The PWHL is requesting proposals for prospective new teams as it looks to add two expansion franc...

The PWHL is requesting proposals for prospective new teams as it looks to add two expansion franchises, vice president of business operations Amy Scheer announced Tuesday."Expansion is the first question we get asked, at every event we're at," Scheer told <a href="https://www.sportico.com/business/team-sales/2024/pwhl-expanison-process-two-teams-2025-1234802702/">Sportico's Eben Novy-Williams</a>. "It just seems like the right time to look into it. And I think once we have these conversations and understand what the real interest is, we'll understand if this is the right time or not. But it was the right time to put the word out."The league is hopeful new clubs can start playing in the 2025-26 season. The PWHL is looking to receive proposals by the end of the year and decide in 2025.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Earlier this year, the Pittsburgh Penguins' front office <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2828892" href="https://thescore.com/news/2828892">expressed a desire</a> to bring a PWHL team to the city.Along with the expansion plans, Scheer announced the PWHL will play nine out-of-market games across North America this season to help promote the league. They're also hoping to play outdoor and European games in the future.The PWHL launched as a six-team league in January 2024 with franchises in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Boston, Minnesota, and New York.

ELMONT, NY - MARCH 03: A general view of a PWHL game puck on the ice during the first period of the game on March 3, 2024 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

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PWHL hopes to add 2 expansion teams as soon as 2025-26

The Calgary Flames' momentum from a 5-0-0 start to the season has evaporated, and defenseman Rasm...

The Calgary Flames' momentum from a 5-0-0 start to the season has evaporated, and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> said Monday's 5-0 shellacking at the hands of the Vegas Golden Knights was the low point."Obviously they're a good team, but that was not acceptable," Andersson <a href="https://x.com/NHLFlames/status/1851133938997346738">said</a>. "The second and third period was not acceptable and it's not to our standard. It can't look like that, that's for sure."The loss was Calgary's fourth in five games, and the contest was never particularly close. The Flames managed only 16 shots, while the Golden Knights controlled 70.38% of expected goals at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20147&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Flames trailed 2-0 heading into the third period and then gave up two goals to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4662" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4662">Keegan Kolesar</a> and one to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4714" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4714">Nicolas Roy</a> in the final frame. Andersson lamented letting Vegas' depth players take over the night."No offense, but they probably have the best line in hockey right now, right?" he said. "The first line, we gave them one. Then, as I said, no offense but their third and fourth line scored, what, three goals?"The Flames have been outscored 19-10 during their current skid. Even though the losses have piled up, Andersson expects his teammates to put in appropriate effort."Even if you don't have it, you can still battle," he said.Calgary's next contest comes Wednesday against Utah Hockey Club.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 28: Rasmus Andersson #4 of the Calgary Flames reacts during the second period against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on October 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Andersson: Flames' ugly loss to Knights 'not to our standard'

The Toronto Maple Leafs are splitting up their ice-cold top power play unit ahead of Monday's cla...

The Toronto Maple Leafs are splitting up their ice-cold top power play unit ahead of Monday's clash against the first-place Winnipeg Jets.The top unit will feature <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2856" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2856">Morgan Rielly</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> have been bumped to the second group with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3007" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13037">Bobby McMann</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1652" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1652">Oliver Ekman-Larsson</a>."It's all about results for the most part, and we're not getting them. So we've got to try something different and a little bit more direct," head coach Craig Berube said, per <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/weve-got-to-try-something-different-maple-leafs-radically-shake-up-power-play-units-for-clash-with-undefeated-jets">David Alter of The Hockey News</a>. "This should make it a little bit more direct to the power play."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Berube added: "It's about getting action at the net more. We need to get more action at the net. Good net front, strong guys at the net that can win puck battles around there and things like that. So that's what we're looking for with these units."The Maple Leafs are 3-for-30 on the power play this season, ranking 29th in the league with a 10% conversion rate. Toronto brought in Marc Savard over the summer to run the power play after converting only one of 21 opportunities against the Boston Bruins in the playoffs this past spring.Matthews, Marner, Nylander, and Tavares have primarily manned the Leafs' top power-play unit since Tavares joined the club in 2018. Rielly and Ekman-Larsson have split time with the top group in the early stages of the campaign.The Maple Leafs enter Monday's matchup against the undefeated Jets having lost four of their last five contests.

