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

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

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

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NHL polishes Round 2 postseason schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Crosby, MacKinnon to represent Canada at Worlds

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

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

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

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Jets' Morrissey injured in dramatic Game 7 victory

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

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

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

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Victoire choose to face Charge in playoffs, Sceptres will face Frost

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

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

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

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Scheffler ties 72-hole score record in dominant Byron Nelson win

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

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

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

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Wild's Kaprizov: 'I love everything here'

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

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

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

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Avalanche's MacKinnon 'in shock' after Game 7 collapse

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

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

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

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Stars stun Avalanche in Game 7 to punch ticket to Round 2

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

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

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

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Oilers' Ekholm unavailable for Round 2 vs. Golden Knights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Capitals dispatch Canadiens for 1st series win since 2018

Aliaksei Protas made his series debut Wednesday as the Washington Capitals eliminated the Montrea...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10973" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10973">Aliaksei Protas</a> made his series debut Wednesday as the Washington Capitals eliminated the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5.</p><p>Protas missed Washington's last six games of the regular season after suffering a lower-body injury April 4. He was cut on the foot with a skate blade and had to be helped off the ice while favoring his left leg.</p><p>The Belarusian forward was given a week-to-week recovery timeline. He ranked third on the Capitals with 30 goals in 76 games this campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While Protas spent some time on the shelf, head coach Spencer Carbery wasn't overly concerned about his ability to jump back in.</p><p>"It'll have its challenges of getting up to speed - the touches, the pace of the game, the physicality and that," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/spencer-carbery-april-29-6372069876112">said</a> Tuesday. "But he hasn't been out for two months, you know? It's been a few weeks. </p><p>"When he gets back in, you're hoping ... he can pick up as quickly as possible. Takes him maybe a period, a couple shifts to get acclimated with the pace of play, physicality, the things that are required in playoff hockey." </p><p>Carbery added that Protas would provide a "huge boost" to the Capitals' penalty kill. He led Washington with three shorthanded goals in the regular season while averaging 1:35 minutes per game on the club's fifth-ranked PK.</p><p>Washington's penalty kill has struggled in this series, allowing five power-play goals on 13 opportunities for a paltry 61.5% success rate prior to Wednesday's game.</p><p>Protas started on the fourth line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9879" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9879">Brandon Duhaime</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3873" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3873">Nic Dowd</a> in his return.</p><p>He spent the bulk of the season on the top line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4562" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4562">Dylan Strome</a>, but his usual linemates have found chemistry with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4721" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4721">Anthony Beauvillier</a> so far in the playoffs.</p><p>Protas also has experience playing alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5588" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5588">Pierre-Luc Dubois</a>, with that unit dictating 60.1% of the expected goals and 56.6% of the shot attempts in nearly 200 minutes at five-on-five in the regular season, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/combos/?_inputs_&amp;std_c3_team=%22All%22&amp;std_c3_str=%225v5%22&amp;std_c3_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_c3_type=%22Rates%22&amp;std_c3_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_c3_span=%22Regular%22&amp;dir_combo=%22F%20Lines%22&amp;std_c3_players=%22Aliaksei%20Protas%22&amp;std_c3_toi=%2230%22&amp;std_c3_season=%2220242025%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>.</p><p>Protas recorded two assists in four games against the New York Rangers in the last postseason.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 09: Aliaksei Protas #21 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Seattle Kraken at Capital One Arena on March 09, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Capitals' Protas makes series debut in Game 5

