Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour admitted after Wednesday's Game 5 elimination in t...

<p>Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour admitted after Wednesday's Game 5 elimination in the conference final that he had serious doubts his team would even make the playoffs before the season began.</p><p>"It's the craziest thing that we're this far, and all we're hearing is negativity," Brind'Amour said, per <a href="https://x.com/JoshGrahamShow/status/1927934125702328799">WSJS' Josh Graham</a>. "When I walked in this summer, with the pieces that left this organization, I was like, 'I don't think we're making playoffs.' I was that worried about it because it was such a mass exodus of good players to free agency.</p><p>"Then, we were able to find good players to fill in, and then I was like, 'I don't know if they're that good,' but they hung in there. I got nothing but pride with this group. We didn't love how this kinda went this series, but (the Florida Panthers are) the standard right there."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5578" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5578">Jake Guentzel</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3291" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3291">Teuvo Teravainen</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2092" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2092">Stefan Noesen</a>, along with defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4511" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4511">Brady Skjei</a>, left the Hurricanes in free agency and signed with new teams for a combined cap hit over $24 million. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3834" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3834">Evgeny Kuznetsov</a> also terminated his contract to return to the KHL.</p><p>Despite the turnover, Carolina made the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in three years, ultimately losing 5-3 to the defending champion Florida Panthers in Game 5 after blowing a 2-0 lead.</p><p>Brind'Amour added that he sees similarities in the Hurricanes' and Panthers' playing style but noted Florida's edge in execution.</p><p>"How do you think they play?" said Brind'Amour when asked if Carolina needs to change their style, per <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1927935856691544118">TSN</a>. "They're the standard now. I see out, in, forecheck hard, wait for your chance, try to capitalize. I mean, it's hard hockey.</p><p>"If anything, we gotta figure out how to get that much to our game. But that's the standard right there. I feel like that's been our game for a long time. They've kinda picked it up the last couple of years and made it that much better. So, that's what we gotta get."</p><p> </p><p> </p>

RALEIGH, NC - MAY 22: Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour participates in a press conference after game two of the Eastern Conference Final of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes on May 22, 2025 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Brind'Amour doubted Hurricanes' playoff chances before season

Florida Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen left Game 5 versus the Carolina Hurricanes due to an un...

<p>Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2631" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2631">Eetu Luostarinen</a> left Game 5 versus the Carolina Hurricanes due to an undisclosed injury but is expected to return for the Cup Final.</p><p>Luostarinen appeared to be hurt after slamming into the boards on a missed hit in the first period. He didn't return for the second frame.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Eetu Luostarinen will NOT return to tonight's game.<br><br>After a rough 1st period, he looked especially worse for wear after this attempted hit on Taylor Hall 🤕 <a href="https://t.co/8eWS07MLz3">pic.twitter.com/8eWS07MLz3</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1927900240738177048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"He should be fine," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said, according to <a href="https://x.com/DavidDwork/status/1927936477406589264">The Hockey News' David Dwork</a>. "We don't think it's too serious. We think he'll be right and ready."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Luostarinen has been a key piece of the Panthers' third line. He had four goals and 13 points in 16 playoff games entering Wednesday's contest, and he's won his five-on-five minutes 15-3 in the postseason, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerteams.php?stdoi=oi">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>The Panthers own a 3-1 series lead.</p>

TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Florida Panthers Center Eetu Luostarinen (27) in warmups prior to the Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round Game 2 between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs on May 7, 2025 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, On.

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Panthers' Luostarinen expected back for Cup Final after exiting Game 5

The Florida Panthers are heading to their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final after a dramatic 5-...