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 13: Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his goal with teammate John Tavares #91 and William Nylander #88 during the first period at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Leafs split up struggling power play: 'We've got to try something different'

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed defenseman Jake McCabe to a five-year contract extension worth $4....

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3876" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3876">Jake McCabe</a> to a five-year contract extension worth $4.51 million per season, the team announced Monday.The agreement involves deferred money between the second and third years of the contract, which helped lower the AAV, according to <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1850902701338411507">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.McCabe was scheduled for unrestricted free agency next summer before reaching the deal. He said at the outset of training camp that he and the Maple Leafs had already started discussing an extension.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Toronto acquired McCabe from the Chicago Blackhawks before the 2023 trade deadline. Chicago retained 50% of McCabe's $4-million salary in the deal.McCabe instantly slotted into Toronto's top four upon arriving and notched a career-high 28 points in 73 games last season. He also contributed 219 hits and 129 blocks while averaging over 20 minutes per contest.The 31-year-old was a second-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2012. Toronto now has McCabe, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2856" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2856">Morgan Rielly</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1685" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1685">Chris Tanev</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1652" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1652">Oliver Ekman-Larsson</a> locked up on defense through 2028. The Maple Leafs have approximately $66.2 million committed to next season's roster, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/toronto-maple-leafs">PuckPedia</a>. The salary cap is expected to rise from this year's $88-million limit, but Toronto faces big decisions with pending UFAs <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a>.

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 21: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe #22 skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Scotiabank Arena on November 21, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Maple Leafs sign McCabe to 5-year extension

Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto is week-to-week with an undisclosed injury, head coach Travis...

Ottawa Senators forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10496" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10496">Shane Pinto</a> is week-to-week with an undisclosed injury, head coach Travis Green told <a href="https://x.com/TSN1200/status/1850589025679339993">TSN</a> on Sunday.Pinto missed Friday's loss to the Vegas Golden Knights but was in the lineup against Utah earlier in the week.The soon-to-be 24-year-old recorded three points in six games this season before being sidelined. Pinto has struggled with injury trouble throughout his career, previously missing significant time with shoulder ailments. He also served a 41-game suspension last season for violating the league's gambling policy.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Senators drafted Pinto 32nd overall in 2019. He's managed 73 points in 146 career games.Ottawa is 4-3-0 on the season heading into Sunday's tilt with the Colorado Avalanche.

OTTAWA, CANADA - OCTOBER 19: Shane Pinto #12 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Canadian Tire Centre on October 19, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Senators' Pinto week-to-week with injury

Steven Stamkos has played in Amalie Arena hundreds of times, but Monday's clash in Tampa Bay will...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1152">Steven Stamkos</a> has played in Amalie Arena hundreds of times, but Monday's clash in Tampa Bay will mark his first contest as a visitor. The Nashville Predators are playing the Lightning for the first time since Stamkos signed a four-year deal in Music City, and the former Bolts captain expects it to be a whirlwind to see so many familiar faces."That's going to be probably the toughest part, emotionally, is just the relationships that my family has had with everyone," Stamkos said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/steven-stamkos-set-for-emotional-return-to-face-tampa-bay-with-nashville?utm_source=nhldotcom&amp;utm_medium=social">NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin</a>. "The workers in the rink, the staff, everyone within the organization, the friends we've made away from the game. That's the part that gets you, I think."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Stamkos and the Lightning were unable to reach an agreement before he became an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He left Tampa Bay as the franchise leader in games played (1,082), goals (555), and points (1,137).Tampa Bay won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021, and Stamkos also captured two Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies during his tenure there.The 34-year-old has managed only one goal in eight games with the Predators, who enter the contest on a three-game win streak after starting the season 0-5.The Lightning are 5-3-0 on the young campaign.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 25: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at the United Center on October 25, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Stamkos bracing for emotional return to Tampa Bay

San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky didn't mince words after his club became the first team...

