Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson didn't offer much insight when asked about his relationsh...

Vancouver Canucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> didn't offer much insight when asked about his relationship with teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> following Saturday's loss to the Ottawa Senators.Rumors of a rift between the two forwards have engulfed the team of late, but Pettersson says there's no credibility to the outside gossip. "I don't know why people still try to make shit up," Pettersson said, according to <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1870716261836976618">Sportsnet</a>. "Excuse my language, but yeah."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pettersson ended his media availability when the next question asked if rumors were affecting his play.Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> and head coach Rick Tocchet <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3166968" href="https://thescore.com/news/3166968">addressed</a> the rumors before Saturday's game. Hughes said the dressing room is united, while Tocchet noted disagreements among teammates are normal.Pettersson and Miller are each producing at a lower rate than they did last season when they spearheaded the Canucks to a Pacific Division title. Vancouver currently holds the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference despite winning only three of its past 10 games.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 21: Elias Pettersson #40 talks to teammate J.T. Miller #9 of the Vancouver Canucks during the third period of their NHL game against the Ottawa Senators at Rogers Arena on December 21, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Ottawa won 5-4 in overtime.

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Pettersson irked by gossip: 'People still try and make shit up'

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes insisted his club is united despite recent rumors about te...

Vancouver Canucks captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> insisted his club is united despite recent rumors about tension between superstars <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>."It's been a lot of learning for everyone in here," Hughes said, per <a href="https://x.com/patersonjeff/status/1870550729443918137">Jeff Paterson of Rink Wide: Vancouver</a>. "Not to beat around the bush, but everyone knows what the reports are out there, but I think that everyone expects a lot from each other. There's times where I get upset with Millsy, there's times I get upset with Petey, there's times I get upset with (defenseman Filip) Hronek. That doesn't mean I don't love those guys, and vice versa."Pettersson and Miller were Vancouver's most productive forwards last season but have seen their numbers drop off in 2024-25. Pettersson's managed 26 points in 32 games this year after facing plenty of scrutiny for an underwhelming playoffs. Miller has 19 points in 22 contests and recently returned from a 10-game absence for personal reasons.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I think that both of them have been going through their own struggles this year," Hughes said. "I believe in both of them. I think they're great players, great people. Like I said, there's times where we all get into it, but it is a family in here, and we just got to continue to push forward and play the way we want to play."Hughes continued, "If there's a positive ... I think both Petey and Millsy would both say they haven't played their best hockey this year, and we're still where we are in the standings."The Canucks entered Saturday holding the Western Conference's second wild-card spot at 38 points. They've stayed afloat despite the outside noise as well as long-term injuries to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5557" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5557">Thatcher Demko</a> and Hronek.Head coach Rick Tocchet believes occasional animosity between teammates is normal. "It's all about the crest," Tocchet <a href="https://x.com/patersonjeff/status/1870555482911539413">said</a>. "As long as I coach it's always about the crest, it's not about not the name on the back. You're going to have arguments, you're going to have fights. I've been fortunate, I've been to the Stanley Cup three times: two as a coach, one as a player, and there's always been something that has galvanized the team."

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 10: J.T. Miller #9 of the Vancouver Canucks talks to teammates Quinn Hughes #43 and Elias Pettersson #40 during their NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Rogers Arena on April 10, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Hughes downplays reported Miller-Pettersson rift: 'Family in here'

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews missed Saturday's 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders ...

Toronto Maple Leafs captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> missed Saturday's 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders after re-aggravating the upper-body injury that previously held him out nine games this season, head coach Craig Berube announced, per <a href="https://x.com/Arunthings/status/1870590011885904138">The Leafs Nation's Arun Srinivasan</a>.Matthews remains questionable for Monday's clash against the Winnipeg Jets, Berube added. The Maple are off until Dec. 27 afterward.Berube <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3165808" href="https://thescore.com/news/3165808">noted</a> before Friday's matchup with the Buffalo Sabres that Matthews is still fighting through the unspecified ailment. Matthews, who scored his 11th goal of the season in the first period, took a hard hit from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5611">Tage Thompson</a> in the victory and got up gingerly from a cross-check late in the third.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tage Thompson SITS DOWN Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly takes exception 😱👊 <a href="https://t.co/MPKUgvF24a">pic.twitter.com/MPKUgvF24a</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1870266617244070076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tavares gets a glove on Gilbert after his crosscheck on Matthews <a href="https://t.co/k5BwDHalFp">pic.twitter.com/k5BwDHalFp</a>— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) <a href="https://twitter.com/TicTacTOmar/status/1870294360018825435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Matthews visited a specialist in Germany during his previous injury absence. The issue initially started in the preseason and doesn't require surgery.The 27-year-old, who's in the first year of a four-year, $53-million contract, notched 12 points in 11 games in between absences. He's notched 23 points in 24 games for the season.The Maple Leafs went 7-2-0 without Matthews in November.

