San Jose Sharks phenom Macklin Celebrini was as shocked as anybody to learn he was named the NHL'...

<p>San Jose Sharks phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a> was as shocked as anybody to learn he was named the NHL's first star of the week Monday.</p><p>"Holy f--ck, I didn't know that," Celebrini said after being informed he earned the honor, according to <a href="https://sanjosehockeynow.com/san-jose-sharks-macklin-celebrini-lines-nhl-first-star-week-practice/">San Jose Hockey Now's Sheng Peng</a>.</p><p>Celebrini notched four goals and three assists in four games to help lead the Sharks to a 3-1 record. This year's No. 1 overall pick is up to 14 points in 15 games in his rookie season thanks to his recent offensive outburst.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 18-year-old was also named the NHL's rookie of the month for November. He missed most of October because of a hip injury sustained in his first game.</p><p>The Sharks are 6-5-3 since Celebrini returned to the lineup. </p><p>"We're obviously playing pretty good hockey right now as a team. We're doing well, and we've won some big games where we're playing a really good team game," Celebrini said. "We're trying to stick to our identity. Things have been going pretty good for all of us."</p><p>San Jose is 9-13-5 on the season despite a recent hot streak. Celebrini and the Sharks return to action Tuesday against the Washington Capitals. </p>

SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks skates after the puck in the first period against the Seattle Kraken at SAP Center on November 29, 2024 in San Jose, California.

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Celebrini shocked to be 1st star: 'Holy f--k, I didn't know that'

Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov was unable to suit up for Saturday's contest agains...

<p>Tampa Bay Lightning superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3322" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3322">Nikita Kucherov</a> was unable to suit up for Saturday's contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs due to an undisclosed injury.</p><p>He's day-to-day. The Lightning don't play again until Dec. 5.</p><p>Kucherov didn't play the second period of Friday's win over the Nashville Predators but returned for the final frame.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Lightning dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen for the tilt against the Leafs. Kucherov typically occupies the right wing on the first line while spearheading the top power-play unit.</p><p>Tampa Bay is 22-8-6 without Kucherov in the lineup dating back to the 2021-22 season, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1863007334533832898">Sportsnet Stats</a>. </p><p>Kucherov entered Saturday tied for fifth in league scoring with 34 points in 22 games. He won his second Art Ross last season with a career-high 144 points. </p>

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Washington Capitals at Amalie Arena on November 27, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

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Kucherov day-to-day with undisclosed injury

Nashville Predators veteran Steven Stamkos was fed up with his club's unwillingness to create off...

<p>Nashville Predators veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1152">Steven Stamkos</a> was fed up with his club's unwillingness to create offense following Friday's overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.</p><p>"We're a team that struggles to score goals," Stamkos told <a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nhl/predators/2024/11/29/steven-stamkos-predators-lightning-night-off/76427887007/">The Tennessean's Alex Daugherty</a>. "When you're a team that struggles to score goals, you can't afford to take nights off. You can't afford to not work."</p><p>Nashville scored only two goals in the contest and was outchanced 23-16 at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20369&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>. The Predators rank 31st in the NHL in goals per game at 2.33.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's OK to be frustrated because we're not scoring," Stamkos said. "But you counter that by work ethic and getting into the game in different ways. If you're not scoring, what else are you doing out there? What else can you do to help your team win? I've just felt like, for whatever reason, in these stretches, we tend to go the other way."</p><p>Nashville signed Stamkos and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2870" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2870">Jonathan Marchessault</a> over the summer to bolster its attack, but they've only notched seven and four goals so far, respectively. </p><p>Stamkos is one of the best goal-scorers of his generation, with 562 tucks since being drafted first overall in 2008. In his opinion, the Predators' big guns aren't creating looks often enough.</p><p>"(We've) got guys that can put the puck in the net, for sure, but we need to find ways to generate," he said. "Guys getting open, seeing things, finding seams. It's tough ... it's the hardest thing to do in the NHL is score goals. Obviously, we've got guys that have done it. But we need to find a way, myself included."</p><p>The Predators rank last in the league with seven wins in 24 games and are 30th with a minus-20 goal differential. General manager Barry Trotz <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3120104" href="https://thescore.com/news/3120104">said</a> earlier this month that he'll consider accelerating the club's rebuild plan if the incumbent roster doesn't get the season on track.</p>

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 29: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Nashville Predators looks on during the first period of the game between the Nashville Predators and the Tampa Bay Lighting at Bridgestone Arena on November 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Stamkos calls out Preds' work ethic after loss to Lightning

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand made the most of his time in the spotlight during a pregame i...