<p>The Florida Panthers are heading to their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final after a dramatic 5-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Wednesday's Game 5.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3208" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3208">Carter Verhaeghe</a> netted the game-winning goal with 7:39 left in the third period, finishing off a superb setup from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE PANTHERS RETAKE THE LEAD LATE IN THE THIRD IN GAME 5 🔥<br><br>WHAT A SET UP FROM BARKOV 👏 <a href="https://t.co/lyjmyOWxxW">pic.twitter.com/lyjmyOWxxW</a></p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1927918965143081311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> iced the game with an empty-netter after the Panthers killed off a Hurricanes power play. Florida's penalty kill went 5-for-5 in Game 5.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Panthers trailed 2-0 in the second period before storming back with goals from <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4526">Evan Rodrigues</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9200">Anton Lundell</a> in a 4:36 span. Hurricanes forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9199" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9199">Seth Jarvis</a> tied the contest in the third before Verhaeghe's go-ahead tally.</p><p>Florida will look to defend its title after beating the Edmonton Oilers last year to capture the franchise's first Stanley Cup. The Oilers currently own a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars.</p><p>If the Oilers advance, it would be the first back-to-back Cup Final rematch since the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008 and 2009.</p><p>The Cup Final will begin June 4 if Edmonton wins Thursday's Game 5, according to <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1927927870027960412">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>. Should the Stars force a Game 6, the Final will reportedly start June 7.</p><p>The Panthers are the second consecutive team - and just the second in the last 40 years - to reach three straight Stanley Cup Finals following the Tampa Bay Lightning's run from 2020-22.</p>

RALEIGH, NC - MAY 28: Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers shakes hands with Sebastian Aho #20 of the Carolina Hurricanes after the Florida Panthers defeat the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 28, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Panthers eliminate Hurricanes, advance to 3rd straight Cup Final

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins drew praise from his teammates amid a red-hot run of ...

<p>Edmonton Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2031" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2031">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</a> drew praise from his teammates amid a red-hot run of form in the Western Conference Final.</p><p>"He touches every part of the game you can think of," Oilers' star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> said. "(Nugent-Hopkins), in a way, sacrifices a lot of offense throughout the year for doing everything the right way and being in the right position and doing all the little things that a lot of guys don't want to do. He prioritizes that. We all know that he's capable of putting up numbers and scoring and making great plays.</p><p>"Right now, it's everything at once, it's clicking. He's been the best player in the series."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Nugent-Hopkins has nine points against the Dallas Stars. He's the first player in 35 years to have four straight multi-point games to start a conference finals. Cam Neely and Craig Janney did so in 1990 with the Boston Bruins.</p><p>Wayne Gretzky is the only player in franchise history to score more points through four games in the conference finals.</p><p>The Oilers are up 6-0 in Nugent-Hopkins' minutes at five-on-five in the series, and Edmonton has outshot the Stars 36-19 with him on the ice, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30320">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> lauded Nugent-Hopkins' work ethic and commitment to two-way play.</p><p>"He's done everything that you can ask," Perry said. "He's put in the work, and he's getting rewarded. Everything he's touching, he's making good plays. He plays on both sides of the puck. He works as hard as anybody on the ice. What he's doing out there just helps us out a lot."</p><p>Nugent-Hopkins is the longest-tenured Oiler on the roster, having been drafted first overall in 2011. He acknowledged the long road to get to this point.</p><p>"When I first came in, we were obviously a struggling team, but you never really felt the negativity too much in the city," Nugent-Hopkins said. "There was still a lot of positivity and a lot of hope. And now, we're one win away from going to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. This is as exciting as it gets for us as a team and also for the fan base that's stuck around for a lot of years."</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 27: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins #93 of the Edmonton Oilers heads to the dressing room after warmups prior to Game Four of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Dallas Stars at Rogers Place on May 27, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Oilers laud red-hot Nugent-Hopkins: 'Best player in the series'

The Edmonton Oilers knocked off the Dallas Stars 4-1 in Tuesday's Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lea...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers knocked off the Dallas Stars 4-1 in Tuesday's Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead and move one win away from returning to the Stanley Cup Final.</p><p>The Oilers lost in the Cup Final against the Florida Panthers in seven games last year. The Panthers currently hold a 3-1 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.</p><p><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> scored for the Oilers before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3961" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3961">Kasperi Kapanen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1882" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1882">Adam Henrique</a> added empty-netters. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6608">Jason Robertson</a> netted the Stars' lone goal.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Draisaitl knows it will be difficult to finish off the series.</p><p>"They're gonna be desperate," Draisaitl told <a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1927561510118686726">ESPN's Emily Kaplan</a>. "We know that, but we gotta obviously match that. Looking to close it out."</p><p>Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3292447" href="https://thescore.com/news/3292447">didn't return</a> after being hit by Stars forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9435" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9435">Mason Marchment</a>.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2031" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2031">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</a> tallied a pair of assists to become the first player in 35 years to open a conference finals with four multi-point games. Cam Neely and Craig Janney did so in 1990 with the Boston Bruins.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> made 28 saves. He owns a .985 save percentage in his five wins this postseason.</p><p>Game 5 goes Thursday in Dallas.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 27: Leon Draisaitl #29, Connor McDavid #97, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins #93, Evan Bouchard #2 and Corey Perry #90 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrate a first-period goal against the Dallas Stars during Game Four of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on May 27, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Oilers hold off Stars to move within 1 win of returning to Cup Final

Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman didn't return to Game 4 after taking an awkward hit from Dalla...

