Rosters for the 4 Nations Face-Off are due Dec. 2 and will be unveiled two days later. In other w...

<p>Rosters for the 4 Nations Face-Off are due Dec. 2 and will be unveiled two days later. In other words, the clock's ticking louder by the day for management groups in Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the U.S.</p><p>Each nation must select 23 players - 20 skaters and three goalies. Six picks were announced in June, which means 17 spots remain unfilled.</p><p>Here, theScore's Josh Wegman and John Matisz debate the toughest decisions for Team Canada general manager Don Sweeney and his staff ahead of the February tournament. (Read our Team USA rundown <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3124654" href="https://thescore.com/news/3124654">here</a>.)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Forwards</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751330/cropped_GettyImages-2178253417.jpg?ts=1731623204" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751330/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178253417.jpg?ts=1731623204 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751330/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178253417.jpg?ts=1731623204 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751330/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178253417.jpg?ts=1731623204 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751330/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178253417.jpg?ts=1731623204 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751330/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178253417.jpg?ts=1731623204 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Leila Devlin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Already on roster: </strong>Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand, Connor McDavid, Brayden Point</p><p><strong>Near locks: </strong>Mitch Marner, Sam Reinhart, Mark Stone</p><p><strong>5 spots left for: </strong>Mathew Barzal, Connor Bedard, Sam Bennett, Quinton Byfield, Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, Zach Hyman, Seth Jarvis, Wyatt Johnston, Travis Konecny, Alexis Lafreniere, Ryan O'Reilly, Mark Scheifele, Steven Stamkos, Nick Suzuki, Robert Thomas, Carter Verhaeghe, Tom Wilson</p><p><strong>Wegman's picks: </strong>Bedard, Cirelli, Hagel, Hyman, Konecny</p><p>Canada has an embarrassment of riches up front, making these picks incredibly difficult. There are just so many ways Sweeney can go.</p><p>Cirelli isn't overly popular in mock rosters, but I believe he's the perfect choice as Canada's fourth-line center. His skating, competitiveness, and intelligence make him a Selke Trophy-caliber defensive player who can match up against anyone. He's no slouch offensively, either, producing at a near-point-per-game clip this season. And head coach Jon Cooper trusts him immensely.</p><p>The same can be said for Hagel, who would bring instant chemistry to a line led centered by either Point or Cirelli. Hagel is as skilled offensively as other contending players, plus he's super consistent. He'd also bring some competitive fire - not completely unlike Konecny, another feisty winger who'd fit a bottom-six role well.</p><p>Hyman has picked things up after a slow start, so I'm sticking with him. Bedard's my 13th forward. He'll take on a bigger role at the 2026 Olympics.</p><p><strong>Matisz's picks: </strong>Bedard, Hyman, Konecny, Lafreniere, Verhaeghe</p><p>The options are truly limitless.</p><p>Still, three players jumped to the top of my queue. Verhaeghe could be an incredibly valuable piece as a true dual-threat winger. Lafreniere could easily assume a complementary role on a line that plays with pace and can tap into his quick-strike style. Bedard is a lethal triggerman whose goal-scoring totals have been suppressed in Chicago - he's ready to pop with better linemates.</p><p>Konecny and Hyman were harder choices. Ultimately, both are connector types: highly intelligent wingers who've mastered wall play, puck hounding, and net-front havoc-wreaking. Hyman's chemistry with McDavid is a bonus.</p><p>My toughest cuts were Johnston, Hagel, and Suzuki. I would've strongly considered Thomas as well if he weren't currently injured. And I like Cirelli, but I think Canada has a handful of better options at fourth-line center.</p><p>Scheifele, who's tied for 17th in NHL scoring, deserves a mention. He probably makes the cut based on pure talent.<strong> </strong>However, his offense-first skill set would be redundant on a Canadian squad teeming with firepower.