<p>Boston Bruins captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> made the most of his time in the spotlight during a pregame interview with NHL on TNT on Friday night.</p><p>Marchand elicited a quick-witted response when analyst Paul Bissonnette jokingly asked if he underwent hair transplant surgery over the offseason. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I just try to look like those guys that beat the wheels off you the other night.”<br><br>Marchy just dummied <a href="https://twitter.com/BizNasty2point0?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BizNasty2point0</a>😂<br> <a href="https://t.co/9JWNpmT7rs">pic.twitter.com/9JWNpmT7rs</a></p>— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) <a href="https://twitter.com/spittinchiclets/status/1862639941798281651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I just try to look like those guys that beat the wheels off you the other night," Marchand said, causing an outburst of laughter from the TNT panel. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bissonnette was assaulted by a group of men in a Scottsdale restaurant over the weekend. The former NHL enforcer came to the defense of staff members who were being harassed. </p><p>Police arrested six men involved in the altercation. Bissonnette avoided serious injury.</p>

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 9: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins during the first period against the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden on November 9, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Bissonnette, Marchand trade jabs in hilarious pregame interview

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies isn't holding any resentment toward Vegas Golden Knight...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> isn't holding any resentment toward Vegas Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7390" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7390">Zach Whitecloud</a> for a high hit that knocked him out of the lineup. </p><p>Knies was stood up in the neutral zone Nov. 20 in the second period of Toronto's victory over Vegas. He left the contest and missed the next two games with an upper-body injury.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zach Whitecloud catches Matthew Knies with a high hit. <a href="https://t.co/9DaenOV3zZ">pic.twitter.com/9DaenOV3zZ</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1859415450586583120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I put myself in a tough scenario," Knies told <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1862622532924215797">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. "I was just trying to get the puck in, and you gotta keep your head up. I'm kind of upset that it led me to getting hurt, but it happens in hockey ... He apologized to me. I don’t think he’s intending to hurt me."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The hit didn't draw any supplemental discipline. Knies didn't confirm whether it caused a concussion. The 22-year-old was concussed in the second round of the 2023 playoffs against the Florida Panthers.</p><p>Knies looks poised to return to action Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He skated on the top line with <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/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> at practice Friday and took reps on the top power-play unit. Matthews previously confirmed his return for Saturday after a nine-game absence.</p><p>Knies has collected 12 points in 20 games this season. He's in his third NHL campaign after being drafted 57th overall by the Leafs in 2021 and is a pending restricted free agent.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 16: Matthew Knies #23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs waits for play to resume against the Edmonton Oilers during the Second period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on November 16, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Oilers 4-3 in overtime.

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Knies past hit that injured him: 'Gotta keep your head up'

Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman is bracing for an emotional matinee game against the Columbu...

<p>Calgary Flames forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4637" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4637">Blake Coleman</a> is bracing for an emotional matinee game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, as the contest will mark the first meeting of Johnny Gaudreau's former teams since his death in August.</p><p>"It's just kind of surreal. It still kind of feels like he’s going to be there tomorrow when you go in there," Coleman told <a href="https://calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/johnny-gaudreau-former-teams-meet-columbus">Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Herald</a>. "There's going to be a little bit of a heavy presence, just knowing he's not there. But I think you have to look at in a way that he'll be looking down and watching the game."</p><p>Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed in the summer after being struck by a vehicle while riding bikes. Gaudreau was about to enter his third season with the Blue Jackets after spending the first nine campaigns of his career with the Flames. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Both teams received an outpouring of support from the hockey world after the tragedy, and both organizations continue to honor Gaudreau. The Blue Jackets raised a No. 13 banner to the rafters of Nationwide Arena, their home rink, and the Flames are scheduled to host the entire Gaudreau family when the two clubs meet again in Calgary on Dec. 3.</p><p>Friday's contest will also be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3000" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3000">Sean Monahan</a>'s first against the Flames as a member of the Blue Jackets. He signed a five-year deal with Columbus over the offseason to reunite with Gaudreau, his longtime friend. </p><p>"So for the guys (Friday), to see his number in the rafters and to see Mony, that's definitely going to be tough," Flames general manager Craig Conroy said. </p><p>Puck drop for Friday's affair is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET. </p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 05: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames celebrates a game winning goal against the Colorado Avalanche with teammate Blake Coleman #20 at Ball Arena on March 05, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. The Flames defeated the Avalanche 4-3 in overtime.

