, the latter of which was with Crosby.The 2022 Stanley Cup champion ranked second in the league with 116 points in 79 games this season.Both Crosby and MacKinnon played in the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, helping Team Canada beat the U.S. in the final. The former chipped in with five points in four games while the latter was named the MVP of the event after scoring four goals. This year's edition of the Worlds will run from May 9-25 and will be hosted by Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark.Canada finished in fourth place last year after winning gold in 2023.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 17: Nathan MacKinnon #29 and Sidney Crosby #87 of Team Canada chat prior to a second period faceoff against Team Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off game at TD Garden on February 17, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey was injured early during his team's dramatic 4-3 double-o...

Winnipeg Jets defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a> was injured early during his team's dramatic 4-3 double-overtime victory over the St. Louis Blues on Sunday night. Morrissey was in some discomfort after taking a bump along the boards from Blues forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3965" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3965">Oskar Sundqvist</a> behind the Jets' net in the opening frame of Game 7. He received some attention on the bench and returned to the ice.The rearguard then threw a hit on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4751" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4751">Mathieu Joseph</a> right before the Blues forward scored. Morrissey headed down the tunnel afterwards.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Josh Morrissey leaves for the locker room after taking a hit. <a href="https://t.co/CHeJpaEbPD">pic.twitter.com/CHeJpaEbPD</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1919176000308412912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>His absence added to a nightmare start for the Jets, who were down 2-0 in the do-or-die contest before the midway mark of the first period. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5678" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5678">Jordan Kyrou</a> opened the scoring 70 seconds in, and Joseph's tally came just over six minutes later.Winnipeg was also without star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> for a second straight game due to an undisclosed injury, but the team recovered to punch its ticket to the next round. Morrissey chipped in with three assists through the first six matchups of the series while leading the Jets in average ice time (23:30). He recorded 14 goals and 62 points in 80 outings during the regular season.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 21: Josh Morrissey #44 of the Winnipeg Jets keeps an eye on the play during third period action against the St. Louis Blues in Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canada Life Centre on April 21, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Blues 2-1 and lead the series 2-0.

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The PWHL playoffs are officially set.   The top-seeded Montreal Victoire chose the Ottawa Charge ...

The PWHL playoffs are officially set. The top-seeded Montreal Victoire chose the Ottawa Charge to be their semifinal opponent on Sunday, locking the Toronto Sceptres and defending champion Minnesota Frost into their matchup.Montreal won its first four regular-season meetings with Ottawa but dropped the last two. The Charge will make their postseason debut this spring, while the Victoire were swept out of the playoffs in three games by the Boston Fleet last year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Every team in this playoff round is going to be a fierce competitor," Montreal head coach Kori Cheverie said, per <a href="https://x.com/_MelissaBurgess/status/1919159692036551059">The Ice Garden's Melissa Burgess</a>.The bench boss <a href="https://x.com/_MelissaBurgess/status/1919161749925769637">added</a>, "It's going to be even harder of a playoff series this year. The talent, the caliber, has elevated, even in one year of this league." Cheverie also wouldn't get into why the Victoire picked the Charge over the Frost, but she said proximity played a role. The top-seeded team can choose the third or fourth seed to face in the best-of-five series.Minnesota won the regular-season series against Toronto. The two clubs also met in the semifinals in the PWHL's inaugural campaign, and the Frost pulled off the reverse sweep to advance to the final versus Boston.The playoffs kick off on Wednesday.

LAVAL, CANADA - JANUARY 29: Goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer #38 of the Ottawa Charge and Marie-Philip Poulin #29 of the Montreal Victoire congratulate each other at Place Bell on January 29, 2025 in Laval, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Victoire defeated the Ottawa Charge 4-1.