San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky didn't mince words after his club became the first team in NHL history to start consecutive seasons with nine straight losses. "It's embarrassing. Truly embarrassing," Warsofsky said, per <a href="https://sanjosehockeynow.com/san-jose-sharks-ferraro-vanecek-warsofsky-locker-room/">San Jose Hockey Now's Sheng Peng</a>.The Sharks were blown out 7-3 by the Vegas Golden Knights to fall to 0-7-2. They began the 2023-24 campaign 0-10-1 and ultimately finished the season dead last in the NHL standings.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>San Jose named Warsofsky head coach over the offseason and drafted <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a> first overall to help accelerate a rebuild that still hasn't gained any traction. Celebrini has missed the past eight games with a hip injury."I don't think anyone's happy by any means," Warsofsky said. "There's a lot of emotion in that locker room, frustration, anger, it's tough right now."The Sharks rank 31st in goals for and against this season and are allowing the fourth-most shots against per game at 33.9.Veteran defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8554" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8554">Mario Ferraro</a> is confident the Sharks will find the win column during Monday's trip to Salt Lake City."Tomorrow is a new day," he said. "We're going to get back at it. We're going to find ways to improve, and we're going to get our first win in Utah."The Sharks are the only team in the league yet to record a victory. Unless they turn things around, their playoff drought will hit six years by the end of the season.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 17: Head coach Ryan Warsofsky of the San Jose Sharks looks on against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at the United Center on October 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Warsofsky: Sharks' winless start 'truly embarrassing'

New York Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck thinks linemate Alexis Lafreniere did the organization ...

New York Rangers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2089" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2089">Vincent Trocheck</a> thinks linemate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9195" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9195">Alexis Lafreniere</a> did the organization a favor by inking a seven-year, $52.15-million extension on Friday. "I personally think he's doing good by the Rangers with this deal," Trocheck told <a href="https://x.com/Peter_Baugh/status/1850190253572682147">The Athletic's Peter Baugh</a>. Lafreniere's $7.45-million cap hit will slot in behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4530" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8555" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8555">Adam Fox</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2033" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2033">Mika Zibanejad</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> on New York's books when it kicks in next season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a> will likely come in ahead of Lafreniere should the Rangers retain his services, as he reportedly turned down an extension that'd make him the highest-paid goalie in league history.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 23-year-old Lafreniere broke out with a career-high 28 goals and 57 points last season despite minimal power-play time and has started the new campaign with seven points in as many games. He also added 14 points in 16 playoff games this past spring as the Rangers reached the Eastern Conference Final. His emergence has erased a difficult start to his career. The 2020 first overall pick managed only 91 points through his first three seasons, but he's since blossomed into an indispensable piece of New York's attack.He credited playing with Trocheck and Panarin as a big reason for his success."Just playing with a little more confidence helps a lot," Lafreniere <a href="https://x.com/Peter_Baugh/status/1850197341753512421">said</a>. "It helped (playing with) Bread and Troch. ... Playing with confidence is a big thing, and I think last year I was playing with more and more confidence."Lafreniere, Trocheck, and Panarin logged more minutes than any other line across the NHL last season, and they outscored opponents 54-39 at five-on-five while controlling 54.93% of expected goals.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 07: Alexis Lafreniere #13 and Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers celebrate winning in second overtime against the New York Rangers in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 07, 2024 in New York City.

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Trocheck: Lafreniere did good by Rangers with new deal

The Boston Bruins' 3-4-1 start to the campaign is an unfamiliar feeling for star defenseman Charl...