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Coleman: Gaudreau will be 'looking down' on Flames-Blue Jackets game

Colorado Avalanche star Mikko Rantanen believes he could secure a record-matching $14-million ave...

<p>Colorado Avalanche star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> believes he could secure a record-matching $14-million average annual value if he tests free agency next summer, <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/video/insider-trading-updates-on-potential-signings-and-trades-involving-big-name-players~3037945">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a> noted on "Insider Trading."</p><p>LeBrun added it's more likely Rantanen and the Avalanche come to an agreement on an extension before the player hits the open market. Rantanen <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3079374" href="https://thescore.com/news/3079374">said</a> during training camp that he hopes to stay in Denver.</p><p>Edmonton Oilers dynamo <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> is set to be the league's highest-paid player next season at $14 million per year. Three-time "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> ranks second at $13.25 million annually, and Rantanen's linemate and reigning MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> sits third on the league's payscale at $12.6 million.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rantanen is in the final campaign of a six-year contract that pays him $9.25 million per season. Reports surfaced earlier this month that the NHL's salary cap could skyrocket by $9 million next season, but commissioner Gary Bettman refuted the lofty projection.</p><p>Rantanen has earned a notable raise in any salary cap landscape. The 28-year-old has recorded 440 points in 354 games over the course of his current deal, and he's made the most of his platform season so far with 32 points in 23 contests.</p><p>The Avalanche drafted Rantanen 10th overall in 2015. </p>

DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 15: Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Washington Capitals at Ball Arena on November 15, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Report: Rantanen believes he could earn $14M AAV on open market

Chris Kreider doesn't believe the sky is falling on the New York Rangers despite a rocky run of p...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> doesn't believe the sky is falling on the New York Rangers despite a rocky run of play and trade rumors disrupting the dressing room.</p><p>"I think it's pretty obvious there’s frustration, angst, tension," Kreider told the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/27/sports/chris-kreider-opens-up-on-trade-talk-with-rangers-tension-rising/">New York Post's Mollie Walker</a>. "Good. We're 20 games in. Let's go through this shit now and figure out who we are. We had the best regular season in the history of an Original Six franchise last year, won a Presidents' Trophy and didn't go as far as we would've liked. We're getting exposed right now. Our warts are out there, and teams are picking on the things we don’t do well. And we've gotten away from the things we do do well."</p><p>The Rangers set a franchise record with 114 points last season, but were beat convincingly by the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final. New York entered the campaign expected to compete for a Stanley Cup again, but has dropped to a wild-card spot with a modest 6-5-0 November.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We don't necessarily know what this is right now, right?" Kreider said. "This could just be part of the story. We look back at this and say, 'This made us better.'"</p><p>Recent poor play has reportedly caused general manager Chris Drury to make it known the Rangers are open for a core-shaking trade. Kreider and captain <a href="http://Good.%20We%E2%80%99re%2020%20games%20in.%20Let%E2%80%99s%20go%20through%20this%20s%E2%80%93t%20now%20and%20figure%20out%20who%20we%20are.%20We%20had%20the%20best%20regular%20season%20in%20the%20history%20of%20an%20Original%20Six%20franchise%20last%20year,%20won%20a%20Presidents%E2%80%99%20Trophy%20and%20didn%E2%80%99t%20go%20as%20far%20as%20we%20would%E2%80%99ve%20liked.%20We%E2%80%99re%20getting%20exposed%20right%20now.%20Our%20warts%20are%20out%20there%20and%20teams%20are%20picking%20on%20the%20things%20we%20don%E2%80%99t%20do%20well%20and%20we%E2%80%99ve%20gotten%20away%20from%20the%20things%20we%20do%20do%20well.">Jacob Trouba</a> are among the names on the block.</p><p>Kreider is the longest-tenured Ranger on the roster at 13 seasons. He's managed nine goals in 19 games this season and was recently sidelined by a back injury.</p><p>The 33-year-old is adamant the trade chatter hasn't got to him. </p><p>"Shouldn't trivialize someone's feelings, but how you feel doesn't affect your ability to do something that you've done for the entirety of your life - unless you let it," he said. </p>

