The 2025 PWHL playoffs will begin May 7, the league announced Friday.  The Toronto Sceptres will ...

<p>The 2025 PWHL playoffs will begin May 7, the league announced Friday.</p><p>The Toronto Sceptres will host games May 7 and 9, while the Montreal Victoire will do the same May 8 and 10. The opponents and remainder of the schedule are still to be determined.</p><p>The regular season schedule wraps up Saturday, with plenty still at stake in the standings. Montreal (50 points) and Toronto (47 points) have a chance to finish as the No. 1 seed and would therefore be able to select its first-round opponent.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Meanwhile, the Boston Fleet (44 points), Ottawa Charge (42 points), and Minnesota Frost (41 points) are jockeying for the final two playoff spots.</p><p>All six teams are in action Saturday to wrap up the regular season. The Victoire take on the New York Sirens, the Sceptres will face the Charge, and the Fleet will play the Frost. </p><p>All PWHL playoff series are best-of-five. Two semifinals take place before the Walter Cup is on the line in the championship series. The Frost won the title last year in the league's inaugural season.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 6: Blayre Turnbull #40 of the Toronto Sceptres and Kati Tabin #9 of the Montréal Victoire battle in front of the net during the first period at Coca-Cola Coliseum on March 6, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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PWHL playoffs will begin May 7

Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel, Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar, and Tampa Bay L...

<p>Vegas Golden Knights forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4558">Jack Eichel</a>, Los Angeles Kings forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/575">Anze Kopitar</a>, and Tampa Bay Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4013" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4013">Brayden Point</a> are the nominees for the 2024-25 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, the NHL announced Friday.</p><p>The accolade is given each year to the player deemed to have demonstrated sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct along with a high standard of play. </p><p>Eichel set a Golden Knights record with 94 points in 77 games this season while registering eight penalty minutes. This is the first time the 2015 No. 2 pick has been a finalist for an NHL award.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kopitar won the award in 2016 and 2023 and is looking to become the third three-time winner this century after Pavel Datsyuk and Martin St. Louis. The 37-year-old had 67 points in 81 games this season with four penalty minutes despite averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time per night.</p><p>Point is a Lady Byng finalist for the second time after finishing third in voting in 2023. The Lightning pivot eclipsed the 40-goal mark for the third consecutive season with seven penalty minutes - one minor and one major. He had the fewest penalty minutes of any player in the top 50 of this season's scoring race.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 22: Jack Eichel #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights passes under pressure from Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings in the second period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on October 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Eichel, Kopitar, Point chosen as Lady Byng finalists

Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers returned to the lineup in Friday's Game 6 against the St. Lo...

<p>Winnipeg Jets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3995" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3995">Nikolaj Ehlers</a> returned to the lineup in Friday's Game 6 against the St. Louis Blues.</p><p>Ehlers injured his foot in a collision with a referee on April 12, and he was given a week-to-week timeline to return.</p><p>The 29-year-old skated on Winnipeg's second line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2147" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2147">Adam Lowry</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9198" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9198">Cole Perfetti</a>. The Jets will be without top center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> for Game 6 after he was injured in the club's 5-3 victory on Wednesday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ehlers notched 63 points in 69 games this season, good for third on the Jets.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MARCH 31: Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets celebrates after teammate Blake Wheeler #26 (not seen) scores a first period goal against the Detroit Red Wings at the Canada Life Centre on March 31, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets' Ehlers returns in Game 6

Spencer Carbery of the Washington Capitals, Scott Arniel of the Winnipeg Jets, and Martin St. Lou...

<p>Spencer Carbery of the Washington Capitals, Scott Arniel of the Winnipeg Jets, and Martin St. Louis of the Montreal Canadiens have been selected as finalists for this season's Jack Adams Award.</p><p>The honor is given annually to the coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success. It's voted on by the NHL Broadcasters' Association. </p><p>Carbery led the Capitals to first place (51-22-9) in the Eastern Conference this season, his second behind Washington's bench. He oversaw a 20-point improvement from his first campaign as head coach and recently won his first playoff series - defeating St. Louis' Canadiens.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Arniel's Jets won the Presidents' Trophy as the league's top team in his first full season as head coach. Winnipeg's 56 wins were the fourth-most in NHL history for a team with a bench boss in his first year with the club. Winnipeg started the season with eight consecutive wins and 15 in it first 16 contests. The Jets allowed the fewest goals all season and boasted the league's top power play. Rick Bowness, Arneil's predecessor, was a Jack Adams nominee in 2023-24.</p><p>St. Louis guided the Canadiens to their first playoff berth since 2021 and first in a full season since 2017. Montreal earned the final wild-card seed in the Eastern Conference thanks to a dominant stretch to close the season, and it improved by 15 points from last season's total. St. Louis is vying to become only the third Canadiens coach to win the Jack Adams, following Hall of Famers Scotty Bowman and Pat Burns.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 30: Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery and left wing Alexander Alex Ovechkin (8) wait in the post game hand shake line during game five of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on April 30, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C..