The Boston Bruins' 3-4-1 start to the campaign is an unfamiliar feeling for star defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a>."This is a bit of new territory for us, to have this happening early in the year after these last couple years where we're usually just gangbusters," McAvoy told <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/boston-not-going-to-panic-after-unusual-slow-start">NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin</a>. "I think a little bit of our attitude is it hasn’t won us anything being the best team in October."The Bruins began the 2022-23 season with 17 wins in their first 19 games en route to the most successful regular season in NHL history, then won 11 of 13 out of the gate last year. Both hot starts didn't yield any playoff success, as Boston's been eliminated by the Florida Panthers in each of the past two postseasons.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Although it's been a rocky start, McAvoy isn't overly concerned. "We're fine," he said. "We're not going to panic. It's game eight. Hopefully, we've got a lot of games left and we'll keep getting better."The Bruins are on a three-game losing streak that began Oct. 19 in Utah. Head coach Jim Montgomery made headlines after that game for chewing out captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> on the bench for a mistake. The pair said they've moved past the viral incident, but Marchand agrees his club needs to find improvement quickly."It's of our own doing, which is a good thing, I guess, because we can rectify it," he said of Boston's poor play. "We've got to get back to playing the right way for 60 minutes and doing the right things all the time, and understanding that success is hard and we need to play a hard game to win. That's how we've always won. We just need to get back to that."Through seven games, Boston ranks 19th in goals for, 25th in goals against, and is converting only 15.2% of its power-play opportunities. The underlying stats aren't much better - the Bruins rank 28th in five-on-five expected goal share at 45.43%, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php">Natural Stat Trick</a>.The Bruins' next chance to get on track comes Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, who they went 4-0-0 against last season before eliminating them in the first round of the playoffs.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 19: Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) as seen during the third period of an NHL game between the Utah Hockey Club and the Boston Bruins on October 19, 2024, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT.

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McAvoy: Bruins in 'new territory' with poor start to season

The New York Rangers signed forward Alexis Lafreniere to a seven-year contract extension, the tea...

The New York Rangers signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9195" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9195">Alexis Lafreniere</a> to a seven-year contract extension, the team confirmed Friday night.Lafreniere's new deal carries an average annual value of $7.45 million, according to <a href="https://x.com/vzmercogliano/status/1849880628529070214">Vince Z. Mercogliano of USA Today Sports</a>.He was scheduled for restricted free agency next summer. The 23-year-old signed a two-year, $4.65-million bridge deal in August 2023 but set himself up for a big raise with a breakout campaign last season. Lafreniere set career highs with 28 goals and 57 points before adding 14 points in 16 playoff games as the Rangers reached the Eastern Conference Final.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He has followed up his strong showing with seven points in seven games to start the new campaign.When Lafreniere's new deal kicks in next season, he'll be the Rangers' fifth-highest-paid player behind <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8555">Adam Fox</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2033">Mika Zibanejad</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a>. However, star goaltender <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a> is also eligible for an extension, and he's reportedly hopeful of signing the richest contract ever for his position.New York now projects to have approximately $21 million in cap space available before next season, but the 2024-25 salary cap has yet to be confirmed. The Rangers have only 12 players signed beyond the current campaign.The Rangers drafted Lafreniere first overall in 2020 after a prolific career with the QMJHL's Rimouski Oceanic. He's notched 155 points in 305 games.

MONTREAL, CANADA - OCTOBER 22: Alexis Lafreniere #13 of the New York Rangers skates during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on October 22, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The New York Rangers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 7-2.

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Rangers ink Lafreniere to 7-year deal with reported $7.45M AAV

Hall of Fame blue-liner Chris Pronger came to the defense of Jacob Trouba after the New York Rang...