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 09: New York Rangers LW Chris Kreider (20) during the game between New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings on November 9, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI

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Kreider on Rangers' struggles: 'Let's go through this shit now'

A group of men assaulted NHL on TNT analyst and former player Paul Bissonnette during an incident...

<p>A group of men assaulted NHL on TNT analyst and former player Paul Bissonnette during an incident at a restaurant Saturday in Scottsdale, Arizona.</p><p>Scottsdale police arrested six people involved in the altercation, according to <a href="https://www.abc15.com/news/region-northeast-valley/scottsdale/former-arizona-coyotes-paul-bissonnette-assaulted-outside-scottsdale-restaurant-sunday">ABC15 Arizona</a>. </p><p>Bissonnette explained the situation with a video on X and said he escaped serious injury. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thanks for your calls &amp; messages. Love you fuckers. Had a blast getting to record <a href="https://twitter.com/spittinchiclets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@spittinchiclets</a> today and share some laughs with the gang. See you tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/5WOxkxARvx">pic.twitter.com/5WOxkxARvx</a></p>— Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) <a href="https://twitter.com/BizNasty2point0/status/1861238006092349950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Bissonnette was a fourth-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2003 and played professionally from 2005-2017. He suited up in 202 NHL games, logging 22 points and 340 penalty minutes.</p><p>The majority of his NHL career was played with the Arizona Coyotes. </p><p>Bissonnette has worked various media jobs since retiring, including with TNT and the "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast. </p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 02: Paul Bissonnette attends the 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins at Fenway Park on January 02, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Bissonnette assaulted by group at Arizona restaurant

Tiger Woods won't be in the field for the Hero World Challenge in early December as he continues ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> won't be in the field for the Hero World Challenge in early December as he continues to recover from his latest back surgery, he announced. </p><p>Woods hosts the event annually in The Bahamas. While it's not an official TOUR tournament, he typically invites all the sport's biggest names.</p><p>The 15-time major champion underwent microdecompression surgery of the lumbar spine for nerve impingement in September. It was his sixth back procedure.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Woods said afterward he hoped to be healthy enough to play in the Hero World Challenge as well as the PNC Championship - a parent-child tournament he participates in with his son, Charlie. There's no word yet on his status for the PNC, which begins Dec. 19.</p><p>Tiger only made five appearances last season - the Genesis Invitational and all four majors. He withdrew from the Genesis due to illness and missed the cut in all other tournaments except for the Masters.</p>

TROON, SCOTLAND - JULY 19: Tiger Woods of The United States plays his second shot on the 13th hole on day two of The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 19, 2024 in Troon, Scotland.

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Tiger to miss Hero World Challenge while recovering from back surgery

The Ottawa Senators are aggressively looking to add to their blue line corps in the wake of Artem...