Cale Makar is holding himself to a high bar ahead of the Colorado Avalanche's must-win Game 6 aga...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> is holding himself to a high bar ahead of the Colorado Avalanche's must-win Game 6 against the Dallas Stars on Thursday.</p><p>"Blatantly honest, I've got to be a lot better," he told reporters Wednesday, including <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je59gZaMwjw">Colorado Hockey Now</a>. "I think there's been glimpses where I've been pretty good. For me, it's not always about the points, it's about being good on both sides of the ice, and it starts with myself and my feet.</p><p>"I think when I'm doing that, I feel like we can roll, especially on the back end. So, I think there's a lot of things that I can do a lot better. It's do-or-die now, so we've got to step it up."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Stars have limited Makar to just two assists through the first five games of the opening-round series. The superstar has yet to find the back of the net after becoming the ninth defenseman to hit the 30-goal mark in the regular season.</p><p>His drought is not for a lack of trying though. He ranks second on the Avalanche with 19 shots and has generated 1.29 individual expected goals and 48 shot attempts at all strengths, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerteams.php?fromseason=20242025&amp;thruseason=20242025&amp;stype=3&amp;sit=all&amp;score=all&amp;stdoi=std&amp;rate=n&amp;team=COL&amp;pos=S&amp;loc=B&amp;toi=0&amp;gpfilt=none&amp;fd=&amp;td=&amp;tgp=410&amp;lines=single&amp;draftteam=ALL">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>"It happens sometimes," Makar said. "That's kind of where you've just got to take a step back and just find the things that you're doing well. It can be tough sledding sometimes. But at the same time, I'm not overly concerned with what I'm doing.</p><p>"I just want to get better every single day still and make sure that I'm doing the right things that I need to in order for this team to succeed. I've got another level that I gotta get to. That's for sure."</p><p>The Avalanche have been outscored 4-1 with Makar on the ice at five-on-five against Dallas, but they've dictated 55.1% of the expected goals and 59.6% of the shot attempts during his minutes.</p><p>Colorado head coach Jared Bednar believes people are being too hard on the rearguard.</p><p>"I think we're overly critical of his series so far," Bednar said, according to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ikGLJkSzUc">DNVR Sports</a>. "I've looked through a lot of things. Cale's watched it all. He's had a couple games that he can be better in, for sure, but it's a tough series."</p><p>The bench boss added, "I'm not worried about him. I think he's going to bounce back with a huge game for us tomorrow." </p><p>The Avalanche have won one playoff series since lifting the Stanley Cup in 2022. The Stars thwarted them in six games in the second round last spring.</p><p>Bednar is eager to see how his players perform with their backs against the wall. </p><p>"I'm confident in our team," he said. "I am. ... The motivation is there. I think the guys are confident. They believe in this team. It's about going out and freeing yourself up to go play instinctual hockey and confident hockey."</p>

DENVER, CO - APRIL 23: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) moments after losing to the Dallas Stars in overtime of game three of the first round of the NHL playoffs at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

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Makar: 'I've got to be a lot better' in must-win Game 6

The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 in Game 5 on Tuesday night to grab a 3-2 s...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 in Game 5 on Tuesday night to grab a 3-2 series lead.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4478" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4478">Mattias Janmark</a> potted the winner in the third period for his second goal of the first-round matchup. He scored twice in 80 contests in the regular season. </p><p>This is the Oilers' first lead of the series after they dropped the first two games and the first time the road team has won a game in the matchup. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Edmonton netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> enjoyed another strong outing, allowing one goal on 22 shots for a tidy .955 save percentage. He took over as the Oilers' starting goalie after Game 2.</p><p>At the other end of the ice, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2003">Darcy Kuemper</a> was fantastic in defeat. He was beaten twice on 45 shots and saved 3.99 goals above expected at all strengths, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30185&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>The Kings opened the scoring thanks to a power-play goal from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12700" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12700">Andrei Kuzmenko</a> in the middle frame, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/56" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/56">Evander Kane</a> answered for Edmonton just under three minutes later.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2031" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2031">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</a> shored things up with an empty-netter in the final minute.</p><p>The Oilers will have a chance to punch their ticket to Round 2 in Edmonton during Game 6 on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET. </p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Mattias Janmark #13 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Oilers prevail in Game 5 to move within 1 win of advancing

The Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday with a 5-4 double overtime wi...