Hall of Fame blue-liner Chris Pronger came to the defense of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> after the New York Rangers captain's hit on Montreal Canadiens defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9213" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9213">Justin Barron</a> stirred up controversy earlier this week.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jacob Trouba catches Justin Barron with a hit and Mike Matheson drops the gloves with him right after. <a href="https://t.co/ZEA7LYrQqo">pic.twitter.com/ZEA7LYrQqo</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1848901012427575668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The referees didn't call a penalty for the hit in Tuesday's contest, and the Department of Player Safety described it as clean. Barron left the game and is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.Trouba has a long list of questionable incidents, many of which the NHL has disciplined him for. Pronger, who the league suspended eight times during his career, said he thinks the problem is a lack of awareness from modern players.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"From minor hockey all the way up, that's just how they're taught to play the game," Pronger told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5870094/2024/10/25/jacob-trouba-chris-pronger-lebrun/">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. "The mindset, the mentality, the lack of awareness that these kids have nowadays, is mind-boggling. They have no sense that they're going to get hit. They have no sense that, 'Oh boy, I've had my head down for a while. I should probably pick it up.'"They have no awareness of who's around (them). They don't even know who's on the ice. They don't know what hand players shoot. They can skate 100 miles an hour, and they can stickhandle, and they can do all this stuff ... but the hockey sense and the awareness has really gotten lost in the equation."Pronger also took issue with Trouba having to fight Habs defenseman Mike Matheson after the hit. "Now you see, any time there's a hit, and guys got to fight," Pronger said. "It makes no sense. Is body-checking not in the rulebook?"Pronger was the second overall pick in 1993 and played until 2012. He won a Stanley Cup and Norris Trophy and is the most recent defenseman to win the Hart Trophy as league MVP.

MONTREAL, CANADA- OCTOBER 22: Mike Matheson #8 of the Montreal Canadiens fights with Jacob Trouba #8 of the New York Rangers during the third period of the NHL regular season game between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre on October 22, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Pronger defends Trouba's latest hit: Players today have 'no awareness'

Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid didn't hesitate when asked who should captain Canada at ...

Edmonton Oilers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> didn't hesitate when asked who should captain Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. "Should be (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a>). Should be Sid, for sure," McDavid told media Thursday, per <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1849512018954653761">TSN</a>. "That's not even a question."Crosby and McDavid were two of Canada's first six players announced for the tournament, along with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4013" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4013">Brayden Point</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The two have never played together. Last year, Crosby said he'd be happy to move to wing for an opportunity to share a line with McDavid on the international stage.McDavid hasn't suited up for Canada since the 2018 World Championship, where he was captain and won a gold medal. The five-time NHL scoring leader also led Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey - the most recent best-on-best event involving NHL players.Crosby scored the golden goal for Canada at the 2010 Olympics and wore the "C" for his country at the 2014 Games, 2015 World Championship, and 2016 World Cup. Canada won all four of those tournaments.The deadline for competing nations to announce the remainder of their rosters is Dec. 2.

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

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McDavid: 'Not even a question' Crosby should captain Canada

The Utah Hockey Club inquired about adding Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov after S...

The Utah Hockey Club inquired about adding Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4577" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4577">Ivan Provorov</a> after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9815" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9815">Sean Durzi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8622" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8622">John Marino</a> went down with long-term injuries, <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/video/early-trading-utah-and-montreal-exploring-nhl-trade-market~3017052">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a> reports. A deal isn't imminent, LeBrun notes, and Utah general manager Bill Armstrong has called several teams to see who might be available. Provorov has appeal as he'd be a rental before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer. Utah has started its inaugural season 4-2-1 and reportedly wants to survive its early onslaught of injuries with internal solutions before seriously committing to a trade. The club recently recalled 2022 first-round pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12745" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12745">Maveric Lamoureux</a> to fill in on defense.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Durzi was recently ruled out for four-to-six months due to shoulder surgery. Marino, who Utah acquired via trade from the New Jersey Devils over the summer, is scheduled to be back in three-to-four months after a back procedure.Provorov is in the final year of his contract with a $6.75-million cap hit. The 2015 seventh overall pick has notched two points in six games this season and has been a top-four blue-liner for much of his nine-year NHL career.

COLUMBUS, OHIO - OCTOBER 17: Ivan Provorov #9 of the Columbus Blue Jackets seen in action during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena on October 17, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Report: Utah checked in on Provorov after D-men injuries

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll is making his first start of the season Thursday again...