</p><h3>Defense</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600708/cropped_GettyImages-1760551522.jpg?ts=1731623095" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600708/w220xh124_GettyImages-1760551522.jpg?ts=1731623095 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600708/w320xh180_GettyImages-1760551522.jpg?ts=1731623095 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600708/w640xh360_GettyImages-1760551522.jpg?ts=1731623095 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600708/w768xh432_GettyImages-1760551522.jpg?ts=1731623095 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600708/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1760551522.jpg?ts=1731623095 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Already on roster: </strong>Cale Makar</p><p><strong>Near locks: </strong>Noah Dobson, Josh Morrissey,<strong> </strong>Devon Toews</p><p><strong>3 spots left for: </strong>Evan Bouchard, Drew Doughty, Dougie Hamilton, Brandon Montour, Colton Parayko, Adam Pelech, Alex Pietrangelo, Owen Power, Morgan Rielly, Shea Theodore, MacKenzie Weegar</p><p><strong>Wegman's picks: </strong>Doughty, Parayko, Power</p><p>Doughty is the biggest question mark as he remains out with a fractured ankle suffered in preseason. If he's healthy in time for the tournament - a big "if" - he needs to be on this team. (He's projected to return in early January.)</p><p>I opted to lean on size for my final two picks - Power and Parayko both stand at 6-foot-6. They played together at the 2024 World Championship, so there's already some familiarity if they combine forces on the third pair. Parayko, in particular, would bring much-needed nastiness and penalty-killing chops to a Canadian blue line that's rather undersized in the top four outside of Dobson.</p><p><strong>Matisz's picks: </strong>Doughty, Pietrangelo, Theodore</p><p>Sweeney and his staff are reportedly keeping a close eye on Doughty's recovery. Barring an injury setback, he's tracking toward a key shutdown role.</p><p>Canada should try to strike a balance between mobility/skill and size/toughness on the blue line, especially with question marks in goal. In my eyes, veterans Theodore and Pietrangelo best round out the defense corps. You know exactly what you're getting from both of them.</p><p>Makar and Morrissey can each man the point on a power-play unit, while any of the seven defensemen is capable of hunkering down on the penalty kill.</p><h3>Goaltending</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/480363/cropped_GettyImages-1236192737.jpg?ts=1731623341" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/480363/w220xh124_GettyImages-1236192737.jpg?ts=1731623341 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/480363/w320xh180_GettyImages-1236192737.jpg?ts=1731623341 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/480363/w640xh360_GettyImages-1236192737.jpg?ts=1731623341 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/480363/w768xh432_GettyImages-1236192737.jpg?ts=1731623341 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/480363/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1236192737.jpg?ts=1731623341 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Scott Rovak / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Already on roster: </strong>None</p><p><strong>Near locks: </strong>None</p><p><strong>3 spots left for: </strong>Jordan Binnington, Mackenzie Blackwood, Marc-Andre Fleury,<strong> </strong>Adin Hill, Connor Ingram, Darcy Kuemper, Sam Montembeault, Stuart Skinner, Cam Talbot, Logan Thompson</p><p><strong>Wegman's picks: </strong>Binnington, Talbot, Thompson</p><p>Canada's goaltending is easily the most wide-open and intriguing position battle of the entire tournament. I was of the belief someone would separate themselves from the pack, but that hasn't been the case.</p><p>I'm giving Binnington the nod as the nation's most consistent goalie in recent years, but I don't feel overly confident about it. He was playing relatively well this season until he was shelled for eight goals against the Capitals recently<strong>.</strong></p><p>I'm rolling with the hot hand for my other two picks. The 37-year-old Talbot seems to play well in whatever uniform he's wearing. That bodes well in a short tournament. He's been lights out despite playing behind a mediocre Red Wings team.</p><p>Thompson, meanwhile, is beginning to emerge as the Capitals' go-to guy after a couple of promising tandem seasons with the Golden Knights.</p><p><strong>Matisz's picks: </strong>Binnington,<strong> </strong>Montembeault, Talbot</p><p>It feels like there's no great answer here. However, I'm going with Binnington as the starter, Talbot as the backup, and Montembeault as the third-stringer.</p><p>Binnington hoisted the Stanley Cup more than five years ago, yet there's still something about the fiery competitor that screams "big-game player."</p><p>Talbot has posted excellent underlying numbers this season (top five in the NHL in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes, according to Sportlogiq).</p><p>Montembeault has been quietly trending up over the past few seasons, his raw numbers dragged down by Montreal's putrid goaltending environment.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team Canada (Matisz picks)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OKuy4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OKuy4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="438" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team Canada (Wegman picks)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-m6tru" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/m6tru/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="422" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