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Carbery, Arniel, St. Louis nominated for Jack Adams Award

Florida Panthers forwards Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart, along with Tampa Bay Lightning cent...

<p>Florida Panthers forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a>, along with Tampa Bay Lightning center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4748" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4748">Anthony Cirelli</a>, were chosen as finalists for this season's Selke Trophy.</p><p>The honor, chosen by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, is given to the forward who demonstrates the most skill in defensive aspects of the game.</p><p>Barkov won the award in 2021 and 2024. He's a finalist for the fourth time in the last five years after compiling 71 points in 67 games this season while averaging over 20 minutes per contest. Florida's captain also played a primary role on the penalty kill, won 56.5% of his faceoffs, and registered 34 takeaways.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He and Reinhart are the first teammates to be nominated for the Selke in the same year since Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk in 2008, according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1918335644532977799">The Athletic's Chris Johnston</a>.</p><p>Reinhart is a first-time finalist after finishing fourth on the ballot last season. He paced the Panthers with 39 goals and 81 points, and his five shorthanded goals were the third most in the NHL. Reinhart led all NHL forwards in <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/skater_gar/?_inputs_&amp;gar_sk_team=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_pos=%22F%22&amp;gar_sk_base=%22Replacement%22&amp;gar_sk_type=%22Totals%22&amp;gar_sk_col=%22Basic%22&amp;gar_sk_info=%22No%22&amp;gar_sk_status=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;gar_sk_season=%2220242025%22&amp;gar_sk_span=%22Regular%22&amp;gar_sk_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;gar_sk_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_age1=%2217%22&amp;gar_sk_age2=%2250%22&amp;gar_sk_players=null&amp;gar_sk_toi_all=%2250%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_ev=%220%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_pp=%220%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_sh=%220%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>'s even-strength defensive goals above replacement metric, while Cirelli and Barkov ranked third and sixth, respectively.</p><p>Reinhart is listed as a center but spends the majority of his minutes on Barkov's wing. A winger hasn't won the Selke since Jere Lehtinen did so in 2003.</p><p>Cirelli is also a first-time finalist but previously finished top five in voting twice. He had 59 points in 80 games this season, adding 72 blocks and 21 takeaways. Cirelli was a staple on Tampa Bay's sixth-ranked penalty kill and is looking to become the first player in Lightning history to win the award.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - JANUARY 11: Florida Panthers Center Aleksander Barkov (16) looks on during the NHL game between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers on Saturday January 11, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.

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Barkov, Reinhart, Cirelli up for Selke as top defensive forward

Tampa Bay Lightning general manager head coach Jon Cooper confirmed he'll be back behind the benc...

<p>Tampa Bay Lightning general manager head coach Jon Cooper confirmed he'll be back behind the bench for the only NHL club he's ever worked for next season.</p><p>"I just know that if there's an organization out there better than this one, I want to see it," Cooper said, per <a href="https://x.com/EddieInTheYard/status/1918364708312174637">Eduardo Encina of the Tampa Bay Times</a>. "The way it's run, it just exudes class from the ownership all the way down. ... For me, it's hard to see myself anywhere else."</p><p>General manager Julien BriseBois declined to get into the details of Cooper's contract earlier Friday, but the pair's comments nullified recent rumors that Cooper would potentially be involved in this upcoming offseason's busy head coach carousel following Tampa Bay's first-round elimination at the hands of the Florida Panthers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Lightning have lost three consecutive opening-round series, twice to their in-state rivals. </p><p>Seven head coaching vacancies are open across the league.</p><p>Cooper is the NHL's longest-tenured head coach, leading the Lightning since 2012-13. He's amassed a 572-306-83 record with the club and reached four Stanley Cup Finals. The Lightning won it all in 2020 and 2021. </p><p>The Lightning's 568 wins since the 2013-14 season, Cooper's first full campaign with the club, are the most in the league.</p><p>Cooper recently guided Canada to victory at the 4 Nations Face-Off, and he'll be behind the bench again for his country at the 2026 Olympics in Italy.</p>

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 24: Head Coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Florida Panthers of Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on April 24, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Cooper will return to Bolts: 'Hard to see myself anywhere else'

Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, and Co...