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> is making his first start of the season Thursday against the St. Louis Blues, as head coach Craig Berube confirmed earlier in the day."He has been progressing in the right direction for some time now," Berube said, per the <a href="https://x.com/koshtorontosun/status/1849470532715938063">Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan</a>. "We kind of had this date picked out, that he would get this start. It was making sure he is ready, comfortable, everybody is on board with him ready to go."Woll was projected to be Toronto's starter to begin the campaign, but the club placed him on injured reserve hours before the opener. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> posted a .938 save percentage in five starts, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13814" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13814">Dennis Hildeby</a> won his first but got shelled for six goals in his second before being loaned back to the AHL with Woll coming off injured reserve.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Woll dealt with numerous injuries last season. He was shelved for more than a month in the middle of the campaign due to a high ankle sprain, then missed Game 7 of Toronto's opening-round series with a back injury after winning Games 5 and 6.Despite the missed time, Woll put together a strong campaign with a .907 save percentage across a career-high 23 starts. He posted a .964 clip in his brief postseason showing. Toronto signed Woll to a three-year extension over the summer worth $3.66 million annually and added Stolarz in free agency.

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - APRIL 16: Goaltender Joseph Woll #60 of the Toronto Maple Leafs defends the net during second period action against the Florida Panthers at the Amerant Bank Arena on April 16, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Woll making season debut vs. Blues

Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz is interested in acquiring a center to help offse...

Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz is interested in acquiring a center to help offset a disastrous start for his club, but the trade market is at a standstill this early in the season."I've been working the phones," Trotz recently told <a href="https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1OdKrXggLqVJX">102.5 The Game</a>. "No one's trading anybody right now. Maybe I would try to find another centerman, but no one's giving their centerman away ... the only thing we can do is internally."The Predators spent lavishly over the offseason on wingers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1152">Steven Stamkos</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2870" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2870">Jonathan Marchessault</a>, as well as defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4511" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4511">Brady Skjei</a>, but the club has failed to meet expectations with a 1-5-0 start to the season. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nashville's current center depth chart includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1350" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1350">Ryan O'Reilly</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3033" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3033">Colton Sissons</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11038" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11038">Tommy Novak</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3067" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3067">Michael McCarron</a>.The Predators stumbled out of the gates last season as well but put together an 18-game point streak to surge into a playoff spot. Nashville was ultimately eliminated in the first round by the Vancouver Canucks.Although Trotz has been seeking external reinforcements, he's confident the group he assembled can dig themselves out of their hole. "There's more than enough talent to get ourselves back in the game here," Trotz said.Nashville returns to action Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 30: Head coach Barry Trotz of the Nashiville Predators attends the 2013 NHL Draft at Prudential Center on June 30, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Trotz working to add center: 'No one's trading anybody right now'

Despite routinely finding the scoresheet through six games this season, Montreal Canadiens captai...