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Scottie Scheffler dominated his way to an eight-stroke, wire-to-wire victory at his hometown CJ C...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> dominated his way to an eight-stroke, wire-to-wire victory at his hometown CJ Cup Byron Nelson on Sunday for his first win of the season.His score of 253 <a href="https://x.com/PGATOURComms/status/1919153043297194366">matched the record</a> for the lowest 72-hole score in PGA TOUR history with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1747" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1747">Justin Thomas</a> (2017 Sony Open) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5384">Ludvig Aberg</a> (2023 RSM Classic).Scheffler could have established a new record, but he bogeyed No. 17 and recorded a par on the last hole to settle for a tie.<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>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>-31</td>
<td>63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Erik van Rooyen</td>
<td>-23</td>
<td>63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Sam Stevens</td>
<td>-20</td>
<td>64</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Jordan Spieth</td>
<td>-19</td>
<td>62</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Scheffler is also the first player to go wire to wire on the TOUR since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5390" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5390">Lee Hodges</a> at the 2023 3M Open and the third to do so at this event, joining Mark Hayes (1976) and Tom Watson (1980)."This tournament means a lot to me," an emotional Scheffler said after his win. "It was my first start as a pro 11 years ago. ... It feels like a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice for little moments like these, and they're pretty special."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/55" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/55">Jordan Spieth</a> tied his career-low score with a 62 on Sunday and gained 19 spots on the leaderboard, but it wasn't enough to catch Scheffler. The World No. 1 has 14 wins under his belt, seven of which came last year.

MCKINNEY, TEXAS - MAY 04: Scottie Scheffler of the United States reacts after putting for an eagle on the ninth green during the final round of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson 2025 at TPC Craig Ranch on May 04, 2025 in McKinney, Texas.

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Superstar Kirill Kaprizov made it clear he's a big fan of life in Minnesota as the attention shif...

Superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a> made it clear he's a big fan of life in Minnesota as the attention shifts to his contract status ahead of what could be a pivotal summer for the Wild.Kaprizov has one year left on his current deal with a $9 million cap hit and is eligible to ink a new one on July 1. "This is my agent's job (to) talk with (general manager Bill Guerin), but we will see," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/wild/video/24-25-exit-interview-kaprizov-6372341747112">said</a> during his exit interview Sunday. "I love everything here. But should be all good." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He added, "It's easier because now I speak a little bit better English. It's easy for me to talk with the boys. ... I feel more comfy, every year more and more. It's like my home, my second home."Kaprizov is in line for a sizeable raise: He ranks 10th among all players in goals (158) and 15th in points (335) in 264 contests since the 2021-22 campaign - the first season of his current contract. Kaprizov's 1.27 point-per-game rate over that span is tied with Toronto Maple Leafs stars <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> for the sixth highest in the league.The Russian winger was a serious contender for the Hart Trophy this season before he was sidelined by an injury. He missed just one of the Wild's first 35 games and led the club with 23 goals and 50 points over that stretch.Kaprizov was limited to seven contests the rest of the way due to a nagging lower-body injury that required surgery in January. He was outstanding in the playoffs, though, totaling five goals and nine points before the Vegas Golden Knights eliminated the Wild in six games."It's frustrating to lose," Kaprizov said. "When you lose in the first round, it's tough. We'll be better next year, try to just focus on the offseason now, good training, good camp. Should be ready to go again." It was a hard-fought series for Minnesota, who lost the last three games by one goal - including two in overtime. Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1658" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1658">Mats Zuccarello</a> thinks his team deserved a better fate. "For many games there, I felt like we were the better team," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/wild/video/24-25-exit-interview-zuccarello-6372338531112">said</a>. "No disrespect to them, it just felt like we played really good. It's harder when you feel like you should have maybe won in six, then you lose in six."Zuccarello is also eligible for a new deal on July 1. However, at 37 years old, the veteran isn't ready to make a decision on his future yet."I would like to see how the season goes and how I feel. ... I want to play because I feel like I'm good enough to play," he said. Minnesota will largely be free of the cap constraints caused by the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/733" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/733">Zach Parise</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/697">Ryan Suter</a> contract buyouts next season. The duo accounted for almost $15 million in dead cap this campaign, but that figure plummets to $1.667 million in 2025-26.

ST. PAUL, MN - APRIL 24: Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) looks on during the first period in Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild on April 24th, 2025, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN.

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Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon was left stunned after former teammate Mikko Rantanen and th...