<p>Edmonton Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> didn't return to Game 4 after taking an awkward hit from Dallas Stars forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9435" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9435">Mason Marchment</a>.</p><p>Hyman exited the contest during the first period. He favored his right arm as he went directly to the locker room.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zach Hyman heads to the dressing room after taking a hit from Mason Marchment <a href="https://t.co/pKJcoL5qxm">pic.twitter.com/pKJcoL5qxm</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1927524371112898765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch said he'll provide an update on Hyman's status Wednesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/GenePrincipe/status/1927566285719666934">Sportsnet's Gene Principe</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"He's a top player for us," Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3142">Brett Kulak</a> <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1927564654215090588">said</a> postgame. "Tough to lose anybody. He brings an element to the game and to our team that not many other guys around the league can bring to their team. Tough to see him leave, and hopefully he's alright."</p><p>Hyman had five goals and 11 points in 14 playoff games entering Tuesday's clash, and he leads the postseason with 109 hits. The 32-year-old tallied 27 goals and 44 points in 73 regular-season contests.</p><p>The Oilers own a 2-1 series lead over the Stars.</p>

EDMONTON, AB - MAY 12: Edmonton Oilers Right Wing Zach Hyman (18) cycles in the zone in the second period of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round Edmonton Oilers game versus the Las Vegas Golden Knights on May 12, 2025 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB.

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Oilers' Hyman exits Game 4 after hit by Stars' Marchment

Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz returned to the lineup for Game 4 versus the Edmonton Oilers.  H...

<p>Dallas Stars forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6400" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6400">Roope Hintz</a> returned to the lineup for Game 4 versus the Edmonton Oilers.</p><p>Hintz sustained a lower-body injury after being slashed by Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> in the third period of Game 2. He took warmups but didn't play in the Stars' 6-1 loss in Game 3.</p><p>Nurse was initially assessed a five-minute major on the play that injured Hintz, but it was reduced to a two-minute minor after review. He didn't receive any supplemental discipline.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/513" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/513">Evgenii Dadonov</a> came out of the lineup for Hintz. He had played in every Stars playoff game this year before Tuesday, recording one goal and four points.</p><p>Hintz has five goals and 11 points in 15 playoff games after racking up 28 goals and 67 points in 76 regular-season contests.</p><p>Dallas trails Edmonton in the series 2-1.</p>

DALLAS, TX - MAY 17: Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars handles the puck against the Winnipeg Jets in the second period of Game Six of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on may 17, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Stars' Hintz returns for Game 4 vs. Oilers

The TOUR Championship is returning to a traditional 72-hole stroke-play event in which each playe...

<p>The TOUR Championship is returning to a traditional 72-hole stroke-play event in which each player will start the tournament at even par, the PGA TOUR announced Tuesday.</p><p>Since 2019, players have begun the TOUR Championship with stroke advantages determined by their FedEx Cup ranking. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> won the 2024 event after opening the tourney at 10-under par.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a>, who finished the TOUR Championship in second last year, had the lowest 72-hole score but fell short because of the starting stroke format.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The TOUR also plans to adjust the course setup to encourage more risk-versus-reward decisions in each round.</p><p>"We want the TOUR Championship to be the hardest tournament to qualify for and the FedEx Cup trophy the most difficult to win," Scheffler said. "Shifting the TOUR Championship to a more straight-up format with a tougher course setup makes it easier for fans to follow and provides a more challenging test for players - which brings out the best competition."</p><p>The field size will remain at 30 golfers in 2025, although the Player Advisory Council is expected to review the qualification system in future seasons.</p><p>The TOUR Championship is scheduled for Aug. 18-24 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.</p><p> </p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 01: Scottie Scheffler of the United States poses for a photo with the FedExCup Trophy after winning the FedExCup and TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on September 01, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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TOUR Championship eliminates starting strokes

Dallas Stars head coach Peter DeBoer was frustrated that Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse...