Despite routinely finding the scoresheet through six games this season, Montreal Canadiens captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6457" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6457">Nick Suzuki</a> expects more out of himself."I wouldn't say it's in the spot I want it to be," Suzuki said of his performance in the new campaign, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canadiens-suzuki-blames-lack-of-assertiveness-for-holding-his-game-back/">Sportsnet's Eric Engels</a>.He added: "Production is what it is, it could be totally different. But I think I can play a lot better, and the team needs me to do that. So, I'm looking to have a good game (Tuesday)."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Suzuki is goalless in the young season but has notched five assists to help the Habs to a 2-3-1 record. He hopes to play a more direct game."I think just my assertiveness," he said. "I think I can defend better. I feel like I'm rushing some plays a little bit here and there. I know what I'm capable of, and I haven't gotten there yet. I wouldn't say I'm playing bad, but I definitely have more."Head coach Martin St. Louis agrees. "I think if Nick plays with a little bit more pace, the game is going to be easier for him," he said. "It's not easy to have more pace, it's work. But to me, when he drives a line, it's his pace on both sides - defensively and offensively."Suzuki set career highs in goals (33), points (77), and average ice time (21:16) last season. He earned downballot Selke Trophy votes for his standout campaign on a poor Canadiens team, but Suzuki's two-way game has been substandard so far.Montreal's top line features Suzuki centering <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10510" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10510">Cole Caufield</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12706">Juraj Slafkovsy</a>. The trio is outscoring opponents 6-3 at five-on-five this season but is controlling only 35.37% of shot attempts and 30.82% of expected goals, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/linestats.php?fromseason=20242025&amp;thruseason=20242025&amp;stype=2&amp;sit=5v5&amp;score=all&amp;rate=n&amp;team=MTL&amp;vteam=ALL&amp;view=wowy&amp;loc=B&amp;gpfilt=none&amp;fd=2024-10-04&amp;td=2025-04-17&amp;tgp=2000&amp;strict=incl&amp;p1=8480018&amp;p2=8481540&amp;p3=8483515&amp;p4=0&amp;p5=0">Natural Stat Trick</a>.The Canadiens return to action Tuesday against the New York Rangers.

MONTREAL, CANADA - OCTOBER 14: Nick Suzuki #14 of the Montreal Canadiens skates the puck during the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Centre on October 14, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 6-3.

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Suzuki seeking bigger impact: 'I know what I'm capable of' 

Sidney Crosby believes the Pittsburgh Penguins' shaky start to the season can be attributed to a ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> believes the Pittsburgh Penguins' shaky start to the season can be attributed to a lack of structure on the ice rather than instability between the pipes. "It's not our goalies," Crosby told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5857885/2024/10/20/penguins-defensive-futility-nedeljkovic-jets/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a> following Sunday's 6-3 defeat to the Winnipeg Jets. "It's on us to play better in front of them."The loss dropped Pittsburgh to 3-4-0 on the season, and the Penguins now lead the league with 31 goals against. Usual No. 1 netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3109" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3109">Tristan Jarry</a> has posted a miserable .836 save percentage in three games, and rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9241" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9241">Joel Blomqvist</a> is 2-2 in four appearances with a .908 clip.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4130" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4130">Alex Nedeljkovic</a> made his season debut Sunday, but it was more of the same from the skaters in front of him. "We're giving up odd-man rushes," Crosby said. "We're not getting clears."He added: "Look at the game-winner. I lose the faceoff. Then I don't get my guy. And it ends up in the back of the net."The Penguins are facing immense pressure to make the playoffs this season after missing out each of the past two campaigns. Crosby reaffirmed his desire to win in Pittsburgh over the offseason by signing a two-year extension beginning in 2025-26. Pittsburgh has played four of its seven games so far against playoff teams from last season and has been outscored 20-6. The Penguins' three victories have come against the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and Montreal Canadiens."We can't keep giving up five or six goals a game if we want to win," Crosby said.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - OCTOBER 20: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins takes part in the pre-game warm up prior to NHL action against the Winnipeg Jets at the Canada Life Centre on October 20, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Crosby calls on Pens to improve habits: Poor start 'not our goalies'

The Winnipeg Jets are flying high to start the 2024-25 campaign.  The Central Division club defea...

The Winnipeg Jets are flying high to start the 2024-25 campaign.The Central Division club defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 on home ice Sunday to mark its first-ever 5-0-0 start to a season dating back to its time as the Atlanta Thrashers. Atlanta entered the league in 1999 and relocated to Manitoba in 2011.Winnipeg is the last unbeaten team in the NHL this season after digging itself out of a 2-0 hole against Pittsburgh. The Jets have also taken down the San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, Chicago Blackhawks, and Edmonton Oilers.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It's a long season, and it's hard to get guys continually to do it every night," head coach Scott Arniel <a href="https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/arniel-24-10-20-6363530990112">said</a>. "But the biggest thing I've said about the buy-in is the results that come from it. Especially how we defend."He added: "That's what we keep trying to preach. If you don't have it, go get it so you can play offense, and that's the fun part of the game."Dating back to the 2023-24 regular season, the Jets have won 13 consecutive contests. The club closed its schedule on an eight-game streak before bowing out in the first round of the playoffs.Winnipeg's impressed at both ends of the ice in the early going, ranking second with 24 goals for and leading the league with only eight goals against. The Jets will have the opportunity to move to 6-0-0 on Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - OCTOBER 20: Vladislav Namestnikov #7 and Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets celebrate a second period goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Canada Life Centre on October 20, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets start 5-0 for 1st time in franchise history

