Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar is hopeful goaltender Scott Wedgewood will only miss a...

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar is hopeful goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1794">Scott Wedgewood</a> will only miss a couple of weeks due to an injury sustained on a controversial play against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night."He's still getting evaluated, so I'm guessing it's going to be week-to-week," Bednar said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-buzz-news-and-notes-january-1-2025">NHL.com's Ryan Boulding</a>. "They're hoping it's not a high ankle sprain, right, which would be an automatic six weeks, or some place in that range. "If it's a little lower, if it's in his foot - we'll see what the imaging shows today - it could be two-to-three weeks. We don't know, but it won't be a game or two, I don't think. He's going to miss some time. We're just hoping for the best side of that timeline."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Wedgewood got hurt after a collision with Sabres forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13818" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13818">Zach Benson</a>. Play continued with Wedgewood down, and Benson eventually scored.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Crazy sequence here: Benson is knocked into Wedgewood who goes down hurt Benson scored and a brawl ensues 4-2 Sabres Hoping for the best for Wedgewood &lt;3 <a href="https://t.co/DKZqrBIt62">pic.twitter.com/DKZqrBIt62</a>— Crossing Swords ⚔️ (@CrossSwordsPod) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrossSwordsPod/status/1875030895314563464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Bednar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3177806" href="https://thescore.com/news/3177806">voiced</a> his displeasure after the contest, saying the whistle should have blown. Colorado challenged the play for goaltender interference but the goal was upheld.The Avalanche ultimately came back and won 6-5 in overtime, their sixth consecutive victory. Colorado acquired Wedgewood from the Nashville Predators on Nov. 30. He's posted a .917 save percentage in seven games with the Avs after owning an .878 clip in five outings with the Predators.

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 02: Colorado Avalanche head athletictrainer Matt Sokolowski (left) and Joel Kiviranta #94 (right) help Goaltender Scott Wedgewood #41 off the ice during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at Ball Arena on January 2, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Avalanche hopeful Wedgewood only week-to-week with injury

The PGA TOUR is in advanced discussions to make the TOUR Championship a bracket-style format, sou...

The PGA TOUR is in advanced discussions to make the TOUR Championship a bracket-style format, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6035751/2025/01/03/pga-tour-tour-championship-bracket-golf/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=twhq&amp;source=twitterhq">The Athletic's Gabby Herzig</a>. Changes could be implemented as early as this season if momentum continues in negotiations, Herzig notes.The TOUR Championship serves as the season finale and third of three playoff events. The current format was designed in 2019 and gives players a starting score based on the season-long points ranking system. Many of the world's top players have criticized the tournament's configuration, including defending champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Both match play and stroke play are being discussed as options for the potential bracket-style event. The TOUR removed the WGC-Match Play Championship from the schedule last year after it ran from 1999-2023.The 30-man field and tournament dates for this year wouldn't be changed if the bracket system is implemented.

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

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Report: Talks ongoing to make TOUR Championship bracket-style event

New York Rangers defenseman Zac Jones voiced strong feelings about being a frequent healthy scrat...