<p>Dallas Stars head coach Peter DeBoer was frustrated that Edmonton Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> wasn't assessed a five-minute major for slashing forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6400" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6400">Roope Hintz</a> in Friday's Game 2.</p><p>"Does anyone in this room think if <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> gets carried off the ice like that, that it's not a five-minute major?" DeBoer said, according to <a href="https://x.com/samnestler/status/1926115848294436943">DLLS Sports' Sam Nestler</a>.</p><p>Nurse slashed Hintz on the top of the skates in the third period. The play was reviewed for a potential major penalty, but it was ruled a two-minute minor.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Roope Hintz needed to be helped to the locker room after this brutal slash from Darnell Nurse<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TexasHockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TexasHockey</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsGoOilers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsGoOilers</a> <a href="https://t.co/GZggmVOqMM">pic.twitter.com/GZggmVOqMM</a></p>— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights &amp; News (@HockeyDaily365) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1926101659899322545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>DeBoer had no update on Hintz, who left the 3-0 loss and didn't return.</p><p>Dallas' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/353" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/353">Jamie Benn</a> also wondered what the outcome would've been had it been McDavid instead of Hintz.</p><p>"We didn't like it. If that was McDavid walking down the tunnel, I would like to see the result of that," the Stars captain said, according to <a href="https://x.com/MarkLazerus/status/1926111926485909644">The Athletic's Mark Lazerus</a>.</p><p>Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch refuted the notion that McDavid receives preferential treatment.</p><p>"I haven't seen Connor get that special treatment," Knoblauch <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1926320937298">said</a> Saturday. "The standard is higher for him."</p><p>Hintz has five goals and 11 points in 15 playoff games after notching 28 goals and 67 points in 76 regular-season contests.</p>

DALLAS, TX - MAY 23: Darnell Nurse #25 of the Edmonton Oilers stands over against Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars in the third period of Game Two of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on May 23, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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DeBoer: If McDavid gets carried off like Hintz, it's a 5-minute major

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is the 2025 winner of the Mark Messier Leadership Award...

<p>Washington Capitals captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> is the 2025 winner of the Mark Messier Leadership Award, the league announced Friday.</p><p>The award is given to "the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season, and who plays a leading role in his community, growing the game of hockey."</p><p>Mark Messier picks the winner of the award after soliciting suggestions from team and NHL personnel.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ovechkin has been the captain of the Capitals for 16 seasons. He surpassed Wayne Gretzky as the NHL's all-time goals leader in April and finished his 20th season with 897 goals.</p><p>The 39-year-old helped Washington to the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 51-22-9 record. Ovechkin racked up 44 goals and 73 points in 65 contests this season.</p><p>It's the first time Ovechkin has won the award. The honor went to then-New York Rangers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> last year.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 23: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals reacts after Christian Dvorak #28 of the Montreal Canadiens scored a goal during the second period in Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 23, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Ovechkin wins Mark Messier Leadership Award

Ottawa Charge defender Jocelyne Larocque's confidence isn't wavering after a heartbreaking 2-1 ov...

<p>Ottawa Charge defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15827" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15827">Jocelyne Larocque</a>'s confidence isn't wavering after a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss in Thursday's Game 2 of the PWHL Finals against the Minnesota Frost.</p><p>"It's disappointing, but it doesn't break our confidence," Larocque said. "We're a confident group. We know that when we take away the other team's time and space, when we're physical, when we put pucks on net, when we let the puck do the work, that we're a great team. So, we know that, and we just know that we need to bring that even up a notch. And we have confidence that we will." </p><p>Larocque broke the 0-0 deadlock with 2:35 remaining in the third period, but Frost forward Britta Curl-Salemme tied the game with 16 seconds left. Curl-Salemme then tallied the overtime winner to even the series at 1-1.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Charge dropped Game 2 of the semifinals in quadruple overtime, but rebounded with back-to-back wins over the No. 1-seeded Montreal Victoire to advance to the final. Larocque sees parallels to that series.</p><p>"Similar to our OT loss in Montreal, there were a lot of positives there, and then look at how we responded in the next game," Larocque said. "I do not see it being different here."</p><p>Ottawa outshot Minnesota 38-24 and had limited the Frost to only nine shots on goal through 40 minutes. Charge captain Brianne Jenner believes her team was better in Game 2 than in Game 1, when Ottawa won 2-1 in overtime.</p><p>"Overall, this was a much better game for us than our first game," Jenner said. "And we can take a lot of confidence from the way we played. We got back to our style tonight. We know it's going to be a hard-fought series. We knew that coming into it. We would've liked to close this one out for sure, but we'll learn from it. We're right in the battle, and we're having fun."</p><p>Game 3 of the best-of-five series goes Saturday in Minnesota.</p>