Avalanche superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> was left stunned after former teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> and the Dallas Stars brought Colorado's season to a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3280166" href="https://thescore.com/news/3280166">heartbreaking end</a> in Saturday's Game 7."It's pretty shocking," MacKinnon said after the 4-2 loss, per <a href="https://x.com/evanrawal/status/1918871811158127017">The Denver Gazette's Evan Rawal</a>. "Felt like we were in total control, then Mikko ... credit to him, he made some amazing plays. He was the difference-maker, took over. Yeah, I don't know. I'm in shock, to be honest.""They were missing their best D (in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a>) and maybe their best forward (in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6608">Jason Robertson</a>)," MacKinnon added, per <a href="https://x.com/DNVR_Avalanche/status/1918867006729711850">DNVR</a>. "We still couldn't beat them. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know what we're gonna do."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Avalanche looked to be in control after MacKinnon scored to make it 2-0 in the first minute of the third period. But Rantanen stepped up with a hat trick and an assist on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10699">Wyatt Johnston</a>'s game-winner to send them packing.Colorado had an edge at five-on-five during the series, dictating 58.6% of the shot attempts, 58.3% of the expected goals, and 59.3% of the high-danger chances, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30160">Natural Stat Trick</a>. However, the Avalanche's power play faltered, going 3-for-22 and failing to convert on three chances in Game 7."It's tough because you put your heart and soul into the whole year, the series, all of it," Avs head coach Jared Bednar <a href="https://x.com/DNVR_Avalanche/status/1918869768972411282">said</a>. "You're in a good position, and then it slips away on you. So it's tough because I know how hard these guys worked and how bad they wanted it. That's all you can really think of at this point."He added, "This is a good team. It's a really good team. In 2021, we were good; we got bounced out (in the second round). In 2022, we, obviously, were really good. This is the best team we've had since, though."Colorado has won just one series since lifting the Stanley Cup in 2022. The Stars eliminated their Central Division rivals in six games during the second round last spring.The Avalanche have now lost seven straight Game 7s - the longest such streak in the NHL. They last won the do-or-die contest in 2002. Though this latest loss will sting, Colorado did get captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2034" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2034">Gabriel Landeskog</a> back in Game 3 for his first NHL action in nearly three years. The veteran forward enjoyed a strong showing despite his lengthy absence, chipping in with one goal and four points in five contests."It's pretty early on, so it's hard to put into words other than it sucks," Landeskog <a href="https://x.com/DNVR_Avalanche/status/1918867550777094270">said</a> after Saturday's defeat. "It really sucks. Just wasn't ready to stop playing, to be honest."Love this group, love the team we have, love the fight we keep showing time and time again. Just wasn't our night tonight, and therefore we're done."

DALLAS, TEXAS - MAY 03: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche and Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Dallas Stars shakes hands after the Stars 4-2 win in Game Seven of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 03, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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The Dallas Stars completed the comeback against the Colorado Avalanche for a dramatic 4-2 Game 7 ...

The Dallas Stars completed the comeback against the Colorado Avalanche for a dramatic 4-2 Game 7 victory Saturday night to punch their ticket to Round 2.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> led the way with a third-period hat trick against his former team. He also recorded an assist, marking his second four-point game of the series.He won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022 and was traded by the club to the Carolina Hurricanes in January, ending his 10-year tenure in Colorado. Understandably, it was a unique handshake line for Rantanen to be in after the game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Emotional, they're my brothers," he told ESPN's Emily Kaplan. "I still love every one of them. Obviously, we were enemies in this series on the ice, but they're my dear friends off the ice."Dallas was down 2-0 after Colorado superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> scored in the first minute of the third period. Rantanen then found the back of the net twice, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10699">Wyatt Johnston</a> struck on the power play with less than four minutes to go for the eventual game-winner.Johnston has played in three career Game 7s and he has scored in all of them. "There was no quit at any point," said Rantanen, who capped off his hat trick with an empty-netter. "Obviously they get a goal first shift of the third, but we just kept going. There was still chatter on the bench, we knew we had to earn a couple bounces and we did. Big win, so I'm happy for the group." Netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8282" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8282">Jake Oettinger</a> was outstanding in goal, turning aside 25 of 27 shots. He saved 1.68 goals above expected at all strengths, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30167&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>. The Stars are now the first team in Stanley Cup Playoffs history to be trailing by multiple goals in the final frame of a Game 7 and win in regulation, according to <a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1918860151940882890">OptaSTATS</a>.Colorado opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal by defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3862" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3862">Josh Manson</a> at the midway mark of the second stanza. He's the first rearguard to score a shorthanded goal in a Game 7 in franchise history, per <a href="https://x.com/NHLPR/status/1918846688283771197">NHL PR</a>.Rantanen believes the hard-fought series against the Central Division powerhouse will serve his Stars well in the future. "I think it prepares us because it's only going to get harder," he said. "How the standings go, sometimes really good teams play in the first round even though maybe they shouldn't. "I think it prepares us well, we already have a seven-game series. We know, if another one comes, what to do." Stars head coach Pete DeBoer is now 9-0 all time in Game 7s. The Avalanche, meanwhile, have lost seven straight Game 7s.Dallas has made the Western Conference Final in each of the past two seasons. The Stars acquired Rantanen from the Hurricanes at the trade deadline to bolster their Stanley Cup chase, and he already rewarded them with the first third-period Game 7 hat trick in NHL history. "This team has been so close a couple years in a row," Rantanen said. "Hopefully I can help them get even closer."The Stars pulled off the victory despite being down their No. 1 defenseman in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a> and leading goal-scorer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6608">Jason Robertson</a>.Dallas will face either the Winnipeg Jets or the St. Louis Blues in the next round. They will square off in their own Game 7 on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