<p>The Ottawa Senators are aggressively looking to add to their blue line corps in the wake of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9911" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9911">Artem Zub</a>'s injury, sources told <a href="https://ottawacitizen.com/ottawa-senators/the-ottawa-senators-will-be-without-defenceman-artem-zub-long-term">Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch</a>.</p><p>Zub broke his foot blocking a shot in the Sens' loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. Head coach Travis Green said Monday his top right-shot defender will be "out for a while."</p><p>Here's a look at the club's defensive combinations with Zub out:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LD</th>
<th>RD</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jake Sanderson</td>
<td>Travis Hamonic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thomas Chabot</td>
<td>Jacob Bernard-Docker</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Kleven</td>
<td>Nick Jensen</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Ottawa traded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5601">Jakob Chychrun</a> for Jensen this past offseason.</p><p>The Senators still have all their draft 2025 draft picks except a fourth-rounder, which could be used as potential trade chips. They also have three 2026 third-round picks at their disposal.</p><p>Ottawa was expected to take a step toward the playoffs this season, but the team currently sits sixth in the Atlantic Division with a 9-11-1 record. The Sens snapped a five-game losing streak Monday with a victory over the Calgary Flames.</p>

OTTAWA, CANADA - NOVEMBER 23: Artem Zub #2 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Vancouver Canucks at Canadian Tire Centre on November 23, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Report: Sens aggressively pursuing defensemen after Zub injury

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov left Saturday's contest against the Columbus Blue ...

<p>Carolina Hurricanes goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12697">Pyotr Kochetkov</a> left Saturday's contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets in overtime after teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6471" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6471">Sean Walker</a> ran into him.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pyotr Kochetkov left the game in OT after getting clipped in the head. <a href="https://t.co/8z9Nm1hOpq">pic.twitter.com/8z9Nm1hOpq</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1860515498951151865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The collision occurred with two minutes remaining in the extra frame. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3025" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3025">Spencer Martin</a> replaced Kochetkov for the remainder of the game, which Columbus won in a shootout.</p><p>Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour didn't have an update on Kochetkov after the loss but acknowledged the concerning nature of the play.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It didn't look great," Brind'Amour said, per <a href="https://x.com/ice_chip/status/1860522647722807317">Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer</a>.</p><p>The Hurricanes recently lost goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> for 8-12 weeks due to knee surgery. Martin will likely take on starting responsibilities if Kochetkov misses time.</p><p>Kochetkov entered Saturday 10-2-0 on the season with a .907 save percentage. </p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 23: Pyotr Kochetkov #52 of the Carolina Hurricanes is attend to by training staff after a collision during overtime against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on November 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Kochetkov injured after OT collision with Hurricanes teammate

The San Jose Sharks honored a franchise icon Saturday night, sending Joe Thornton's No. 19 to the...

<p>The San Jose Sharks honored a franchise icon Saturday night, sending Joe Thornton's No. 19 to the rafters with a moving ceremony before their tilt against the Buffalo Sabres.</p><p>Thornton is the Sharks' all-time leader in assists (804) and ranks second on the franchise leaderboard in points (1,055) and third in games played (1,104).</p><p>The Sharks acquired Thornton from the Boston Bruins during the 2005-06 campaign. He won the Hart Trophy and Art Ross that season after scoring 125 points, including 92 in 58 games after his move to San Jose.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The future Hall of Famer spent 15 years in the Bay Area before stops in Toronto and Florida to end his career.</p><p>Here are some of the most notable highlights from Jumbo's big night. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A Jumbo-worthy entrance 🦈 <a href="https://t.co/i6Huly516R">pic.twitter.com/i6Huly516R</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1860456042707960157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 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">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🗣️ SAN JOSE, GIVE ME THAT LOVE!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/19ForeverTeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#19ForeverTeal</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreatestOfAllTeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreatestOfAllTeal</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZG5VLRhELx">pic.twitter.com/ZG5VLRhELx</a></p>— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) <a href="https://twitter.com/SanJoseSharks/status/1860463501279691194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Thornton is the second Shark to have his number retired, joining longtime teammate and friend Patrick Marleau.</p><p>"To see Jumbo's banner next to mine up there, it just makes me happy," Marleau <a href="https://x.com/SanJoseSharks/status/1860462626641445264">said</a>.</p><p>"It truly was an honor to be your teammate, friend, and roommate," Thornton <a href="https://x.com/SanJoseSharks/status/1860469905629544949">said</a> to Marleau. "I'm absolutely humbled to have my number up there next to yours."</p><p>Thornton's speech highlighted his patented sense of humor, as he shouted out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a> for helping his kids with their homework. The Sharks drafted Celebrini first overall this year, and Thornton is housing the youngster for his rookie season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joe thanks Macklin for helping with his kid's math homework. 😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/19ForeverTeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#19ForeverTeal</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreatestOfAllTeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreatestOfAllTeal</a> <a href="https://t.co/xxLQIvffhQ">pic.twitter.com/xxLQIvffhQ</a></p>— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) <a href="https://twitter.com/SanJoseSharks/status/1860465704266531047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Thornton's wife and kids helped send his banner to the top of the SAP Center.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Forever in the rafters. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/19ForeverTeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#19ForeverTeal</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreatestOfAllTeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreatestOfAllTeal</a> <a href="https://t.co/iv5Rs5g1Hu">pic.twitter.com/iv5Rs5g1Hu</a></p>— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) <a href="https://twitter.com/SanJoseSharks/status/1860473547854156031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 23: Joe Thornton waves to the crowd following a ceremony honoring him and retiring his #19 jersey before the San Jose Sharks game against the Buffalo Sabres at SAP Center on November 23, 2024 in San Jose, California.