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - MAY 16: Jocelyne Larocque #23 of the Ottawa Charge skates with the puck against the Montreal Victoire in the first period during Game Four of the PWHL Playoffs at The Arena at TD Place on May 16, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Larocque: Game 2 OT loss 'doesn't break our confidence'

Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal had a straightforward synopsis of the team's 5-0 loss in...

<p>Carolina Hurricanes captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1033" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1033">Jordan Staal</a> had a straightforward synopsis of the team's 5-0 loss in Thursday's Game 2 at the hands of the Florida Panthers.</p><p>Staal called the shutout defeat "an ass whooping," according to team reporter <a href="https://x.com/WaltRuff/status/1925750728263377015">Walt Ruff</a>. "Especially the start, just wasn't good enough. They came at us right away, got a couple of quick ones. (We) got behind, and it kind of got worse."</p><p>The Hurricanes trailed 3-0 after the first period and were limited to just seven shots on goal through 40 minutes. Carolina trails 0-2 in the series after losing both Games 1 and 2 on home ice.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"You've got to have everyone, but tonight we had pretty much no one," Staal said, according to <a href="https://x.com/EricEngels/status/1925747343179067614">Sportsnet's Eric Engels</a>.</p><p>Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour was frustrated by his team's performance early in the game.</p><p>"I think we came out with the right intentions, but there was trying to do too much, and then we're not doing the things that we do as a team that normally helps us," Brind'Amour said, according to <a href="https://x.com/corylav/status/1925751725484318992">The Athletic's Cory Lavalette</a>. "I didn't know what I was watching in the first period, and that didn't go well."</p><p>Brind'Amour criticized forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7706">Andrei Svechnikov</a>, who took a penalty and was a minus-3 in the defeat.</p><p>"We know he's trying, but we've got to do it within the way we need to and be on the same page," Brind'Amour said, according to <a href="https://x.com/WaltRuff/status/1925751707645915542">Ruff</a>. "He was on his own page tonight, and it didn't work."</p><p>Svechnikov had no excuses for his play.</p><p>"I made the couple of turnovers in our D zone, and they scored," Svechnikov said, according to <a href="https://x.com/corylav/status/1925748926797291773">Lavalette</a>. "So my mistake, my mistake totally. And, you know, I can't do anything right now, so gotta move on and think positively."</p><p>The Hurricanes have lost 14 consecutive games in the conference finals and have been swept in three straight appearances in the final four. It's the longest drought of its kind in NHL history.</p><p>Brind'Amour didn't place the blame entirely on his team and praised the Panthers' performance.</p><p>"Florida was on it. You gotta give them credit," Brind'Amour said, according to <a href="https://x.com/wyshynski/status/1925749766396277020">ESPN's Greg Wyshynski</a>.</p><p>The Panthers have outscored their opponent 22-4 in their last four away contests, dating back to Game 5 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and return home to Florida with three straight wins on the road.</p><p>"Just a hell of a road trip," Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> said, according to team reporter <a href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1925751307635159088">Jameson Olive</a>.</p><p>Game 3 of the series goes Saturday in Florida.</p>

RALEIGH, NC - MAY 22: Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates with the puck as Evan Rodrigues #17 of the Florida Panthers falls to the ice during the first period of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 22, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Hurricanes' Staal calls Game 2 shutout loss 'an ass whooping'

Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart exited Thursday's Game 2 and didn't return after sustaining...