DALLAS, TEXAS - MAY 03: Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Dallas Stars is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the game-tying goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period in Game Seven of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 03, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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The Edmonton Oilers will be without defenseman Mattias Ekholm for their second-round series again...

The Edmonton Oilers will be without defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1993" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1993">Mattias Ekholm</a> for their second-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed Saturday. "No, he will not be available for this round," the bench boss <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/raw-kris-knoblauch-05-03-25-6372293591112">said</a>. Ekholm missed Edmonton's first-round matchup versus the Los Angeles Kings due to an undisclosed injury. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Oilers handled their Pacific Division rivals in six games after dropping the first two contests, but they had a hard time in their own zone at times. Edmonton sits second last among all playoff teams this spring in goals against per game (4.00) while owning the worst penalty kill with a paltry 60% success rate.Ekholm last played in an NHL game April 11 against the San Jose Sharks, but he saw just 1:52 minutes of ice time. He missed 10 of the Oilers' last 11 regular-season contests.The 34-year-old rearguard has been a key cornerstone of Edmonton's blue line since he was acquired by the Oilers in 2023. Ekholm chipped in with nine goals and 33 points in 65 outings this campaign while ranking third on the team in average ice time (22:12). Edmonton split the regular-season series with the Golden Knights and won the last matchup 3-2 on April 1.

EDMONTON, CANADA - MARCH 26: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Edmonton Oilers in action during the game against the Dallas Stars at Rogers Place on March 26, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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The Montreal Canadiens' surprising season may have been cut short with Wednesday's Game 5 loss to...

The Montreal Canadiens' surprising season may have been cut short with Wednesday's Game 5 loss to the Washington Capitals, but head coach Martin St. Louis knows even better days are on the horizon. "The pain that you feel right now is normal, but I think it's not even close to what's coming, the joy that's coming," the bench boss said after Montreal's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3278492" href="https://thescore.com/news/3278492">season-ending 4-1 defeat</a>, according to <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1917783624725782624">Sportsnet</a>. "Obviously, there's nothing guaranteed. You gotta keep putting your (best) foot forward and work on it, but it's very encouraging."Not just the talent that we have, but to me, what's more at the front of that is the individuals that we have. We have great humans. It's a fun group to lead." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Habs battled their way into the playoffs during what was supposed to be another rebuilding year for the young club. Montreal was in last place of the Eastern Conference with an 8-13-3 record on Dec. 1, but it went 32-18-8 the rest of the way to claim the second wild-card spot. "Extremely proud of everyone," captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6457" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6457">Nick Suzuki</a> said. "From where we started the season to where we are now, we've grown so much. It really felt like we could keep going and win. It felt like we could have won any of these games."This was Suzuki's third career postseason appearance and first since the Canadiens made it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. What followed that stunning run were three trying seasons that saw Montreal finish in last place of the Atlantic Division with a sub-.500 record each time. Having been on both sides of the coin, Suzuki is doing his best to focus on the here and now. "Just trying to stay in the moment right now," he said. "Just the feeling of going off the ice like that and coming in here (to speak to the media), it's a tough feeling. You need to go through it every year unless you win the trophy at the end. ... Who knows what our group is gonna look like next year, so just trying to spend time with the guys we have now."One person who definitely won't be in the mix is defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1688" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1688">David Savard</a>, who announced he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3270197" href="https://thescore.com/news/3270197">would retire</a> after Montreal's playoff run."His fingerprints are all over everyone in the room. ... I wish we could have extended his season a bit longer, his career a bit longer," Suzuki said. Canadiens netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9298" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9298">Jakub Dobes</a>, meanwhile, is eager to get another shot at the postseason with his teammates. "Obviously, not the result we wanted, but I believe we have a lot of playoff hockey in front of us," he said. "We'll be back eventually. ... It sucks right now, but tomorrow will be a better day."