New York Rangers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10507" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10507">Zac Jones</a> voiced strong feelings about being a frequent healthy scratch over his club's prolonged skid."It f---ing sucks," he told <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/01/01/sports/rangers-zac-jones-feels-like-hes-rotting-away-after-losing-spot/?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;sr_share=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=nypost_sports">Larry Brooks of The New York Post</a>. "It f---ing sucks."Jones will sit for the fifth time in six games when the Rangers host the Boston Bruins on Thursday night. He was a regular in the lineup before New York acquired blue-liners <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9738" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9738">Will Borgen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7730" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7730">Urho Vaakanainen</a>, and Jones said he doesn't believe he's played poorly enough to be dropped from the rotation.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It's frustrating when you think you're doing some things well, and it's just, you just keep getting taken out, taken out, taken out," Jones said. "I just feel like I'm rotting away a little bit."And it's tough. It's really f---ing tough. I mean, I'm not a 32-year-old guy collecting a paycheck. I'm a guy who wants to earn my paycheck. I need to play. I have things I need to improve in order to be a full-time player, and that's what I want to be. I want to be a guy who plays 82 games and be in the lineup every night."Jones has notched eight points in 24 games this season with a plus-2 rating, but his underlying numbers aren't stellar since the Rangers began a miserable 4-15-0 run in late November. Despite the Blueshirts owning a 40.17 even-strength expected goals rate with Jones on the ice rate over that span, according to <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/skater_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_sk_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_sk_team=%22NYR%22&amp;std_sk_pos=%22D%22&amp;std_sk_str=%225v5%22&amp;std_sk_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_sk_type=%22Totals%22&amp;std_sk_range=%22Date%20Range%22&amp;std_sk_span=%22Regular%22&amp;std_sk_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_sk_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_sk_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_sk_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_sk_status=%22All%22&amp;std_sk_info=%22No%22&amp;std_sk_players=null&amp;std_sk_toi=%2250%22&amp;std_sk_season=%2220242025%22&amp;std_sk_dates=%5B%222024-11-21%22%2C%222024-12-31%22%5D">Evolving-Hockey</a>, his low figure bests Borgen's (37.82%) and Vaakanainen's (31.93%).Jones isn't the first Ranger to voice displeasure about lineup choices during a dreadful run that's dropped them out of a playoff spot. Days before being traded to the Seattle Kraken, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8593">Kaapo Kakko</a> said he was being used as a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3162733" href="https://thescore.com/news/3162733">scapegoat</a> when the club scratched him.The Rangers also sat veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> recently and traded former captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> to the Anaheim Ducks.New York drafted Jones in the third round in 2019. He's made 95 appearances for the Rangers across the past five seasons.

RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 27: Zac Jones #6 of the New York Rangers skates with the puck during the first period of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on November 27, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Rangers' Jones: 'I'm rotting away' with recent scratches

The Toronto Sceptres traded defender Jocelyne Larocque and forward Victoria Bach to the Ottawa Ch...

The Toronto Sceptres traded defender Jocelyne Larocque and forward Victoria Bach to the Ottawa Charge for Savannah Harmon and Hayley Scamurra on Monday, the league announced.Scamurra and Harmon will be in the Sceptres' lineup when they face the Charge on Tuesday night, Toronto general manager Gina Kingsbury confirmed, according to <a href="https://x.com/hailey_salvian/status/1874140945446506886">The Athletic's Hailey Salvian</a>.Larocque was the second overall pick in the inaugural PWHL draft last year. She's the league's oldest player and was one of Toronto's alternate captains. The 36-year-old has two assists in six games this season and is an international legend for Canada with two Olympic gold medals and four world championship titles on her resume.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bach was a seventh-round pick in 2023. She's compiled six points in 22 PWHL games."We are excited to add Jocelyne and Victoria to our organization," Charge general manager Mike Hirshfeld <a href="https://www.thepwhl.com/en/news/2024/december/30/ottawa-charge-and-toronto-sceptres-complete-trade">said</a> in a statement. "Jocelyne's resume speaks for itself, and we are delighted to add her experience and leadership to our locker room, where she will be an important player for us this season. Victoria has terrific offensive skills that will be a welcome addition to our team."Harmon was drafted fifth overall last year. She's a top-pairing defender but has gone pointless in six games this season. She represents the United States internationally and has collected medals at both the Olympics and world championships. Scamurra, another American international, has 10 points in 30 PWHL games. She has yet to find the scoresheet this season."This trade gives us a dynamic offensive-minded defender that will enhance our power play," Kingsbury said. "Savannah has been a revered defender in our game, and we are excited to work with her. Hayley brings experience and plays the game with a similar identity to what we pride ourselves with in Toronto. Her competitiveness and intensity will add to our lineup and enhance what our team is capable of."The Sceptres and Charge have identical 2-0-1-3 records on the season.

BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT - JANUARY 05: Jocelyn Larocque #3 of Toronto looks to pass against New York at Total Mortgage Arena on January 05, 2024 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

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Sceptres deal Larocque, Bach to Charge for Harmon, Scamurra

Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin believes Elias Pettersson is an important piece o...

Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin believes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> is an important piece of the organization's long-term plan, but he called on his highest-paid player to improve as he endures a turbulent season."Petey has shown up to this point that he is an extremely talented, quality player that could and should be a No. 1 center," Allvin told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/qa-canucks-gm-patrik-allvin-expects-more-from-top-players-in-2025/">Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre</a>. "I believe in him. I believe that he's capable. (But) he needs to mature and understand that there are certain expectations, and it does not get easier. And you need to face the music when things don't go well. Is (a trade) possible? I guess I would say anything is possible."Pettersson is in the first season of an eight-year, $92.8-million contract extension he signed in March. He has full no-trade protection beginning in 2025-26.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pettersson faced scrutiny for an unproductive postseason this past spring, and he's notched a modest 28 points in 34 games in the current campaign.He's also been at the center of off-ice drama lately due to a rumored rift with teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>. Their rocky relationship was publicly addressed by head coach Rick Tocchet and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> as gossip spread about the two star players, who ultimately said themselves there's no issue at hand.Allvin acknowledged the spotlight on Pettersson intensified after signing his lucrative contract."I think, again, it comes back to expectations and preparation, how you prepare yourself," Allvin said. "I don't believe that he was aware of just how hard it was going to be. Just because you achieve one thing to get a long-term extension ... life just gets harder. You haven't really accomplished anything. You're not even halfway there (to winning a Stanley Cup). And then, obviously, the mental part comes in there, too, and suddenly you feel the pressure."Allvin didn't completely single out Pettersson, noting that all of the Canucks' core needs to be better to meet expectations the team set at the start of the season."I think it's fair to say that you expect your best players to be the difference-makers, and the best players when you need them," he said. "And, unfortunately, I think we haven't got the most out of those specific guys."The Canucks have dealt with long-term absences to Miller, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5557" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5557">Thatcher Demko</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a> this season. Pettersson and Hughes are currently unavailable due to injury. Vancouver currently holds the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference at 17-10-8.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 21: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks shoots the puck during the pre-game warm up prior to the start of NHL action against the Ottawa Senators on December, 21, 2024 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Allvin backs Pettersson but doesn't rule out trade: 'Anything is possible'

The 2025 NHL Draft will be held June 27 and 28 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, sources con...

The 2025 NHL Draft will be held June 27 and 28 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, sources confirmed to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/43227338/source-nhl-picks-los-angeles-host-2025-draft-plans-new-format">ESPN's Greg Wyshynski</a>.It will be the league's first decentralized draft. Top prospects and league representatives will be in attendance, but teams will make picks from their own facilities like the NFL, NBA, and MLB do.Commissioner Gary Bettman will still announce the picks on-site.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>American forward James Hagens and Canadian defenseman Matthew Schaefer are among the prospects expected to be in contention for the first overall pick.The draft lottery date hasn't been announced yet, but it's typically held during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: A 2024 NHL Draft logo is displayed on a screen during the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Report: 2025 NHL Draft to be held in Los Angeles

Latvia shocked Canada on Friday in what will likely be the biggest upset of the 2025 world junior...

Latvia shocked Canada on Friday in what will likely be the biggest upset of the 2025 world juniors, defeating the host 3-2 in a shootout after erasing two deficits in the third period.Eriks Mateiko sealed the victory for Latvia in the eighth round of the shootout, the only goal in 16 attempts between the teams.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LATVIA BEATS CANADA IN THE SHOOTOUT 😱 Eriks Mateiko scores the game winner!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldJuniors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldJuniors</a> <a href="https://t.co/oIVP2ddA89">pic.twitter.com/oIVP2ddA89</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1872850335615836583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Latvia had never beaten Canada at the tournament. Canada outscored Latvia 41-4 in the four previous meetings, including a 10-0 victory last year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The landmark win is only Latvia's third preliminary-round victory in seven trips to the tourney."Full marks to Latvia," Canada head coach Dave Cameron told <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/hockey-canada/video/were-wounded-but-were-not-dead-cameron-ready-to-get-back-to-work~3053380">TSN</a> postgame. "Each year, this tournament seems to have a Cinderella team and Latvia has played that role before. ... You win that game nine out of 10 times, so we're wounded, but we're not dead."Goaltender Linards Feldbergs was Latvia's player of the game after a 55-save performance and stonewalling Canada on all eight of its shootout attempts."I'm feeling excited about this game," an elated Feldbergs <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/hockey-canada/video/feldbergs-still-in-shock-after-latvia-stunned-canada-in-the-shoo~3053377">said</a>. "Just crazy. I still can't believe what we did. So yeah, I'm still in shock. I think I need like, one hour to process this, everything that happened on the ice."He added, "I was just looking at the crowd and at my team, the Canadian fans were just in shock."Canadian defenseman Tanner Molendyk gave credit to Feldbergs."Ran into a hot goalie," he <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/hockey-canada/video/ran-into-a-hot-goalie-molendyk-credits-feldbergs-for-latvia-s-win-on-friday~3053378">said</a>. "Obviously, we didn't do anything we really wanted to do from the get-go, but props to the goalie. He played unbelievable."A shorthanded goal by Jett Luchanko gave Canada a 1-0 lead in the second period. Latvia evened the score with six minutes remaining in the third period, but Calum Ritchie quickly restored Canada's advantage less than two minutes later. Peteris Bulans tied it for Latvia with a power-play goal with 2:29 left in regulation.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LATVIA TIES IT AGAIN 😱 Peteris Bulans wires home the power-play marker to make it 2-2.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldJuniors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldJuniors</a> <a href="https://t.co/H4frb5FSRm">pic.twitter.com/H4frb5FSRm</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1872843672582226239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Canada won its opener over Finland on Thursday and returns to action Sunday against Germany."You have to play every team as hard as you can," Molendyk said when asked about what his teammates can learn from Friday's loss. "I mean, there's no off nights or teams you can take off."