<p>Minnesota Wild goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1010" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1010">Marc-Andre Fleury</a>, Colorado Avalanche captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2034" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2034">Gabriel Landeskog</a>, and Columbus Blue Jackets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3000" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3000">Sean Monahan</a> have been chosen as the 2024-25 nominees for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.</p><p>The honor is given annually to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.</p><p>Fleury just finished his 21st and final NHL season. He appeared in 26 games for the Wild, posting an .899 save percentage. The 40-year-old produced several memorable moments in his farewell campaign, including a shutout in his final game in his home province against the Montreal Canadiens.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Landeskog returned to NHL action in the first round of the playoffs after three years off due to his extensive recovery from multiple knee surgeries. He debuted in the AHL with a conditioning stint, and said his first game back in front of Avalanche fans gave him a memory that will last a lifetime. He's also been one of the Avalanche's most effective players this postseason, producing four points in as many contests. </p><p>Monahan signed with the Blue Jackets as a free agent in July to reunite with longtime friend Johnny Gaudreau after they spent nine seasons together as members of the Calgary Flames. Gaudreau and his brother died in August after being struck by a vehicle while riding bicycles. Monahan emerged from the tragedy as a key leader for Columbus, producing 57 points in 54 appearances in his first season with the club.</p>

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - APRIL 15: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Minnesota Wild gets surrounded by teammates after an overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks at Xcel Energy Center on April 15, 2025 in St Paul, Minnesota.

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Fleury, Landeskog, Monahan named Masterton Trophy finalists

Los Angeles Kings head coach Jim Hiller lamented how his club let a promising 2-0 series lead ove...

<p>Los Angeles Kings head coach Jim Hiller lamented how his club let a promising 2-0 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers slip away after being eliminated Thursday night.</p><p>"100%, it's a missed opportunity. It's very clear it's a missed opportunity for us," Hiller said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/los-angeles-kings-edmonton-oilers-game-6-recap-may-1">NHL.com's Gerry Moddejonge</a>. "Especially when we had great buy-in from our players. We believe we could have won the series, we believe we should have won the series.</p><p>"We didn't, so that's the bottom line. We had our chances to get it done, didn't get it done."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Kings appeared ready to flip the narrative against their Pacific Division rivals after a commanding 6-2 victory in Game 2. The Oilers responded by winning the next four contests, outscoring the Kings 20-12 in the process, to eliminate Los Angeles in the first round for the fourth consecutive year. </p><p>"This one's tough to swallow, obviously. Having the season we had, and to have the guys in this locker room and come up short again, it's frustrating," Kings captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/575">Anze Kopitar</a> said. "This one hurts a little more.</p><p>"Especially having home ice, and off to a good start with winning the first two games and then just not being able to close games out. It cost us."</p><p>The Kings finished the season with 105 points, four clear of the Oilers. Los Angeles was one of the league's best teams from Jan. 1 onward, ranking sixth in the NHL with a 27-15-4 record. </p><p>The franchise hasn't won a playoff series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 1: Head coach Jim Hiller of the Los Angeles Kings addresses the media after his team's loss against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Six of the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on May 1, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Kings' Hiller: 'We should have won the series' after taking early lead

The New York Rangers have hired Mike Sullivan as the team's next head coach, just days after he p...