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 20: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck against the Buffalo Sabres during the second period on December 20, 2024 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Matthews out vs. Islanders after re-aggravating injury

Goaltender Matt Murray soaked in every moment of his triumphant return to an NHL crease Friday as...

Goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3110" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3110">Matt Murray</a> soaked in every moment of his triumphant return to an NHL crease Friday as he backstopped the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 6-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres."Getting back to the NHL was obviously in the front of my mind the whole time," Murray said, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/maple-leafs-matt-murray-victorious-in-emotional-return-to-nhl/">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>. "It was what I was working towards, and it was a long road, but just super thankful for the opportunity to get back here and get a win tonight."Murray hadn't played an NHL game since April 2023, and extensive rehab from double hip surgery limited him to 11 AHL appearances over the past two seasons. He earned a call to the Maple Leafs after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> was ruled out four-to-six weeks due to injury. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was a rush of emotion," Murray said. "And a big release. Great to celebrate with the guys. And, you know, a lot of very kind words in the room afterwards, too, which meant a lot."Murray made 24 stops in the victory. He posted an impressive .931 save percentage across eight games in the minors this season and is likely to back up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> on a consistent basis with Stolarz sidelined."The last year-and-a-half, two years, we see him every day at the rink, rehabbing, working out," captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> said. "It's been a long journey for him, and just an incredible person. So, it's awesome to see him get this one tonight, and it's extremely well deserved."The Maple Leafs acquired Murray from the Ottawa Senators in 2022, but injuries have marred his time in Toronto. The club signed him to a one-year, $875,000 contract in July to keep him around as a depth option.

OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 18: Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Matt Murray (30) takes a drink after a whistle during second period National Hockey League action between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators on March 18, 2023, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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Murray grateful for win in NHL return: 'It was a long road'

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser is out 8-to-10 weeks because of a lower-body injury, th...

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser is out 8-to-10 weeks because of a lower-body injury, the team announced Thursday.Moser has already missed three games because of the injury and was placed on injured reserve Saturday.The 24-year-old was the main piece of the return Tampa Bay received from Utah Hockey Club in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5594">Mikhail Sergachev</a> trade. Moser's accrued 10 points in 27 games this season and averaged nearly 20 minutes per contest.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Lightning signed Moser to two-year contract worth $3.375 million per season shortly after acquiring him. Tampa Bay currently holds the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 36 points through 29 games.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 8: J.J. Moser #90 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates during the second period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on December 8, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Lightning's Moser out 8-10 weeks with lower-body injury

Kaapo Kakko is confident a change of scenery with the Seattle Kraken will be the spark his career...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8593">Kaapo Kakko</a> is confident a change of scenery with the Seattle Kraken will be the spark his career has been missing."Fresh start," Kakko said Thursday, per <a href="https://x.com/vzmercogliano/status/1869811312676467151">Vincent Z. Mercogliano of the Rockland/Westchester Journal News</a>. "I feel that's what I need right now. I liked my time in New York. ... Many years over there, great team, but I think I'm waiting for a little more from myself. The team was waiting also, and it never worked out the way we wanted."The Rangers dealt Kakko to the Kraken on Wednesday for defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9738" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9738">Will Borgen</a> and a pair of picks. The move came shortly after Kakko voiced his displeasure with being a healthy scratch, but the winger said he doesn't believe his comments were why he was traded.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The team was playing not well enough. There are a lot of good players over there, (but) they need to do something. I kind of knew something was going to happen, and I knew it might be me," Kakko <a href="https://x.com/vzmercogliano/status/1869811795613073654">said</a>.The Rangers have lost 11 of their last 14 games and recently dealt captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> to the Anaheim Ducks.Kakko produced 14 points in 30 contests with the Rangers this season while averaging 13:17 per contest. He ranked second on the club with a plus-9 before being traded.New York drafted Kakko second overall in 2019, but he hasn't lived up to the billing of a top prospect. The Finland native has produced 131 points in 330 career games since breaking into the league as an 18-year-old. Kakko's under contract until the end of the season at a $2.4-million cap hit. He's eligible for restricted free agency when his deal expires.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 18: Kaapo Kakko #24 of the New York Rangers looks on during the second period against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on January 18, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Kakko: Fresh start with Kraken 'what I need'