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday with a 5-4 double overtime win to advance to the second round for the fifth straight season.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a> fired the winning goal on the power play in Game 5 after Devils forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9193" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9193">Dawson Mercer</a> took a double minor for high-sticking.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_-Y1nCNv0yM?si=s1ut81lPc5vnyh3F" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Carolina will face either the Washington Capitals or the Montreal Canadiens in Round 2. The Eastern Conference-winning Capitals own a 3-1 series lead over the Habs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Devils goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1677" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1677">Jacob Markstrom</a> made 48 saves, including 16 in the overtime periods. New Jersey was outshot 17-4 after regulation.</p><p>Carolina trailed 3-0 within the opening 10 minutes of the game but roared back early in the second period. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10630" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10630">Jackson Blake</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7706">Andrei Svechnikov</a> tallied goals in a 3:54 span to tie the game under six minutes into the middle frame.</p><p>Devils captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6426" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6426">Nico Hischier</a> answered to give New Jersey a brief 4-3 lead. Aho evened the contest 4:01 later on the power play to cap the wild five-goal second period.</p><p>Hurricanes netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12697">Pyotr Kochetkov</a> stopped 31 of 35 shots he faced in his first start of the postseason. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> was sidelined with an injury sustained in Game 4.</p><p>"It's not a great feeling losing, losing like that," New Jersey forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4725" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4725">Timo Meier</a> said, according to team reporter <a href="https://x.com/samikasan/status/1917430927158042701">Sam Kasan</a>. "Everybody competed so hard, worked so hard. ... We can get better. We don't like the result."</p><p>Hischier pointed to special teams as the biggest reason for his club's downfall. The Devils went 0-for-15 on the power play and owned a penalty kill success rate of 68.4%. </p><p>"That's why we lost the series, for sure," he <a href="https://x.com/samikasan/status/1917433480142635370">said</a>. "We couldn't get the power play going. That's on those guys, including me, that are on the ice. That's definitely frustrating."</p><p>The Devils fought valiantly in the series despite significant injuries to their blue line. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10579" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10579">Luke Hughes</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1903" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1903">Brenden Dillon</a> got hurt in Game 1, and New Jersey was without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9987" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9987">Johnathan Kovacevic</a> for the past two games.</p><p>Superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a> also hasn't played since early March.</p><p>"It sucks," rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4501" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4501">Brett Pesce</a> <a href="http://x.com/samikasan/status/1917431893349253495">said</a>. "There's no way around it. Losing isn't fun. I am super proud of the way everyone fought. We faced a ton of adversity. Guys dug in. That's a good hockey team over there. They're a legit team. We never went away. Super proud of them."</p><p>He <a href="https://x.com/samikasan/status/1917432611569275203">added</a>, "I'm already excited for next year because playoff experience matters a ton."</p><p>Head coach Sheldon Keefe gave major credit to young defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12712" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12712">Simon Nemec</a>, who entered the lineup in Game 2 and scored the overtime winner in Game 3. </p><p>"We would’ve got swept, had no chance without Nemo stepping up," he said, according to <a href="https://x.com/GabeCTrevino/status/1917430441851658258">NJ.com's Gabriel Trevino</a>.</p><p>Keefe added that he knew after Game 1 that Dillon and Luke Hughes would be out for the remainder of the series.</p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 29: Sebastian Aho #20 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates after scoring a goal against the New Jersey Devils during the second period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on April 29, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Aho sends Hurricanes to Round 2 after Mercer's double minor in 2OT

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk believes his team has planted a seed of doubt in the minds ...