<p>The New York Rangers have hired Mike Sullivan as the team's next head coach, just days after he parted ways with the Pittsburgh Penguins.</p><p>The move represents a return to New York for Sullivan after he served with the Rangers in an assistant role in 2009-10 and 2012-13. </p><p>Sullivan's contract is expected to be one of the most lucrative in NHL history for a head coach, <a href="https://x.com/emilymkaplan/status/1918073695446184353">ESPN's Emily Kaplan</a> reported Thursday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Mike Sullivan has established himself as one of the premier head coaches in the NHL," Rangers general manager Chris Drury said in a statement. "Given his numerous accomplishments throughout his coaching career - including two Stanley Cups and leading Team USA at the international level - Mike brings a championship-level presence behind the bench."</p><p>Sullivan spent the past 10 seasons with Pittsburgh, winning Stanley Cups in his first two years on the job. He also coached the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off and will hold the role for the 2026 Olympics in Italy. </p><p>The 57-year-old was considered the most sought-after coach on the market after his split with the Penguins. Seven vacancies remain across the NHL now that the Rangers hired Sullivan.</p><p>The Rangers fired Peter Laviolette after becoming only the fourth team in NHL history to miss the playoffs the season after winning the Presidents' Trophy.</p><p>Sullivan is New York's fourth head coach since 2021.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 19: Head coach Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on against the Dallas Stars at PPG PAINTS Arena on October 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Rangers hire Sullivan as head coach

The 2025 NHL draft lottery is scheduled for May 5, the league announced Tuesday.  The event will ...

<p>The 2025 NHL draft lottery is scheduled for May 5, the league announced Tuesday.</p><p>The event will take place at the NHL Network studio in New Jersey and will be broadcast on ESPN, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports.</p><p>The San Jose Sharks hold the best odds of acquiring the first overall pick for the second year in a row. They landed phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a> with the No. 1 selection in 2024.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here are each team's odds of winning the lottery:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>San Jose Sharks</td>
<td>18.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chicago Blackhawks</td>
<td>13.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nashville Predators</td>
<td>11.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Philadelphia Flyers</td>
<td>9.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boston Bruins</td>
<td>8.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seattle Kraken</td>
<td>7.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Buffalo Sabres</td>
<td>6.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anaheim Ducks</td>
<td>6.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td>
<td>5.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>New York Islanders</td>
<td>3.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>New York Rangers</td>
<td>3.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Detroit Red Wings</td>
<td>2.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Columbus Blue Jackets</td>
<td>2.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Utah Hockey Club</td>
<td>1.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vancouver Canucks</td>
<td>0.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Montreal Canadiens (via CGY)</td>
<td>0.5%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Sharks hold a 25.5% chance of picking first, as teams can't move up more than 10 spots in the order.</p><p>The Rangers' first-round pick was dealt to the Canucks in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> trade and then flipped to the Penguins when Vancouver acquired <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4553">Marcus Pettersson</a>. New York has the option to provide Pittsburgh with its pick this year or in 2026.</p><p>Montreal acquired Calgary's first-round pick in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3000" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3000">Sean Monahan</a> trade in 2022. If the Flames earn a top-10 pick, they'll transfer the Florida Panthers' first-rounder to the Canadiens.</p><p>Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer enters the draft as central scouting's top-ranked North American skater. The 17-year-old was limited to 17 games this season but logged 22 points.</p>

SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - MAY 07: National Hockey League Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly announces the San Jose Sharks #1 overall draft position during the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery at NHL Network Studio on May 07, 2024 in Secaucus, New Jersey.

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NHL draft lottery set for May 5

Winnipeg Jets forward Gabe Vilardi confirmed he will return to the lineup for Wednesday's Game 5 ...

<p>Winnipeg Jets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6466" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6466">Gabe Vilardi</a> confirmed he will return to the lineup for Wednesday's Game 5 against the St. Louis Blues, according to <a href="https://x.com/WPGMurat/status/1917269163048829313">The Athletic's Murat Ates</a>.</p><p>Vilardi's been out of action since March 23 because of an upper-body injury. He practiced on the first line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> as well as the top power-play unit.</p><p>The 25-year-old registered a career-high 61 points in 71 games this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Blues won the past two games to tie the first-round series 2-2.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MARCH 23: Gabriel Vilardi #13 of the Winnipeg Jets looks on during the pre-game warm up prior to NHL action against the Buffalo Sabres at Canada Life Centre on March 23, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets' Vilardi returning for Game 5

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad will have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player ...