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Best moments from Joe Thornton's jersey retirement

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby squared off with Winnipeg Jets sniper Kyle Connor in th...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> squared off with Winnipeg Jets sniper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> in the third period of Friday's contest.</p><p>Crosby went after Connor moments after the former was knocked to the ice by a reverse hit from the 2022 Lady Byng winner.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Crosby has some fire in him tonight! 👀 <a href="https://t.co/j4UHVauQ3t">pic.twitter.com/j4UHVauQ3t</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1860144468474888693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Each player was given five minutes for fighting, and Crosby received an additional minor for cross-checking. Crosby had been credited with nine scraps in his career before Friday, according to <a href="https://www.hockeyfights.com/players/5905">hockeyfights.com</a>. Connor didn't have any fights to his name.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We're not taking shit from anybody," Connor said after the contest, according to <a href="https://x.com/mikemcintyrewpg/status/1860156019693043915">Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press</a>.</p><p>The Jets were up 3-0 at the time of the unlikely tilt, and went on to win 4-1 as Connor completed a Gordie Howe hat trick with an empty-net tally.</p><p>The Penguins fell to 7-11-4 and are in last place in the Metropolitan Division.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 22: Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) and Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) fight during the third period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Winnipeg Jets on November 22, 2024, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Crosby fights Jets' Connor after reverse hit

Seattle Kraken captain Jordan Eberle is expected to be out at least three months after undergoing...

<p>Seattle Kraken captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/454" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/454">Jordan Eberle</a> is expected to be out at least three months after undergoing pelvis surgery, the team announced Friday.</p><p>Eberle crashed hard into the boards Nov. 14 against the Chicago Blackhawks. He left the contest and has already missed three games due to the injury.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jordan Eberle goes down the tunnel after crashing into the end boards. Ouch. <a href="https://t.co/hs6AMaulfi">pic.twitter.com/hs6AMaulfi</a></p>— Emerald City Hockey (@EmeraldCityHky) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmeraldCityHky/status/1857273734186619224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Eberle notched six goals and five assists in 17 contests before getting hurt. Seattle plucked Eberle from the New York Islanders in the 2021 expansion draft and named him captain in October prior to his fourth season with the club.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Eberle's in the first campaign of a two-year, $9.5-million contract extension signed in March. </p><p>The Kraken are sixth in the Pacific Division at 10-9-1. </p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 12: Jordan Eberle #7 of the Seattle Kraken skates during the third period of a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Climate Pledge Arena on November 12, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

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Eberle expected to miss 3 months after pelvis surgery

Head coach Mike Sullivan is focused on getting the Pittsburgh Penguins' season on track rather th...