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin will play Friday against the Toronto Maple Leafs after missi...

Buffalo Sabres captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7216">Rasmus Dahlin</a> will play Friday against the Toronto Maple Leafs after missing seven games because of back spasms, head coach Lindy Ruff <a href="https://x.com/ByMHarrington/status/1869794704579322177">confirmed</a> to Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News.Dahlin lined up on the top defensive pairing alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8599">Bowen Byram</a> and took reps with the first power-play unit at practice.The Sabres hope Dahlin's return can spark a return to the win column as the club has lost its past 11 games. Dahlin logged 19 points in 25 games while averaging nearly 25 minutes per contest before being injured.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Along with Dahlin's return, Ruff <a href="https://x.com/ByMHarrington/status/1869794583472943428">announced</a> forward Jordan Greenway will miss "significant time" after surgery on his mid-body injury. The recovery isn't believed to be season-ending.

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 3: Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres skates in warm-ups prior to the game against against the Colorado Avalanche on December 3, 2024 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz shut down rumors that Steven Stamkos could be on ...

Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz shut down rumors that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1152">Steven Stamkos</a> could be on the move less than a year into his tenure with the club."There's no chance," Trotz told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6006850/2024/12/19/predators-disappointment-barry-trotz/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. "I believe that you have to have good players that compete in this league. This league is too good. You need the veteran players to carry the way. They have to carry a good piece of the load so that your young guys can be slotted correctly and have success and grow."The Predators signed Stamkos to a four-year deal July 1. The team also inked <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2870" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2870">Jonathan Marchessault</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4511" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4511">Brady Skjei</a> in free agency, but the big-ticket additions haven't yielded any success, as Nashville sits last in the NHL through 32 games.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Trotz <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3120104" href="https://thescore.com/news/3120104">said</a> in November that he'd begin the club's rebuild plan if the Predators don't start winning. However, the idea appears to be smaller moves with an eye for the future rather than orchestrating a seismic trade."It's not a rebuild," Trotz said. "I'm not in the business of not winning. I'm in the business of trying to win. We're not selling off. We are resetting. We know where we are. It's not where we thought we would be."The Predators have already traded away <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1794">Scott Wedgewood</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1437" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1437">Philip Tomasino</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4569" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4569">Alexandre Carrier</a> this season. There doesn't appear to be any more moves on the horizon in Music City. "Unless there's something that knocks my socks off, I'm going to be pretty quiet now," Trotz said. "I've done a lot of business."Nashville is 12 points back of a wild-card spot at 9-17-6.

OTTAWA, ON - DECEMBER 07: Nashville Predators Center Steven Stamkos (91) before a face-off during third period National Hockey League action between the Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators on December 7, 2024, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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Nick Dunlap was named the recipient of the Arnold Palmer Award as the PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year...

Nick Dunlap was named the recipient of the Arnold Palmer Award as the PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year for 2024."Nick carved out his place in the PGA TOUR record book. To begin 2024 as a collegiate golfer and end it with two PGA TOUR victories and among the top-50 players in the FedExCup is truly impressive," commissioner Jay Monahan said.Dunlap became the first player in TOUR history to win as an amateur and a professional in the same season. His first victory came at The American Express in January, marking the first win by an amateur on TOUR in 33 years. He turned pro days after, and later won the Barracuda Championship.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Max Greyserman, Jake Knapp, and Matthieu Pavon were also up for the award. Dunlap received 57% of first-place votes.Dunlap, who will turn 21 on Dec. 23, is the second-youngest player to win Rookie of the Year, behind only Jordan Spieth in 2013.