<p>Ottawa Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> believes his team has planted a seed of doubt in the minds of the Toronto Maple Leafs after cutting its first-round deficit to 3-2. </p><p>"I think so, we're not going to go away easy," the star forward said following Ottawa's 4-0 Game 5 victory Tuesday night, per <a href="https://x.com/clahanna/status/1917398095140381128">TSN's Claire Hanna</a>. "Our season is always on the line the last two games. Our mindset's not going to change.</p><p>"You lose - you go home. ... Do whatever it takes and leave everything we have out there."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Senators were in tough after dropping the first three games of the series, but they've managed to extend their season with back-to-back victories. </p><p>Toronto outshot Ottawa 29-19 on Tuesday, but Senators goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> was up to the task to secure his first career postseason shutout. The 2023 Vezina Trophy winner saved 2.38 goals above expected at all strengths, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30115&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>. </p><p>Veteran defenseman<strong> </strong><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4794">Thomas Chabot</a> opened the scoring in the second period, and forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10037">Dylan Cozens</a> came through with a shorthanded dagger in the final frame. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9189" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9189">Tim Stutzle</a> and Tkachuk then added a pair of empty-netters for good measure. </p><p>Toronto is now 1-13 in potential series-clinchers since 2018 and has gotten outscored 48-23 in those games, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1917410690618347914">Sportsnet Stats</a>. The Maple Leafs are doing their best to keep a level head despite that daunting record.</p><p>"We're up 3-2 in the series," rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1685" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1685">Chris Tanev</a> said, per <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1917400599861080332">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>. "I think we're fine."</p><p>Toronto head coach Craig Berube had a similar message for his team. </p><p>"Stick with it," he said, according to <a href="https://x.com/dalter/status/1917401919527518317">The Hockey News' David Alter</a>. "We're up 3-2 in the series."</p><p>The Senators, meanwhile, are excited to head home for Game 6. Tkachuk told fans at the Canadian Tire Centre that they'd be back after winning Game 4 by a 4-3 score in overtime Saturday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brady tried to tell you 😤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoSensGo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoSensGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZRENIDEX0D">pic.twitter.com/ZRENIDEX0D</a></p>— X - Ottawa Senators (@Senators) <a href="https://twitter.com/Senators/status/1917396650475110790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I expect pure insanity, that's for sure," Tkachuk said of Game 6, per <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1917405891122401721">TSN</a>. "(The fans) know how important they are. They know how much juice they give us. We just want to represent them well."</p><p>Though the Senators will have their fans behind them Thursday, bench boss Travis Green knows surviving won't be easy.</p><p>"We'll take a couple of hours to enjoy this, but we’re going to have to play our asses off in Game 6," he said, according to <a href="https://x.com/sunhornby/status/1917405168192069928">Postmedia's Lance Hornby</a>.</p><p>Toronto won Game 3 in Ottawa and was tied with the Washington Capitals for the best road record (25-13-3) in the regular season. </p><p>"I don't think there's any panic in this room. ... It's the ups and downs of playoffs," Maple Leafs captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> said, per <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1917404415494938655">Sportsnet</a>. "We've been here before. we're just going to put our best foot forward." </p><p>He added: "We're a confident group in here. We've gotta put this one behind us, learn from it. We're in a good spot here."</p>

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 29: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators celebrates scoring a goal during the third period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena on April 29, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Tkachuk thinks Senators have planted seed of doubt in Leafs

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad was suspended two games for elbowing Tampa Bay Lightning...

<p>Florida Panthers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a> was suspended two games for elbowing Tampa Bay Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> in Game 4, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Tuesday.</p><p>Ekblad caught Hagel up high with his forearm in the second period of Monday's contest, and the latter's head hit the ice on the way down. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikGh9q2kKdI?si=QoQdBHUOLeP3FGZ7" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Ekblad wasn't penalized on the play, but Hagel was unable to return to the contest and was eventually <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277471" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277471">ruled out</a> for Game 5 on Wednesday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This is not a case where a blow to an opponent's torso or shoulder rides up and makes subsequent or glancing contact with his head," the league explained in a video. "This is a direct blow to an opponent's head with an extended elbow delivered with requisite force for supplemental discipline."</p><p>Ekblad ended up scoring the 2-2 equalizer in the third period Monday, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a> scored the eventual game-winner in Florida's 4-2 victory 11 seconds later.</p><p>This is the second suspension of Ekblad's career and first for on-ice actions.</p><p>The rearguard has played in just two contests in the first-round series between the state rivals after serving a 20-game ban for violating the NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substances program back in March.</p><p>Panthers blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4582" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4582">Niko Mikkola</a> was ejected from Game 4 after boarding <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2589">Zemgus Girgensons</a>, but he avoided a suspension and was fined $5,000. </p><p>Florida holds a 3-1 series lead. </p>

SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 01: Florida Panthers Defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) looks on during the second period at the game between the Calgary Flames and the Florida Panthers on Saturday March 1, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.

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Panthers' Ekblad suspended 2 games for elbowing Hagel

The Dallas Stars sank the Colorado Avalanche 6-2 in Game 5 on Monday night to grab a 3-2 lead in ...