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 30: Montreal Canadiens players react after being defeated by the Washington Capitals in Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Habs' St. Louis: Pain of 1st-round exit 'not even close' to joy yet to come

The Washington Capitals eliminated the Montreal Canadiens with a 4-1 win in Game 5 on Wednesday t...

The Washington Capitals eliminated the Montreal Canadiens with a 4-1 win in Game 5 on Wednesday to secure their first series victory since the 2018 Stanley Cup Final.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> chipped in with a power-play goal and an assist, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4562" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4562">Dylan Strome</a> added two helpers to bring his playoff total to nine points.The victory also marked the Capitals' first time clinching on their home turf since 2015. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It feels great, it feels awesome to do it on home ice," Wilson told Sportsnet's Shawn McKenzie postgame. "That was a heck of a battle. Some pretty crazy times throughout the series, a lot of fun. It just shows what a tight group we have. We're excited to get it done."Ageless sniper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> opened the scoring with a goal on the man advantage for his fourth tally of the series. Defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5601">Jakob Chychrun</a> found the back of the net just over two minutes later, and his marker stood as the game-winner.Wilson marveled at Ovechkin after the game."He's doing it all right now," he said. "He's been our MVP all season, so far he's our MVP in the playoffs. Blocking shots, banging bodies, scoring goals. They don't make them like him anymore. We're lucky to have him."Ovechkin made sure to praise Wilson right back. When asked to point to the turning point of the series, the veteran responded with six simple words."Game 4. Third period. Tom Wilson," Ovi said, per <a href="https://x.com/BaileyAJohnson_/status/1917766300299837634">The Washington Post's Bailey Johnson</a>.His comments seemingly reference Wilson's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3276126" href="https://thescore.com/news/3276126">thunderous hit</a> on Habs defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4569" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4569">Alexandre Carrier</a>, which came right before Capitals forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9879" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9879">Brandon Duhaime</a>'s 2-2 equalizer during Sunday's victory. The Capitals held a 3-0 lead entering the final frame on Wednesday, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9246" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9246">Emil Heineman</a> got Montreal on the board in the early stages of the period. Duhaime ultimately restored the three-goal lead with an empty-netter.Washington netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10003">Logan Thompson</a> put forth another strong showing, allowing just one goal on 29 shots in the decisive victory.At the other end of the ice, rookie netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9298" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9298">Jakub Dobes</a> came up with a plethora of big stops for the Habs as part of a 24-save effort.The first-round series was often feisty and physical, featuring a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3276812" href="https://thescore.com/news/3276812">$25,000 fine</a> for each team and a <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1915932515375685930">scuffle</a> between Wilson and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3044" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3044">Josh Anderson</a> that wound up in an empty bench. "You know what you're gonna get out of them," Wilson said. "Once I was able to kind of focus and dial it in - I think that's why everybody loves the sport of hockey because there's guys on both sides of the puck that are willing to do whatever they have to for their team."He added, "We knew that they were gonna play kinda cheap and try and get us off our game. It got crazy at times, but that's why hockey's so fun." It was a remarkable campaign for the young Canadiens, who were in last place of the Eastern Conference on Dec. 1. This was Montreal's first playoff appearance since its run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021.Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery made sure to tip his cap to his scrappy opponents. "To me, that wasn't a 4-1 series. ... They pushed us in every single one of those games," he said, according to <a href="https://x.com/EricEngels/status/1917771161464668580">Sportsnet's Eric Engels</a>. Washington will meet the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 2. The Canes were the first team to advance this postseason after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277790" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277790">defeating</a> the New Jersey Devils in Game 5 on Tuesday. The Capitals split their regular-season series with Metropolitan Division rival Carolina and won the final meeting 5-4 in a shootout April 10.Washington was swept out of the 2024 postseason by the New York Rangers.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 30: Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals celebrates a goal against the Montreal Canadiens in the second period during Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

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Capitals dispatch Canadiens for 1st series win since 2018

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