LA QUINTA, CA - JANUARY 21: Nick Dunlap (a) (USA) speaks during the trophy presenation after winning The American Express tournament at PGA West, Dye Stadium Course on January 21, 2024 in La Quinta, California.

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The NHL and Amazon Prime Video have begun production on a second season of "FACEOFF: Inside the N...

The NHL and Amazon Prime Video have begun production on a second season of "FACEOFF: Inside the NHL," the league announced Thursday.The first edition of the popular docuseries aired prior to the start of this season and went behind the scenes with some of the league's biggest names, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a>, and more.Season 2 will feature Ottawa Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a>, with a cast of additional players to be announced later. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The first season produced numerous memorable moments, including an <a href="https://x.com/NHL/status/1838292437581574253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1838292437581574253%7Ctwgr%5E8ece47be9d2ea9cb5a2a7a3652246036c1ae238d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcmsadmin.thescore.com%2Fadmin%2Fnewsroom%2Farticles%2F3083067">impassioned speech</a> from McDavid during the Stanley Cup Final that went viral.

OTTAWA, CANADA - JANUARY 29: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators celebrates his second period goal against the Nashville Predators with teammates at the players' bench at Canadian Tire Centre on January 29, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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A collection of recent decisions by New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury has caused a rif...

A collection of recent decisions by New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury has caused a rift between players and the front office, reports <a href="https://www.lohud.com/story/sports/nhl/rangers/2024/12/19/ny-rangers-nhl-msg-culture-problem-exclusive-look-behind-the-scenes/77058935007/">Vincent Z. Mercogliano of the Rockland/Westchester Journal News</a>.Waiving veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3255" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3255">Barclay Goodrow</a> over the offseason, forcing former captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> to accept a trade, and publicly making <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> available are among the decisions that have upset New York's dressing room. Goodrow was waived with three years remaining on his contract, and he was ultimately claimed by the San Jose Sharks. Goodrow said he was surprised by the move and wasn't given any sort of warning.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Rangers tried to move Trouba after waiving Goodrow, but the defenseman made use of his no-trade clause. He was packaged to the Anaheim Ducks earlier this month and said "it was a threat" to either accept a deal or be placed on waivers.New York publicly made Trouba and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> available for trade weeks before the former was moved. Several Rangers were reportedly upset about Kreider being dangled on the trade market with no warning to the club's longest-tenured player. Recent drama surrounding the Rangers stems from a dismal run of play that's included 11 losses in their past 14 games. The skid has erased a 12-4-1 start to the campaign and put the playoffs in jeopardy after winning the Presidents' Trophy last season.Drury was promoted to GM and president of hockey operations in 2021. The Rangers have reached the Eastern Conference Final twice under his guidance.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: Chris Drury of the New York Rangers handles the draft during the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs will stick with an overloaded top line featuring Auston Matthews, Mitch M...

The Toronto Maple Leafs will stick with an overloaded top line featuring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> for Wednesday's tilt against the Dallas Stars, but head coach Craig Berube doesn't want his stars thinking they're in a skills competition."With those guys all being together, don't be too fancy," Berube said. "You still got to play the right way. Be direct, shoot pucks, get to the net. I talk to these guys, you can't all be on the outside wanting the puck, trying to create space for yourself. We've got to be direct still, and we've got to have guys at the net."Matthews has played extensively with one of Marner or Nylander on his wing throughout their tenures with the Maple Leafs, and all three commonly share time on the top power-play unit. The trio occasionally shares ice time after penalty kills or while trailing late in games. However, since the trio's first full season in 2016-17, they've played a mere 216 minutes together at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/linestats.php?fromseason=20222023&amp;thruseason=20242025&amp;stype=2&amp;sit=5v5&amp;score=all&amp;rate=n&amp;team=TOR&amp;vteam=ALL&amp;view=wowy&amp;loc=B&amp;gpfilt=none&amp;fd=2019-10-02&amp;td=2022-05-01&amp;tgp=2000&amp;strict=incl&amp;p1=8479318&amp;p2=8478483&amp;p3=8477939&amp;p4=0&amp;p5=0">Natural Stat Trick</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Berube united Toronto's top forwards for multiple shifts late in Sunday's comeback over the Buffalo Sabres."I get Willy (Nylander) out there with those guys in-game, probably every game a few times," Berube noted. "I thought they were pretty good together, created some opportunities."Marner (41 points) and Nylander (31 points) are the Leafs' top two producers this season. Matthews has managed 21 points in 22 games after missing time with an upper-body injury.