<p>Florida Panthers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a> will have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety for his hit to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> in Monday night's Game 4.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4582" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4582">Niko Mikkola</a>, who was given given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2589">Zemgus Girgenson</a>, earned a $5,000 fine. </p><p>Ekblad hit Hagel with a forearm to the head and was not penalized.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikGh9q2kKdI?si=suYhkteJ0o0Nv4Jb" 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 left the contest after the hit and didn't return. The Lightning winger was suspended one game earlier in the series for interference on Panthers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a>.</p><p>Game 4 was Ekblad's second contest after serving a 20-game ban for violating the league's performance enhancing substance policy. </p><p>Ekblad and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3005" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a> scored 11 seconds apart late in the third period to spur a comeback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277117" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277117">victory</a> for the Panthers. Florida leads the series 3-1 with Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday in Tampa Bay.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - APRIL 28: Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) gets talked to by an official after delivering a bit hit in the second period during the Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL

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Ekblad earns hearing for hit on Hagel, Mikkola fined

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen won't play in Game 5 against the New Jersey Devi...

<p>Carolina Hurricanes goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> won't play in Game 5 against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday and is day-to-day, head coach Rod Brind'Amour announced, according to <a href="https://x.com/WaltRuff/status/1917236893806100592">team reporter Walt Ruff</a>.</p><p>Andersen was injured in Game 4 after Devils forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4725" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4725">Timo Meier</a> crashed the crease during the second period. He was replaced by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12697">Pyotr Kochetkov</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pyotr Kochetkov is entering the game in goal for Carolina after Frederik Andersen was injured in this collision with Timo Meier<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RaiseUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaiseUp</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/anvVz6MuiU">pic.twitter.com/anvVz6MuiU</a></p>— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights &amp; News (@HockeyDaily365) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1916597939230708224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Meier was handed a five-minute major so the referees could review the play, but the penalty was ultimately rescinded.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Andersen's posted a .936 save percentage in the series, helping Carolina claim a 3-1 lead.</p><p>Kochetkov stopped 14 of 15 shots in relief in Game 4. He had an .897 save percentage in 47 appearances in the regular season.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 27: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes injured on the ice during the second period of Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 27, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Andersen out for Game 5 after collision with Meier

The Dallas Stars are hopeful Mikko Rantanen's key tally - his first goal of the playoffs - in Mon...

<p>The Dallas Stars are hopeful <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a>'s key tally - his first goal of the playoffs - in Monday night's Game 5 victory over the Colorado Avalanche can serve as a springboard for the remainder of the series.</p><p>"Huge," Dallas head Pete DeBoer said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/mikko-rantanen-breaks-through-for-dallas-stars-in-awesome-game-5">NHL.com's Nicholas Cotsonika</a>. "Huge relief for him. You could tell by our group's reaction how happy our guys were for him. I mean, they feel that. They see him carrying that around."</p><p>DeBoer added, "But this guy has scored his whole life. He gets paid to score, and I think when guys like that finally get one, hopefully, look out."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rantanen buried Dallas' third goal en route to a commanding 6-2 victory. He entered Game 5 with only one assist in the series against his former club and added two helpers after he scored.</p><p>"He's an awesome player," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10699">Wyatt Johnston</a> said. "He can see the ice so well. He can make plays. He can score. So that's awesome to see him get one. I thought he was awesome tonight, and yeah, eventually, if you do enough good things, it'll start to go in for you."</p><p>Rantanen registered 18 points in 20 games with the Stars after being acquired before the trade deadline from the Carolina Hurricanes, who flipped him to Dallas after landing him from Colorado. The 28-year-old has been a strong playoff performer throughout his career with 105 points in 86 contests.</p><p>Monday's win gave the Stars a 3-2 series lead with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday in Denver.</p>

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 28: Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Dallas Stars celebrates a goal with teammates against the Colorado Avalanche in the second period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on April 28, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Stars credit Rantanen's breakthrough goal: 'Huge relief for him'

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube anticipates his core players will be able to step up ...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube anticipates his core players will be able to step up in Game 5 on Tuesday night as they look to close out the Ottawa Senators. </p><p>"They've done a great job of that throughout the season for sure," Berube said of his top players, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/toronto-coach-looks-to-leaders-to-finish-job-in-game-5-of-nhl-playoffs-against-ottawa">NHL.com's Dave McCarthy.</a> "There's ups and downs throughout the season and our guys have responded well. I think the leadership has really grown here and that's the key. The leadership and our leaders leading the way.</p><p>"I expect the same in Game 5. We played a real good hockey game, didn't come out on top, but I think our guys will be ready to go and be highly competitive for Game 5. The leadership has been very good and that's the key, so I don't expect anything different."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pressure is on the Maple Leafs' big guns to deliver the knockout blow after they fell to 1-12 in potential elimination games since 2017. The "Core Four" has been productive in the series thus far but has gotten less productive the longer series go throughout their careers.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Goals</th>
<th>Assists</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Mitch Marner</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Nylander</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Tavares</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auston Matthews</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Top-line winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> has chipped in three goals in the series, and Toronto has gotten five tallies from defensemen - an area in which it struggled throughout the regular season.</p><p>Toronto mounted two separate comebacks to get Game 4 to overtime on Saturday but failed to convert on a four-minute power play in the extra frame before Jake Sanderson scored the winner for Ottawa.</p><p>Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in Toronto.</p>

OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 26: Matthew Knies #23, William Nylander #88, Mitch Marner #16. John Tavares #91 and Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs speak in a break in play against the Ottawa Senators during the first period in Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on April 26, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Berube expects Maple Leafs' leaders to respond in Game 5

The Pittsburgh Penguins and head coach Mike Sullivan mutually agreed to part ways after 10 season...

<p>The Pittsburgh Penguins and head coach Mike Sullivan mutually agreed to part ways after 10 seasons, the team announced Monday.</p><p>Sullivan led Pittsburgh to Stanley Cups in his first two years with the organization, but the club has missed the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.</p><p>"On behalf of Fenway Sports Group and the Penguins organization, I would like to thank Mike Sullivan for his unwavering commitment and loyalty to the team and city of Pittsburgh over the past decade," general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This was not a decision that was taken lightly, but as we continue to navigate the Penguins through this transitional period, we felt it was the best course forward for all involved."</p><p>Dubas said he consulted captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> about the decision Sunday, explaining he needed to do what's best for the team, according to <a href="https://x.com/Real_RobRossi/status/1916888025830969767">The Athletic's Rob Rossi</a>. Dubas also <a href="https://x.com/Real_RobRossi/status/1916890263072506237">said</a> he doesn't think the coaching change will impact Crosby's desire to remain with the Penguins after the veteran signed a two-year extension last September.</p><p>Sullivan "did an amazing job over the last 10 years here with his preparation and commitment to winning," Crosby wrote in an email, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6317549/2025/04/28/mike-sullivan-part-ways-penguins-nhl/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a>. "Personally, he pushed me to be better every day, and I learned a lot from him. We shared some great memories together, and I am grateful for his time here and everything he did for us."</p><p>Sullivan had two years remaining on his contract. He will be one of the most coveted free-agent coaches this offseason.</p><p>The Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, and Seattle Kraken are all in the market for a new coach.</p><p>Sullivan amassed a 409-255-89 record with the Penguins, though this past season was the club's worst under his guidance. Pittsburgh made the playoffs in five consecutive years after winning the Cup in 2017 but only won one series.</p><p>Sullivan coached the United States in February's 4 Nations Face-Off and will have the same role for next year's Olympics in Italy.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 11: Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on against the Dallas Stars at PPG PAINTS Arena on November 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Penguins, Sullivan part ways after 10 seasons

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk won't face any discipline for his interference major on ...

<p>Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> won't face any discipline for his interference major on Tampa Bay Lightning counterpart <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5578" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5578">Jake Guentzel</a> in Saturday's Game 3, <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1916515137214710006">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reports. </p><p>Tkachuk was penalized for targeting Guentzel prior to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4748" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4748">Anthony Cirelli</a>'s empty-net goal that sealed Tampa's win. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matthew Tkachuk was given a five-minute major for this late hit on Jake Guentzel<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TimeToHunt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TimeToHunt</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBolts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBolts</a> <a href="https://t.co/0O4Lt1DVVE">pic.twitter.com/0O4Lt1DVVE</a></p>— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights &amp; News (@HockeyDaily365) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1916216824053616772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The hit came after Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> was suspended one game for interference on Panthers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a>. However, the league views Tkachuk's hit as different than Hagel's because of less force, no head contact, and because Guentzel played the puck, Friedman noted.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Guentzel wasn't injured on the play. Barkov left the contest after he got hit, but he was in the lineup for Game 3.</p><p>Game 4 is scheduled for Monday with the Panthers holding a 2-1 series lead.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - APRIL 26: Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) skates tot the bench in the second period during the Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.

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Report: Tkachuk won't face further discipline for hit on Guentzel

Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon is blown away at how quickly captain Gabriel Landes...