EDMONTON, AB - AUGUST 17: Fans of Latvia cheer during the game against Sweden in the IIHF World Junior Championship on August 17, 2022 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

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'Still in shock': Latvia stuns Canada in shootout at world juniors

John Tortorella doesn't care about Anaheim Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier's feelings heading into ...

John Tortorella doesn't care about Anaheim Ducks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12716" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12716">Cutter Gauthier</a>'s feelings heading into the latter's first game against the Philadelphia Flyers since a trade request that stirred up plenty of drama.Gauthier, who the Flyers drafted fifth overall in 2022, was dealt to the Ducks for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9207" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9207">Jamie Drysdale</a> last season in a shock move. He was among Philadelphia's top prospects at the time but said he wanted to start his career with a different team for a variety of reasons.Gauthier said the Ducks' clash with the Flyers on Saturday is one he's looked forward to for a while.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Obviously, with all that happened, it's definitely been a game circled on my calendar and I'm super excited to play," he <a href="https://x.com/AnaheimDucks/status/1872763679290294295">said</a>. "It's been a lot of anticipation leading up to the game, so I'm ready to go out there and play my game."I feel like all of it's just media, and all of it's noise. The more and more you listen to that, the more you get inside your own head and let it affect your play."Tortorella's response was, as is his style, blunt. "I don't give a shit what he says," Tortorella said, per <a href="https://x.com/KKurzNHL/status/1872789276464955858">The Athletic's Kevin Kurz</a>. "I'm not interested in answering any questions about Cutter Gauthier. I don't wish anything bad on the kid, I'm not going to answer any questions on it."Flyers veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2855" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2855">Scott Laughton</a> said the significance of the matchup is more important to the fans than the players."It might register more in Philly when he starts hearing the fans and stuff," Laughton <a href="https://x.com/KKurzNHL/status/1872788574996942999">said</a>. "I don't know. He's a young kid. He did what he thought he had to do. I don't really understand it, but that's just the way it went. We got a great player in return in Jamie, and a guy who wants to be here, in a franchise that takes care of their guys, takes care of their players and they really care for you. It's kind of ... whatever."Gauthier appeared in one contest with the Ducks last season and has registered 14 points in 33 games so far in 2024-25.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 08: Head Coach of the Philadelphia Flyers John Tortorella gives instruction from his bench during the first period of his team's game against the Utah Hockey Club at the Wells Fargo Center on December 8, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Torts: 'I don't give a shit' about what Gauthier says before clash vs. Flyers

Canada opened its 2025 world juniors tournament on Thursday with a convincing 4-0 victory over Fi...