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 17: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his second goal of the game against the Anaheim Ducks with teammates Mitchell Marner #16 and William Nylander #88 during the second period at Scotiabank Arena on February 17, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Leafs sticking with Matthews-Marner-Nylander line: 'Don't be too fancy'

San Jose Sharks defenseman Jake Walman believes Tuesday's narrow loss to the Winnipeg Jets is a s...

San Jose Sharks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6367" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6367">Jake Walman</a> believes Tuesday's narrow loss to the Winnipeg Jets is a sign his club is trending in the right direction."We're changing the culture around here," Walman said, per <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPbjjIRwwDQ&amp;t=1s&amp;ab_channel=SanJoseHockeyNow">San Jose Hockey Now</a>. "Whether it's this game, games to come, or this year, next year we're changing the culture. We're building something that's a winning mentality and it's going to take everybody to do it and we're kind of on the same page. Teams shouldn't take us lightly, but for sure in the future I think we're really going to turn this thing around."The Sharks squandered a late lead to fall 4-3 to the Western Conference leaders, marking San Jose's fifth defeat in six games following a three-game win streak.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"There's going to be a lot of games like that, and I hope we go through a lot of games like that where it's battling with a top team." Walman said. "Kind of gotta show everybody what we've got."The Sharks lost their first nine games of the season but are 11-11-3 since. That's the eighth-best record in the Western Conference over that span and 18th best overall."I think we've come a long way, but we're still not there yet, obviously," head coach Ryan Warsofsky <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWW8DIPgVQ0&amp;t=20s&amp;ab_channel=SanJoseHockeyNow">said</a>.San Jose acquired Walman from the Detroit Red Wings over the offseason for future considerations. The 28-year-old has transitioned seamlessly, slotting in on the Sharks' top defensive pairing while recording 24 points in 29 games.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 23: Jake Walman #96 of the San Jose Sharks in action against the Buffalo Sabres at SAP Center on November 23, 2024 in San Jose, California.

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Walman: Sharks are 'changing the culture' with stronger play

Numerous teams are calling the Boston Bruins about the potential availability of forward Trent Fr...

Numerous teams are calling the Boston Bruins about the potential availability of forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5614" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5614">Trent Frederic</a>, <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1868113196365857025">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reports.Frederic is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next summer and counts for a $2.3-million cap hit. It's unclear where contract negotiations stand between Frederic and the Bruins, Friedman reports.Boston enters Saturday's tilt with the Vancouver Canucks in the third spot in the Atlantic Division but only one point ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning with four extra games played.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Bruins have righted the ship since firing head coach Jim Montgomery, going 7-4-0 under Joe Sacco.Frederic was a first-round draft pick of the club in 2016. He set career highs with 18 goals and 40 points last season despite averaging only 13:45 per game. The 26-year-old has 11 points in 31 games in 2024-25 and ranks second on the team with 95 hits.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 7: Trent Frederic #11 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Philadelphia Flyers on December 7, 2024, at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Report: Bruins' Frederic attracting lots of trade interest

Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller confirmed he'll be in the lineup Thursday night against the...