<p>Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a> exited Thursday's Game 2 and didn't return after sustaining a lower-body injury.</p><p>Reinhart was hit by Carolina Hurricanes forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a> in the first period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sam Reinhart has gone to the dressing room following this hit from Sebastian Aho <a href="https://t.co/7OIFajHkLq">pic.twitter.com/7OIFajHkLq</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1925716484136792228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Panthers head coach Paul Maurice had no update on Reinhart's status after the game, according to <a href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1925753881117487504">team reporter Jameson Olive</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Reinhart had four goals and 11 points in 13 playoff games entering Thursday's action. He played in all 24 contests en route to the Panthers' Stanley Cup triumph last year.</p><p>The 29-year-old tallied 39 goals and 81 points to lead Florida in scoring during the regular season. Reinhart has only missed two games in the past three seasons.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 18: Sam Reinhart #13 of the Florida Panthers skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period in Game Seven of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 18, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Reinhart exits Game 2 with lower-body injury after Aho hit

The Minnesota Frost are going back to goaltender Maddie Rooney for Game 2 of the Walter Cup final...

<p>The Minnesota Frost are going back to goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15753" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15753">Maddie Rooney</a> for Game 2 of the Walter Cup final versus the Ottawa Charge.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15751" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15751">Nicole Hensley</a> made 17 saves on 19 shots in Tuesday's 2-1 overtime loss in Game 1 but allowed a soft goal on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15828" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15828">Emily Clark</a>'s game-winner.</p><p>It's the third time the Frost have changed starting goaltenders in the playoffs. Hensley started Game 1 of the semifinals versus the Toronto Sceptres and was replaced by Rooney in Game 2. Hensley drew back in for Game 4 against Toronto.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Neither netminder has started three straight contests this postseason.</p><p>Rooney last started Game 3 versus the Sceptres, where she allowed five goals on 23 shots in a 7-5 victory. The 27-year-old posted a .907 save percentage and a 2.07 goals-against average in 19 regular-season contests. She has a .849 SV% and a 4.00 GAA in the playoffs but has won both of her starts.</p><p>Hensley has a .906 save percentage and a 2.43 goals-against average in three postseason games but has been between the pipes for both of Minnesota's playoff losses. The 30-year-old posted a .900 SV% and a 2.53 GAA in 11 regular-season appearances.</p>

LAVAL, QC - FEBRUARY 18: Minnesota Frost goalie Maddie Rooney (35) tends the net during the Minnesota Frost versus the Montreal Victoire game on February 18, 2025, at Place Bell in Laval, QC

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Frost switch back to Rooney for Game 2

Ottawa Charge forward Katerina Mrazova is out for Game 2 of the Walter Cup final with an undisclo...

<p>Ottawa Charge forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15821" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15821">Katerina Mrazova</a> is out for Game 2 of the Walter Cup final with an undisclosed injury.</p><p>Mrazova was on the receiving end of two significant hits in Game 1. She went knee-on-knee with Minnesota Frost forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15757" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15757">Britta Curl-Salemme</a> and was slow to get off the ice but returned to the game. Later, Mrazova was checked into the boards by Frost defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15745" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15745">Maggie Flaherty</a> and was in visible discomfort on the bench.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ-FvQUSGNf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ-FvQUSGNf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Charge head coach Carla MacLeod was coy when discussing Mrazova's injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"She's dealing with playoff hockey," MacLeod said. "She's been weathering a lot this season, but she's a tough gal. At the end of the day, we'll just try to get her healthy, of course, and keep her going in the right direction."</p><p>Mrazova struggled with injuries during the regular season. The 32-year-old was limited to 14 games, tallying three goals and seven points. Most notably, Mrazova scored the overtime winner in the regular-season finale to send Ottawa to the playoffs.</p><p>She's yet to record a point in the postseason.</p><p>Last season, Mrazova ranked second on Ottawa with six goals and 18 points in 23 games.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15826" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15826">Taylor House</a> replaces Mrazova in the lineup. The 26-year-old rookie had one goal and two points in 15 regular-season games and zero points in two playoff contests.</p><p> </p>

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - MAY 16: Katerina Mrazova #16 of the Ottawa Charge skates against the Montreal Victoire in the second period during Game Four of the PWHL Playoff at The Arena at TD Place on May 16, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Charge's Mrazova out for Game 2 of Walter Cup final