<p>Head coach Mike Sullivan is focused on getting the Pittsburgh Penguins' season on track rather than the noise surrounding his potential dismissal.</p><p>"I'm not concerned about it, no," Sullivan said of getting fired, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939290/2024/11/22/mike-sullivan-penguins-job-security-adjustments/">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a>. "I'm well aware of what I signed up for. It's the nature of the business. My main focus is trying to do what I do every day, applying a certain process I'm comfortable with to win games. I'll bring everything I can to the table every day to help this team win until such time when someone tells me otherwise."</p><p>The Penguins are last in the Metropolitan Division at 7-10-4, entering Friday's contest against the Winnipeg Jets. The club has missed the playoffs each of the past two seasons after qualifying 16 years in a row.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sullivan took over behind the Penguins' bench in December 2015 after Mike Johnston was fired in-season. Pittsburgh won back-to-back championships following the change.</p><p>Despite the Penguins' lackluster results this campaign, Sullivan is adamant that he's as dedicated to the team as he was the day it hired him.</p><p>"I'm invested in the Pittsburgh Penguins," he said. "I care very, very deeply about this organization. I care deeply about the group of guys who have been in that locker room for a very long time. I love this organization with all of my soul. This organization and so many people associated with it have changed my life in so many ways. And so, for me, the challenge of trying to move this team forward and transition this team, it's a different kind of challenge, but it's one that I am welcoming."</p><p>Sullivan signed a three-year extension with the Penguins in 2022 and is under contract through the 2026-27 campaign. The 56-year-old has amassed a 382-229-81 record over 10 seasons in Pittsburgh.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - OCTOBER 14: Assistant coach Mike Vellucci and head coach Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins handle bench duties during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on October 14, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 6-3.

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Penguins' Sullivan not concerned about job security

Nobody expected the Calgary Flames to compete for a playoff spot this year, but goaltender Dan Vl...

<p>Nobody expected the Calgary Flames to compete for a playoff spot this year, but goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3929" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3929">Dan Vladar</a> offered a simple reason why the club sits second in the Pacific Division through 20 games.</p><p>"We're a bunch of hungry bastards in here," Vladar <a href="https://x.com/NHLFlames/status/1860069493478949373">said</a> Friday. "We all want it, and we're not going to give it away for free."</p><p>The Flames improved to 11-6-3 with Thursday's win over the New York Rangers. Calgary outshot the reigning Presidents' Trophy winners 49-29 to secure its third consecutive victory, and sixth in its past 10.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Calgary has traded or failed to retain most of the core that led the club to a division title in 2022. The Flames were expected to be in a rebuilding phase this season, particularly after trading star goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1677" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1677">Jacob Markstrom</a> to the New Jersey Devils. </p><p>Vladar credited the team for forming a fresh identity. </p><p>"Great group of guys," he said. "Since day one of camp, I think we really stuck together and it's showing on the ice. I'm pretty sure the whole league now knows that it's not going to be easy coming into this building or playing against us. I think that's all we wanted. And right now, we've got to embrace it."</p><p>Vladar's posted a .906 save percentage in nine appearances this season. Rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9990" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9990">Dustin Wolf</a> has taken over the starter's role in Calgary's crease and is in the Calder Trophy conversation thanks to a .926 clip and eight wins in 11 games. </p><p>The Flames return to action Saturday at home against the Minnesota Wild.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 12: Dan Vladar #80 of the Calgary Flames in net during the first period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on November 12, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Vladar proud of Flames' success: 'We're a bunch of hungry bastards'

Team Canada executive Doug Armstrong says there aren't many spots left up for grabs on the roster...

<p>Team Canada executive Doug Armstrong says there aren't many spots left up for grabs on the roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. </p><p>"Probably not as many as people think," Armstrong told <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/canada-4-nations-roster-selections-nearly-set">NHL.com's Adam Kimelman</a>. </p><p>Each country's 23-man roster is due Dec. 2 and will be unveiled Dec. 4. The tournament is scheduled to run Feb. 12-20 in Montreal and Boston.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Canada previously named <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/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4013" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4013">Brayden Point</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> as the core of its roster. All four participating countries submitted a list of six locks for their respective teams over the summer.</p><p>Armstrong and the rest of Canada's braintrust have been scouting in person lately, and early season trends for prospective players have created some questions.</p><p>"There's some players that started on the inside that have worked their way out," Armstrong said. "They're not out, but (they) have brought other players into the equation, and players that weren't in the equation are now in the equation. That's why you want to go and see as many games as possible."</p><p>Canada's biggest question mark is who to pick in goal. The United States, Sweden, and Finland all have clear-cut No. 1 netminders, but Armstrong said Canada can find success by committee.</p><p>"We're going to find three good goalies that can help us win," he said.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 10: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers in the third period during the game at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Armstrong: Not many spots left to decide on Canada's roster