<p>Colorado Avalanche superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> is blown away at how quickly captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2034" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2034">Gabriel Landeskog</a> has got up to speed since returning to game action after nearly three years off. </p><p>Landeskog made his first NHL appearance since the 2022 Stanley Cup Final in Game 3 of his club's opening-round series against the Dallas Stars. In Saturday's Game 4, he registered a goal and an assist while also being bumped up to the second line and top power-play unit. </p><p>"It's beyond all of our expectations," MacKinnon said, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6314609/2025/04/27/gabriel-landeskog-avalanche-goal-nhl-playoffs-2025/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. "I was kind of laughing in my head, but he's like, 'I don't think there's a difference between a month off or three years off.' And I was thinking, like, 'Hmm, whatever. OK.' But he was right. It looks like he's been out for four weeks."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>MacKinnon added, "It just shows you ... his story, everyone has seen it, I guess, but how hard he's worked. It just shows if you're good at hockey, you're good at hockey. He can come back, and he's one of our best players out there. It's amazing. We missed him."</p><p>Landeskog's goal was the exclamation point on a dominant victory for the Avalanche, who evened the series at 2-2 before it shifts back to Dallas for Game 5.</p><p>The 32-year-old has stepped up in the playoffs throughout his career, registering 69 points - including 22 during Colorado's championship run - in 71 games.</p>

DENVER, CO - APRIL 23: Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) warm up near supporters before game three of the Western Conference 1st Round between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on April 23, 2025.

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MacKinnon: Landeskog's play since return 'beyond all our expectations'

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard will start Friday's Game 3 against the Los Angeles King...

<p>Edmonton Oilers goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> will start Friday's Game 3 against the Los Angeles Kings, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed.</p><p>Pickard entered Game 2 in relief of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> in the third period, allowing one goal on three shots as the Kings posted a dominant 6-2 victory to take a 2-0 series lead. </p><p>Pickard said Friday that he's unfazed by taking on a bigger role at a critical point in the matchup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Same way I've approached every game as an Oiler: go out and do my job and give our team a chance to win," Pickard said. "Obviously, the first two games didn't go as planned, basically in all facets, but we've got a better effort in this locker room, and we're definitely going to do that tonight."</p><p>Skinner has produced an .810 save percentage in the opening two games of the playoffs. </p><p>The Oilers deflected blame from their netminders after Game 2, with blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3273899" href="https://thescore.com/news/3273899">saying</a> the club is hanging them out to dry with their defensive play.</p><p>Pickard started Games 4 and 5 of last year's second round as Skinner struggled. Skinner rebounded with a .914 save percentage over the next 15 games once he got the net back.</p><p>Pickard had a .900 save percentage and 2.71 goals against average in 36 appearances this campaign.</p><p>Game 3 is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 23: Calvin Pickard #30 of the Edmonton Oilers protects the goal during the third period of Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on April 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Oilers turn to Pickard for pivotal Game 3

The NHL fined Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins $2,083.33 for "unsportsmanlike conduct" relate...

<p>The NHL fined Ottawa Senators forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2113" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2113">Nick Cousins</a> $2,083.33 for "unsportsmanlike conduct" related to an incident prior to Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the league announced Friday.</p><p>The fine is the maximum allowable fine under the current collective bargaining agreement.</p><p>The Senators were also fined $25,000.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The incident took place Thursday, with Cousins shooting a puck at Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> during warmups.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here’s what NHL is looking at from last night. “Friend of Bieksa” Nick Cousins shoots puck at Stolarz. NHL not crazy about pre-game stuff…also clamped down on funny Scheifele/Hofer standoff in Blues/Jets series <a href="https://t.co/ZF08AZwdO4">pic.twitter.com/ZF08AZwdO4</a></p>— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1915771667877425452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's an active investigation. I'm not sure I should be commenting," Senators head coach Travis Green said jokingly, according to <a href="https://x.com/SunGarrioch/status/1915794677967577515">Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch</a>. "It's a game within the game."</p><p>Cousins and Stolarz were teammates last year with the Florida Panthers. </p><p>Stolarz has stymied the Senators throughout the series, posting a .926 save percentage in three games. Toronto put Ottawa on the verge of elimination with an overtime win in Game 3. </p><p>Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 22: Nick Cousins #21 of the Ottawa Senators skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 22, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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NHL fines Cousins, Senators for pregame shot at Stolarz

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