The Edmonton Oilers gave up three power-play goals before the six-minute mark of the third period...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers gave up three power-play goals before the six-minute mark of the third period versus the Dallas Stars on Wednesday en route to a 6-3 Game 1 loss, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> wasn't impressed with his team's effort.</p><p>"It just kills the momentum," the superstar forward <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1925395361541365794">said</a>. "Then you're chasing the game. The game changes from there. We gotta be an awful lot more mature than that." </p><p>"We gotta stay out of the box," Draisaitl added. "There's going to be penalties. We gotta come up with a kill. I'm not on (the penalty kill), so who am I to say anything, but that's just common sense, that's a fact. Once you have a chance to tie the game up on the power play, then it's our turn to be much better than that." </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Oilers controlled play through 40 minutes and held a 3-1 advantage entering the final frame. Dallas started the third on the power play, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a> scored 32 seconds into the period. Oilers forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/56" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/56">Evander Kane</a> subsequently took high-sticking penalties, and the Stars converted on both power-play opportunities to take a lead they didn't surrender.</p><p>"It's a tough pill to swallow, for sure," <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1925391489841930617">said</a> goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a>. "You just can't be doing that, especially playoff time, especially against a team like this. They know how to score goals, obviously. Mature team. I know we have that in us as well, and we've done it many, many times. Just let it slip for a little bit, and we'll get back at it, for sure." </p><p>The Oilers' penalty kill drops to 62.2% after Game 1. Edmonton is 22.6% worse than the next closest unit among the remaining teams in the conference finals.</p><p>"Whether it's a won battle, a clear, a block, whatever play's gotta be made on the PK, you gotta make it," <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1925396626736390257">said</a> defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a>. "We didn't do that enough tonight."</p><p>Despite the loss, the Oilers owned 56% of the shot attempts and outchanced Dallas 26-17 at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30321&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>. Nurse liked his team's game at even strength.</p><p>"Our five-on-five game, I thought, was really good," Nurse said. "For us, we gotta use it more. We know they have a good power play. In the last couple of series too, when we buckled down and stayed out of the box and kept the game at five-on-five, we played to the strength of our team." </p><p>Game 2 of the series is Friday in Dallas.</p>

DALLAS, TEXAS - MAY 21: Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts as Mikael Granlund #64 of the Dallas Stars is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal during the third period in Game One of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 21, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Draisaitl after Oilers' costly penalties: 'Gotta be an awful lot more mature'

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was unperturbed by repeated contact from the Carolina Hurricanes in h...

<p>Goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1631" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1631">Sergei Bobrovsky</a> was unperturbed by repeated contact from the Carolina Hurricanes in his Florida Panthers' 5-2 win in Game 1.</p><p>"It's OK. It's playoffs. They try to get under the skin. It's alright. I just focus on my things," Bobrovsky said postgame Tuesday, according to team reporter <a href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1925028121574609089">Jameson Olive</a>.</p><p>Multiple Hurricanes players bumped Bobrovsky in Game 1. Most notably, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7706">Andrei Svechnikov</a> caught the Panthers netminder in the head with his leg while flying by the crease.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Hurricanes haven’t been shy about making contact with Bobrovsky in Game 1 <a href="https://t.co/vqoat1wYrw">pic.twitter.com/vqoat1wYrw</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1925008232428220861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2025</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Svechnikov wasn't penalized for the play.</p><p>Bobrovsky made 31 saves on 33 shots and now has a .952 save percentage in his last four games.</p><p>The veteran netminder has played every second for Florida this postseason. He's the only goaltender still playing in the playoffs to do so. The 36-year-old has a .905 SV% and a 2.29 goals-against average in 13 starts and leads the postseason with nine wins.</p><p>Goaltender contact isn't new to Panthers games these playoffs. Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> collided with Toronto Maple Leafs goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> in Game 1 of the second round. Stolarz sustained a concussion and ultimately didn't play again, though he dressed as the backup for Game 7. Bennett didn't face supplemental discipline.</p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 20: Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers defends against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 20, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Ottawa Charge head coach Carla MacLeod applauded Emily Clark after she scored the overtime winner...