Vancouver Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> confirmed he'll be in the lineup Thursday night against the Florida Panthers after missing the past 10 games due to a personal leave of absence."I'm excited to play ... Fun game to play against the defending champions, so (I'm) just happy to be around the guys and looking forward to tonight," Miller <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Canucks/status/1867292857402634337">told reporters</a>.Head coach Rick Tocchet was quick to praise Miller when asked about his return. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"He's one of the best players in the league, so when you get a guy back in the lineup like that, it means a lot," the bench boss <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Canucks/status/1867296188548153503">said</a>. Vancouver announced Miller was going on an indefinite leave Nov. 19, and the club declined to elaborate. Miller had played in the Canucks' previous game and was benched for much of the third period of a loss.Miller recorded 16 points in 17 games before taking time off. He set career highs with 37 goals and 103 points last season, helping the Canucks qualify for the playoffs and reach the second round.Vancouver went 5-3-2 with Miller unavailable. The Canucks also got starting goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5557" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5557">Thatcher Demko</a> back from injury recently but are without top-pairing defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5749" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5749">Filip Hronek</a> for the foreseeable future.The Canucks enter Thursday's tilt holding the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

VANCOUVER, BC - MAY 08: Vancouver Canucks Centre J.T. Miller (9) celebrates the win during game one of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks on May 8, 2024, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C.

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Canucks' Miller returning after 10-game absence for personal reasons

The Chicago Blackhawks are embracing a fresh approach from interim head coach Anders Sorensen one...

The Chicago Blackhawks are embracing a fresh approach from interim head coach Anders Sorensen one week into his tenure behind the bench. Sorensen took over after the club fired Luke Richardson, marking his first NHL coaching gig. He previously ran the AHL's Rockford IceHogs."He doesn't have to win us over," veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a> told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5987997/2024/12/12/blackhawks-anders-sorensen-veterans/">The Athletic's Mark Lazerus</a>. "We're all in this together, right? We need to support him as much as he's supporting us. And not to pile on the previous coach, but I think there were some adjustments that needed to be made - and that are being made - that are really going to help us play well."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hall noted he expects Chicago's offense to improve under Sorensen's guidance. The Blackhawks rank 30th in the NHL this season with 2.39 goals per game.Richardson was hired as Blackhawks head coach before the 2022-23 season and accumulated a 57-118-15 record. Chicago's struggles led to drafting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a> first overall, but the club hasn't progressed as expected after landing one of the most hyped prospects in league history.The Blackhawks are 1-1 since Sorensen replaced Richardson, but the new coach appears to have already made an impact in the dressing room."Sometimes a new voice is good," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/921" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/921">Pat Maroon</a> said. "Luke was great. I wish him all the best. But sometimes a new voice can change things. Anders has done a really good job in Rockford, and all the young guys love him. And we vets already love him, too."

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 07: Interim head coach Anders Sorensen of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on during his NHL head coach debut against the Winnipeg Jets during the first period at the United Center on December 07, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Blackhawks refreshed under Sorensen: Adjustments 'needed to be made'

The Minnesota Wild aren't able to extend superstar Kirill Kaprizov until the summer, but the orga...

The Minnesota Wild aren't able to extend superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a> until the summer, but the organization is keeping the potential megadeal at the top of their to-do list."Well, it's a priority," owner Craig Leipold told <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/craig-leipold-talks-next-kirill-kaprizov-contract-in-q-and-a">NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika</a>. "There's no doubt. ... We want Kirill. He's a big part of our future. We know that. (General manager) Billy (Guerin) has already been thinking about it. How do we go about this? We've got to figure out exactly what the cap's going to be. It's an important part of our strategic plan to get him signed for as long as we can."Leipold <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3089391" href="https://thescore.com/news/3089391">said</a> before the season that no team will offer Kaprizov more money than the Wild. Kaprizov has done his part to earn a substantial raise from his current $9-million cap hit, ranking second in the league with 43 points in 27 games.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The dynamic winger is at the forefront of the Hart Trophy conversation thanks to his blistering start and would be the first player in Wild history to earn MVP honors if he wins."I don't know if I would pitch for it, because the price goes up," Leipold joked. "I say that with humor. But he's an amazing player."Kaprizov's next contract would begin in 2026-27. It's unclear what the salary cap will be then, but the league is already forecasting a significant raise from the current $88-million limit.The Wild will earn a huge boost to their salary outlook starting next season, as the combined dead money owed to Ryan Suter and Zach Parise drops from a combined $14.7 million to $1.7 million through 2029.Minnesota has been arguably the league's biggest surprise this season on the strength of Kaprizov's production and stellar goaltending. The Wild currently lead the NHL at 19-5-4.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - DECEMBER 10: Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild looks on during the first period of a game against the Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center on December 10, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Wild already thinking about Kaprizov extension: 'It's a priority'

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko took as much time as he needed to get healthy enough ...