Canada opened its 2025 world juniors tournament on Thursday with a convincing 4-0 victory over Finland.Canadian goaltender Carter George posted a 31-save shutout and was recognized as his team's player of the game. Canada was in control for most of the contest, but George brought the win home in the third period as Finland sent 20 shots his way.George plays for the OHL's Owen Sound Attack and was a second-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in 2024.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Goals from Gavin McKenna and Easton Cowan built Canada a 2-0 lead heading into the final period. Luca Pinelli scored a key insurance marker with less than five minutes remaining in the third and Matthew Schaefer added an empty-netter.McKenna, who turned 17 on Dec. 20, is Canada's youngest player, but he showcased why he's the presumptive top pick for the 2026 NHL draft when he broke the ice with a slick goal in front late in the first period. McKenna became just the eighth player in tournament history to make Canada as a 16-year-old, and he currently leads the WHL with 60 points in 30 games despite leaving for Canada's training camp earlier this month.Canada is aiming to avenge a fifth-place finish at last year's tournament. They're scheduled to take on Latvia on Friday in the second of four round-robin games.

OTTAWA, CANADA - DECEMBER 26: Gavin McKenna #9 of Team Canada celebrates his goal with teammates Oliver Bonk #5 and Matthew Schaefer #25 during the first period at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship against Team Finland at Canadian Tire Centre December 26, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Canada blanks Finland to open WJHC campaign

Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine will play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night for t...

Montreal Canadiens forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5587" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5587">Patrik Laine</a> will play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night for the first time since requesting a trade out of Ohio, and he said a losing culture within his former organization was a key reason he wanted a fresh start."They're a little too satisfied and too comfortable where they're at," Laine told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6016003/2024/12/23/patrik-laine-canadiens-blue-jackets-nhl/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Aaron Portzline</a>. "It wasn't really a fit for me anymore. But here (in Montreal), it doesn't matter if we're winning or losing, we're always trying our best. That's what I felt about it (in Columbus)."Laine was traded to the Blue Jackets from the Winnipeg Jets during the 2020-21 season. In four seasons there, Columbus never finished higher than sixth in the division.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I feel like we were just doing the same thing year after year. I was tired of losing and just giving up when it's December to start focusing on next year. I'm not going to do that. That's frustrating as a player when you're trying to win and some people are, you know, not like that."Laine dealt with a collection of injuries with the Blue Jackets and enlisted in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program last season to work on his mental health."I had some ups and downs (in Columbus)," Laine said. "I don't want to get into that too much, but ... some things probably could have been handled better. Some things were great, some things were not so great."I'm having the time of my life here (in Montreal), so I probably don't want to get into that too much."Columbus moved Laine to Montreal over the summer, and he's shined in his new environment after a delayed start because of a preseason knee injury. The 26-year-old has blasted eight goals in nine games with the Habs, all on the power play.The Canadiens are 6-3-0 since Laine made his season debut. A win Monday would propel Montreal ahead of Columbus for 13th in the Eastern Conference.

MONTREAL, CANADA - DECEMBER 21: Patrik Laine #92 of the Montreal Canadiens stretches during the warmups prior to the game against the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre on December 21, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-1.

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Laine talks trade request: Blue Jackets were too comfortable losing

The slumping New York Rangers made veteran forward Chris Kreider a healthy scratch for Monday's c...

The slumping New York Rangers made veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> a healthy scratch for Monday's contest against the New Jersey Devils."It was just a lineup decision. We just need more," head coach Peter Laviolette said after the contest, per the <a href="https://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1871297571227898274">New York Post's Mollie Walke</a>r.The Devils won 5-0, and limited New York to 12 shots.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Rangers have now lost 12 of their past 17 games, and have dropped out of a playoff spot after winning the Presidents' Trophy last season. Kreider has missed three games during New York's skid because of injury and has produced only two goals and one assist in his past 13 appearances.Kreider was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3139493" href="https://thescore.com/news/3139493">reportedly</a> made available for a trade earlier this season, but a move can't be imminent because the NHL's holiday trade freeze is in effect. Rangers players were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3164507" href="https://thescore.com/news/3164507">reportedly</a> upset about the club's longest-tenured player being dangled on the market without any warning.New York has dealt former captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> and 2019 second-overall pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8593">Kaapo Kakko</a> in recent weeks to try to reignite its season.Kreider has posted 11 goals in 30 games this season, a significant drop-off after topping 35 goals in each of the three previous campaigns.

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 08: New York Rangers Left Wing Chris Kreider (20) is pictured following the National Hockey League game between the Seattle Kraken and the New York Rangers on December 8, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY.

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Rangers healthy scratch Kreider for blowout loss to Devils

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews missed a second consecutive game Monday as the team l...