Thatcher Demko will join the Vancouver Canucks for their six-game road trip starting Saturday, an...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5557" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5557">Thatcher Demko</a> will join the Vancouver Canucks for their six-game road trip starting Saturday, and he's feeling confident about his progress toward returning to the crease.</p><p>"It's obviously been a long road, so it's nice to be back with the guys a little bit, definitely a little more energy, a little pepper in my step coming back and being out with those guys," Demko told <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/thatcher-demko-injury-status-update-november-20-2024?utm_source=nhldotcom&amp;utm_medium=social">NHL.com's Kevin Woodley</a>.</p><p>"Still a lot of work to do, I think, but I feel really good. It's the best I felt, obviously, in seven-to-eight months, so (I) finally have a little bit of a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure, and have a lot of direction in what we're trying to accomplish, and we've gotten some huge progress and big jumps the last probably two, three, four weeks, so we're moving in the right direction."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Demko hasn't suited up since Game 1 of the opening round of the playoffs this past spring due to a knee injury. He still doesn't have a definitive timeline for game action and is trying to remain patient.</p><p>"I'm a day-to-day guy; I think you have to be," he said. "Admittedly, through the process, I slipped into the future-seeking mindset, and it never really ended up too well for me, so just sticking with it day-by-day, and I definitely know that I'll be playing here."</p><p>The Canucks are off to a 9-6-3 start without their star netminder. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7694" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7694">Kevin Lankinen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10508" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10508">Arturs Silovs</a> have shared duties between the pipes, with the former taking on most of the workload. Lankinen has posted a respectable .902 save percentage in 13 appearances, while Silovs has struggled to an .857 clip in six games.</p><p>Demko was the Vezina Trophy runner-up last season after compiling a 35-14-2 record with a .918 save percentage. He's played in parts of seven campaigns with the Canucks after they selected him in the second round of the 2014 draft.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 21: Thatcher Demko #35 of the Vancouver Canucks in net during the second period in Game One of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Nashville Predators at Rogers Arena on April 21, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Demko joining Canucks on road trip: 'Light at the end of the tunnel'

Chicago Blackhawks forward Teuvo Teravainen expressed that the club's offensive troubles are begi...

<p>Chicago Blackhawks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3291" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3291">Teuvo Teravainen</a> expressed that the club's offensive troubles are beginning to fester.</p><p>"(We're) getting less confident, for sure," Teravainen told <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2024/11/20/blackhawks-teuvo-teravainen-confidence-getting-lower-nhl-seth-jones-injury">Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times</a>. "Nobody is really scoring. It's hard to get a goal. It's hard to even get power plays. We haven't created a lot of chances. It is frustrating."</p><p>The Blackhawks are last in the NHL standings at 6-12-1 following Tuesday's loss to the Anaheim Ducks. They've scored only eight goals over their last six games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's not going in our way right now," Teravainen said. "Nothing is easy. It's a lot of work. It's a long way to go. We just have to get better and better. I don't like where we are right now ... nobody likes it."</p><p>Chicago's rocky stretch has attracted plenty of attention as of late. Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/860" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/860">Nick Foligno</a> recently said not enough Blackhawks are willing to "pay a price" to score, and former MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a> cited a lack of communication after a surprise healthy scratch. </p><p>The Blackhawks weren't expected to be contenders this season but were hoping to take a step away from the league's basement in Year 2 of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a> era.</p><p>The reigning Calder Trophy winner has managed three goals in 19 games this season, and many of the reinforcements the Blackhawks brought in over the offseason haven't been productive.</p><p>Teravainen was one of Chicago's biggest signings, and he's mustered nine points on the year but is in an extended drought with two points over his last 14 contests. </p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 16: Teuvo Teravainen #86 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates during the third period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on November 16, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Teravainen: Blackhawks have lost confidence during skid

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