<p>The Dallas Stars sank the Colorado Avalanche 6-2 in Game 5 on Monday night to grab a 3-2 lead in the first-round series between the two Central Division titans.</p><p>Dallas forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10699">Wyatt Johnston</a> chipped in with two goals and three points, while winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> haunted his former team with the eventual game-winner as part of a three-point night.</p><p>Stars netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8282" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8282">Jake Oettinger</a> was strong between the pipes, turning aside 26 of 28 shots. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The victory comes after Dallas was dominated 4-0 in Game 4.</p><p>Johnston's first tally Monday came just nine seconds into the contest, which is the fastest goal to begin a playoff game in Stars history. Defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8659">Thomas Harley</a> then scored in the final minute of the first period to double Dallas' lead.</p><p>Though Rantanen would make it 3-0 on his club's eighth shot of the game, Colorado pulled within one goal after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5569" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5569">Artturi Lehkonen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> both found twine in the middle frame.</p><p>It was all Dallas the rest of the way, though, with Johnston and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9435" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9435">Mason Marchment</a> restoring the three-goal lead before the start of the third period. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6400" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6400">Roope Hintz</a> gave the fans some extra breathing room with an empty-netter.</p><p>Johnston, Rantanen, and Marchment all scored their first goals of the series in the victory. </p><p>Avalanche goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4779" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4779">Mackenzie Blackwood</a> made 13 saves on 18 shots before being replaced to start the final frame by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1794">Scott Wedgewood</a>, who stopped all eight shots he faced in relief. </p><p>Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday in Denver. </p><p> </p>

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 28: Wyatt Johnston #53, Jamie Benn #14, and Evgenii Dadonov #63 of the Dallas Stars celebrate a goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center at American Airlines Center on April 28, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Stars rebound in Game 5 to put Avalanche on edge of elimination

Things got a little ugly between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers during Game 4 on Mo...

<p>Things got a little ugly between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers during Game 4 on Monday. </p><p>Panthers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4582" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4582">Niko Mikkola</a> was ejected and assessed a five-minute major for boarding Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2589">Zemgus Girgensons</a> in the third period. Girgensons was already down when Mikkola hit him into the boards. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Niko Mikkola receives a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding on Zemgus Girgensons. <a href="https://t.co/XNWwW5EKSm">pic.twitter.com/XNWwW5EKSm</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1917022257236336758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Prior to that incident, Bolts forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> was injured on a controversial hit from Panthers rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a> in the second period. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hagel caught Ekblad's forearm up high and his head hit the ice on the way down. The winger retreated down the tunnel, and Ekblad wasn't assessed a penalty on the play.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikGh9q2kKdI?si=ZleGpBVCnPBYh7j2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Hagel didn't return to the contest.</p><p>Lightning head coach Jon Cooper wasn't interested in discussing the collision. </p><p>"It's getting tiresome answering questions about a hit every single game. I'll ask you," he said while addressing a reporter, per <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1917050511230177708">TSN</a>. "You asked me the question, why are you asking me the question? Do you have anything to say about it? If anybody in here has something, stand up and let me know. Alright, let's move on." </p><p>The Bolts responded to the hit on Hagel with two goals in a span of 11 seconds - scored by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9883" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9883">Mitchell Chaffee</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4680" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4680">Erik Cernak</a> - for the fastest two playoff tallies in franchise history. However, the Panthers also struck twice in 11 seconds in the final frame en route to a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277117" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277117">4-2 win</a>.</p><p>Hagel missed the Bolts' 5-1 victory Saturday after being assessed a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3274901" href="https://thescore.com/news/3274901">one-game suspension</a> for interfering with Panthers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> in the previous contest.</p><p>Ekblad, meanwhile, played in just his second game of the series on Monday after he was suspended 20 matchups for violating the NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substances program back in March. </p><p>He scored his first goal since late January to make it 2-2 in Game 4.</p><p>The Panthers now hold a 3-1 series lead.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - APRIL 01: Niko Mikkola #77 of the Florida Panthers looks on before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre on April 01, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Mikkola ejected for boarding, Hagel injured on unpenalized Ekblad hit

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Kayla Douglas

News Editor

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