Toronto Maple Leafs captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> missed a second consecutive game Monday as the team lost 5-2 to the Winnipeg Jets.The Maple Leafs are off until Dec. 27. Matthews' status for that game is still up in the air, head coach Craig Berube said Monday, per <a href="https://x.com/joshuakloke/status/1871239716571582493">The Athletic's Joshua Kloke</a>.Matthews missed Saturday's loss to the New York Islanders because he re-aggravated an upper-body injury. The ailment caused the three-time "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner to miss nine games earlier this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The specifics of the injury haven't been made public. Matthews visited a doctor in November in Germany to receive treatment during his previous absence.The Maple Leafs went 7-2-0 without Matthews while he was out the first time, but they've now dropped two straight.Matthews has produced 11 goals and 12 assists in 24 games this season.

TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 4: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on against the Nashville Predators at Scotiabank Arena on December 4, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Matthews misses 2nd straight game with upper-body injury

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe was suspended eight games for boarding and elbowing Dallas St...

New York Rangers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9310" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9310">Matt Rempe</a> was suspended eight games for boarding and elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a> during Friday's game, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Matt Rempe gets tossed for this hit on Miro Heiskanen in his 1st game back up with the Rangers 😬 <a href="https://t.co/uvVAxvILJd">pic.twitter.com/uvVAxvILJd</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1870308847166128297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"This hit is a violation of both the boarding and the elbowing rules," player safety <a href="https://www.nhl.com/video/topic/player-safety/rempe-suspended-eight-games-6366350310112">said</a> in its explanation. "It is important to note that for an extended period of time and during the entire lead-up to this hit, Rempe sees nothing but Heiskanen's back. Rempe is in complete control of how this play develops, and it is Rempe's responsibility, in this situation, to avoid the contact, change the angle such that he does not hit a defenseless player directly from behind, or at very least, minimize the force of an imminent collision."This marks the second suspension of Rempe's 22-game NHL career, which began last season. He was handed a four-game ban in 2023-24 for an elbow to the head of New Jersey Devils defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4707" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4707">Jonas Siegenthaler</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Rempe's hit on Heiskanen also marked the fourth ejection of his career. His role as a repeat offender factored into the length of the suspension.The 22-year-old is eligible to return Jan. 11 against the Vegas Golden Knights. Rempe's only played five games with the Rangers this season and 18 with the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack.

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 20: New York Rangers center Matt Rempe (73) gets a game misconduct penalty and leaves the ice during the game between the Dallas Stars and the New York Rangers on December 20, 2024 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

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Rempe suspended 8 games for hit on Heiskanen

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

Vancouver Canucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> didn't offer much insight when asked about his relationship with teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> following Saturday's loss to the Ottawa Senators.Rumors of a rift between the two forwards have engulfed the team of late, but Pettersson says there's no credibility to the outside gossip. "I don't know why people still try to make shit up," Pettersson said, according to <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1870716261836976618">Sportsnet</a>. "Excuse my language, but yeah."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pettersson ended his media availability when the next question asked if rumors were affecting his play.Miller took the opportunity to shut down the recent speculation on Sunday. "You guys (the media) in a sense of that outer world have created this thing," Miller <a href="https://x.com/Canucks/status/1870956705204637968">said</a>. "Like, this isn't a thing. So, am I bothered? No. But you guys are just wasting your time. "I don't care. You guys want to talk about it? You want to ask me? Ask me all you want. I can bring up Petey and we can do the interview together, if that would make you guys happy."He added: "I have a lot of stuff to worry about right now for myself. I'm not worried about any noise, the noise is between my ears and I'm trying to figure out how to play a good 200-foot game for the team."Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> and head coach Rick Tocchet <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3166968" href="https://thescore.com/news/3166968">addressed</a> the rumors before Saturday's game. Hughes said the dressing room is united, while Tocchet noted disagreements among teammates are normal.Pettersson and Miller are each producing at a lower rate than they did last season when they spearheaded the Canucks to a Pacific Division title. Vancouver currently holds the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference despite winning only three of its past 10 games.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 14: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks signals to J.T. Miller #9 during the third period of their NHL game against the New York Islanders at Rogers Arena on November 14, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Matthews out vs. Islanders after re-aggravating injury

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Kakko: Fresh start with Kraken 'what I need'

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

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

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

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Dahlin returning vs. Maple Leafs after 7-game absence

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Sean O'Leary

News Editor

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