Steven Stamkos scored his first goal with the Nashville Predators on Saturday, but the thrill of ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1152">Steven Stamkos</a> scored his first goal with the Nashville Predators on Saturday, but the thrill of the achievement wasn't enough to outweigh yet another loss for his new club.The Predators fell 5-2 to the Detroit Red Wings, marking their fifth consecutive loss to start the season. Nashville is the only team in the NHL yet to record a point in the standings."It's the best league in the world for a reason, and it's tough to win hockey games," Stamkos said, according to the team's <a href="https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/stamkos-scores-but-preds-fall-to-red-wings-2024-10-19">website</a>. "You have to earn it, and we have to play a full 60 (minutes). I think it's just been a little too sporadic, in terms of our efforts in games, and we'll look to change that."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Stamkos' tally - a vintage one-timer on the power play - tied the game at 2-2 early in the third period, but Detroit went ahead less than three minutes later before adding two empty netters."It's tough sledding, for sure," Stamkos said. "We can't just keep saying the same things over and over in terms of, 'OK, the effort was there, OK, we had a lot of shots, we had a lot of looks.' At some point, we've got to go do it. ... It's certainly not fun when you're not winning, and it's a tough league to win in, no question about it. But, we're a better group than what we're showing right now."Stamkos' arrival in Nashville was the exclamation mark on an offseason splurge that also saw the Predators add <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2870" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2870">Jonathan Marchessault</a> and Brady Skjei in free agency. After a fourth consecutive loss earlier this week, Marchessault <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3101616" href="https://thescore.com/news/3101616">said</a> the Predators are a "fragile" group.Head coach Andrew Brunette also believes inconsistency is plaguing his club."(We had) really positive energy compared to the last two games ... but it's kind of been the inconsistency in our game right now at key moments," he noted. "And I think individually, we don't have a lot of guys going. I think they're frustrated, and it's a hard game to play when you’re frustrated."Nashville's next opportunity to find the win column comes Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 19: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on October 19, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Stamkos bemoans Preds' effort after latest loss: 'Too sporadic'

The Anaheim Ducks tallied a bizarre goal Friday night to extend their first-period lead over the ...

The Anaheim Ducks tallied a bizarre goal Friday night to extend their first-period lead over the Colorado Avalanche. Anaheim's dump-in clearly hit the netting behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6533" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6533">Alexandar Georgiev</a>'s goal, but the play wasn't blown dead. As the Avalanche slowed down play, defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5649" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5649">Sam Girard</a> gave possession back to the Ducks, who proceeded to score after entering the zone again. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Confusion + Chaos 👀 Ducks capitalize again. Tune in ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/ZDw3BXOAOM">https://t.co/ZDw3BXOAOM</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/3OjQxK9kX2">pic.twitter.com/3OjQxK9kX2</a>— Ducks on Victory+ (@DucksOnVictory) <a href="https://twitter.com/DucksOnVictory/status/1847456024745168989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The play became unable to be reviewed once the puck left the defensive zone. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Avalanche battled back to a earn a 4-3 overtime win, their first victory of the season.

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 18: Cutter Gauthier #61, Pavel Mintyukov #34, Brian Dumoulin #6, and Alex Killorn #17 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate a goal by Leo Carlsson #91 against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period at Ball Arena on October 18, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Ducks confuse Avalanche with goal after puck hits netting

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