Vancouver Canucks goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5557" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5557">Thatcher Demko</a> took as much time as he needed to get healthy enough to return to the crease, but the star netminder requires more reps to get up to game speed after losing his season debut on Tuesday night."Yeah, I mean, felt rusty for sure," Demko told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canucks-struggle-to-capitalize-on-extra-energy-from-demkos-return/">Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre</a>. "Obviously, it's frustrating losing. I thought I could have played a couple of goals differently. I'm sure that there's stuff that I can pull to keep building. But obviously it's frustrating right now."There's a couple of things I thought that I can clean up that shouldn't take too much time. Just different reads and different ideas, positionally, things like that. I'm frustrated losing the game. I want to make a couple of those saves."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Demko made 21 saves in a 4-3 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues. The Blues controlled most of the contest at five-on-five despite the low shot count, outchancing the Canucks 24-14 while owning 60.34% of expected goals, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20455&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>. Demko hurt his knee in the first round of last season's playoffs, and the injury kept him out of Vancouver's first 26 contests of 2024-25. He dressed as backup for a pair of games before getting his first start.The Canucks felt having their No. 1 goalie back provided a boost despite the loss."I thought he was good tonight," head coach Rick Tocchet said. "It's good to see him in net; he looks big. I love seeing him back in. He's worked really hard, so I thought he did a great job for us tonight."Demko's in his eighth season with Vancouver. He had a career year in 2023-24, finishing second in Vezina Trophy voting thanks to a 35-14-2 record and .918 save percentage.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 10: Thatcher Demko #35 of the Vancouver Canucks watches the play during the third period of their NHL game against the St. Louis Blues at Rogers Arena on December 10, 2024 in Vancouver, Canada.

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Demko 'felt rusty' in return to action

Veteran defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk formally announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday.  ...

Veteran defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1594">Kevin Shattenkirk</a> formally announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday.Shattenkirk played 14 major-league seasons but didn't land a contract this past summer after becoming an unrestricted free agent."After 14 amazing years in the National Hockey League, I have decided to retire," he <a href="https://www.nhlpa.com/news/1-22766/kevin-shattenkirk-announces-retirement-after-14-nhl-seasons">said</a>. "I never knew hockey would take me this far. This game has had a dramatic impact in developing me into the man I am today."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Shattenkirk was drafted 14th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2007. After a brief stint in Denver, he spent time with the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, and Boston Bruins.The 35-year-old amassed 484 points in 952 career games and won a Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay in 2020.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - SEPTEMBER 28: Kevin Shattenkirk #22 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates with the Stanley Cup following the series-winning victory over the Dallas Stars in Game Six of the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on September 28, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Shattenkirk retires after 14 NHL seasons

Tiger Woods and his 15-year-old son Charlie will play in the PNC Championship later this month, t...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> and his 15-year-old son Charlie will play in the PNC Championship later this month, the 15-time major champion announced, according to <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/tiger-woods-commits-to-play-in-fifth-pnc-championship-with-son-charlie">NBC Golf</a>."I'm very excited to head back to the PNC Championship next week with Charlie," Woods said in a statement. "Playing together is something we look forward to and it's always more special when you're surrounded by friends and family."It'll mark the fifth time Team Woods has been in the field for the annual parent-child event, a 36-hole scramble. The tournament is scheduled to run Dec. 21-22.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tiger was unable to play in last week's Hero World Challenge - an event he hosts every year - as he continues recovering from the back surgery he had in September.Woods said at a press conference during the tournament that he still hopes to compete this coming season but his body doesn't heal like it used to. He hasn't played a competitive round since The Open in July, where he missed the cut.Tiger only made five appearances last campaign and missed the cut or had to withdraw in four of them. He played the weekend at The Masters in April but finished 60th.

PINEHURST, NORTH CAROLINA - JUNE 11: Tiger Woods of the United States putts on the practice green as Charlie Woods looks on during a practice round prior to the U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort on June 11, 2024 in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

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Tiger, son Charlie commit to PNC Championship

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