<p>Ottawa Charge head coach Carla MacLeod applauded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15828" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15828">Emily Clark</a> after she scored the overtime winner in Game 1 of the Walter Cup Final versus the Minnesota Frost.</p><p>"(Clark) just plays her heart out every single game, every single shift," MacLeod said postgame Tuesday. "She absolutely loves playing here in Ottawa. I think if you back it up to her final two shifts there in the third period, you could just see she found another gear."</p><p>MacLeod added, "You see her smile in those warmups. She captures the hearts of her teammates and the fans here in Ottawa, and it was nice to see her be rewarded."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Clark's overtime tally is her second straight game-winner after she scored the series-clincher in Game 4 of the semifinals against the Montreal Victoire.</p><p>"I just wanted to get it on net," Clark admitted. "I had an opportunity the shift before with some speed, and the puck kinda rolled off my stick. I was just trying to shake that off, and I just had in my mind that if I have another opportunity, I was just going to try to use my speed and get it to the net."</p><p>Netting an overtime winner is an unfamiliar feeling for the 29-year-old forward.</p><p>"I don't know the last time (I scored an overtime goal)," Clark laughed. "Definitely (ranks) high up there. Obviously, just happy we got the win. Tonight, it was a hard-fought game, and to be able to start the series off with a win, especially at home in front of our fans, is really special."</p><p>The Charge are now 3-0 on home ice in the playoffs and are two wins away from capturing the Walter Cup. Clark gave the Ottawa crowd love for its loud support, including chants of her name, which she says was a first for her.</p><p>"That's incredibly special," Clark said. "We can't say enough good things about being able to play in front of this community, and any time we have the chance to play at home, it's just such a boost."</p><p>Game 2 of the best-of-five series is Thursday in Ottawa.</p><p> </p>

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - MAY 13: Emily Clark #26 of the Ottawa Charge skates with the puck against the Montreal Victoire during the second period at The Arena at TD Place on May 13, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario.

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Charge's MacLeod praises Game 1 hero Clark: 'Plays her heart out'

The Carolina Hurricanes collected their 13th consecutive Eastern Conference Final defeat with a 5...

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes collected their 13th consecutive Eastern Conference Final defeat with a 5-2 loss in Tuesday's Game 1 versus the Florida Panthers.</p><p>The Hurricanes were swept in the 2009 conference final by the Pittsburgh Penguins, in 2019 at the hands of the Boston Bruins, and in 2023 against the Panthers.</p><p>Carolina's last win in the final four came in 2006, when the Hurricanes went on to claim the Stanley Cup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Canes already held the longest conference final drought in NHL history. The next longest was the Toronto Maple Leafs, who lost 10 straight conference final games from 1954-56.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3208" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3208">Carter Verhaeghe</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9403" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9403">A.J. Greer</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">Sam Bennett</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2631" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2631">Eetu Luostarinen</a> scored for the Panthers. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a> tallied a goal late in the first period for Carolina, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10630" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10630">Jackson Blake</a> added the Hurricanes' second tally when Florida held a 5-1 advantage in the third.</p><p>Game 2 is Thursday in Carolina.</p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 20: Aleksander Barkov #16 of the Florida Panthers celebrates after a goal is scored against Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 20, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck learned valuable lessons in what was an up-and-down pl...

<p>Winnipeg Jets goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> learned valuable lessons in what was an up-and-down playoff run.</p><p>"The first round was definitely a roller coaster and a mental grind," Hellebuyck said Tuesday. "Once we got through that, the weight of the world came off my shoulders. I started going back to playing my game, and everything that I was studying in the previous round kind of started to come together, back to my game.</p><p>"You can't abandon your game. Maybe make some tweaks here and there, but nothing huge, nothing drastic. You just gotta go out there and have fun and realize bad bounces do happen, and sometimes there's a little bit of a luck factor in hockey."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Presidents' Trophy-winning Jets advanced past the St. Louis Blues with a dramatic Game 7 double-overtime victory before losing to the Dallas Stars in six games in the second round.</p><p>Hellebuyck, the overwhelming favorite to win the Vezina Trophy and a finalist for the Hart Trophy, was pulled three times versus the Blues, and he ended the series with a woeful .830 save percentage.</p><p>The 31-year-old rebounded in Round 2, posting shutouts in Winnipeg's two wins, but still finished the postseason with an .866 SV% and a 3.08 goals-against average. It's the third year in a row Hellebuyck has ended the playoffs with a save percentage below .890.</p><p>"This playoff run, there's a lot of learning curves and a lot of things that we've learned, and we can take away," Hellebuyck said. "I know this group is gonna get a lot better from that. Not only do we get tighter as a family, but our game got tighter, and we're gonna continue to grow that and build that.</p><p>"We have pretty much the same group coming back, so we're all very motivated for a Cup. That's our goal. That's all we got on our mind, from now until this time next year."</p>

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 27: Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) as seen before the Stanley Cup Playoffs round one game four between the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues on April 27, 2025, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO.

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