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Debating key position battles for Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off roster

<p>Rosters for the 4 Nations Face-Off are due Dec. 2 and will be unveiled two days later. In other words, the clock's ticking louder by the day for management groups in Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the U.S.</p><p>Each nation must select 23 players - 20 skaters and three goalies. Six picks were announced in June, which means 17 spots remain unfilled.</p><p>Here, theScore's Josh Wegman and John Matisz debate the toughest decisions for Team USA general manager Bill Guerin and his staff ahead of the February tournament. (Read our Team Canada rundown <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3124698" href="https://thescore.com/news/3124698">here</a>.)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Forwards</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554665/cropped_GettyImages-1456458191.jpg?ts=1731613153" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554665/w220xh124_GettyImages-1456458191.jpg?ts=1731613153 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554665/w320xh180_GettyImages-1456458191.jpg?ts=1731613153 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554665/w640xh360_GettyImages-1456458191.jpg?ts=1731613153 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554665/w768xh432_GettyImages-1456458191.jpg?ts=1731613153 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554665/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1456458191.jpg?ts=1731613153 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Already on roster: </strong>Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk</p><p><strong>Near locks: </strong>Jack Hughes, J.T. Miller, Jason Robertson, Brady Tkachuk</p><p><strong>6 spots left for: </strong>Brock Boeser,<strong> </strong>Matt Boldy, Cole Caufield, Kyle Connor, Alex DeBrincat, Jake Guentzel,<strong> </strong>Patrick Kane,<strong> </strong>Clayton Keller, Chris Kreider, Dylan Larkin, Brock Nelson, Tage Thompson, Vincent Trocheck, Alex Tuch</p><p><strong>Wegman's picks: </strong>Boldy, Connor, Guentzel, Kreider, Larkin, Thompson</p><p>Team USA is so stacked up front that at least a handful of omissions will raise eyebrows. With all due respect to Caufield, Keller was my toughest cut.</p><p>To me, Boldy could play on any type of line with his size-speed combo, Connor's earned a spot with his scorching-hot start, and Guentzel's playoff resume gives him the tiebreaker over Keller. On a team lacking veteran leaders, Kreider was an important pick for me - plus he still brings size and a nose for the net. Larkin and Thompson were the two easiest picks as true centers, which would give head coach Mike Sullivan the option to play Miller and Hughes on the wings.</p><p>Miller's game is better suited for the wing, and Hughes is a faceoff liability. Imagine Hughes, one of the game's best puck carriers and playmakers, on the wing setting up the sport's best goal-scorer in Matthews? Ample center depth means endless lineup possibilities.</p><p><strong>Matisz's picks: </strong>Boldy, Connor, Guentzel, Kreider, Thompson, Trocheck</p><p>The countries participating in this event aren't simply picking the 23 most talented players. They're building a functional team with a host of roles.</p><p>Trocheck's a highly competitive and versatile right-handed center who could slot in nicely on the fourth line, kill penalties, and potentially, assume the "bumper" spot on the power play. Someone like Caufield, on the other hand, provides little value beyond his goals. The U.S. has no shortage of elite snipers, anyway - including Connor, who's second in goals by an American since 2017-18, and Thompson, whose imposing frame, silky hands, game-breaking ability, and defensive chops combine for a tantalizing package.</p><p>Boldy's power game and flair for the dramatic make him extremely appealing, Guentzel can play either wing on any forward line and not miss a beat, and Kreider's veteran presence, power-play utility, and size give him the final spot.</p><p>Keller - a personal favorite - and Larkin were by far the toughest cuts.</p><h3>Defense</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755240/cropped_GettyImages-2182909292.jpg?ts=1731613245" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755240/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182909292.jpg?ts=1731613245 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755240/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182909292.jpg?ts=1731613245 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755240/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182909292.jpg?ts=1731613245 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755240/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182909292.jpg?ts=1731613245 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755240/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182909292.jpg?ts=1731613245 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kirk Irwin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Already on roster: </strong>Adam Fox, Quinn Hughes, Charlie McAvoy</p><p><strong>Near locks: </strong>Brock Faber, Jake Sanderson, Jaccob Slavin</p><p><strong>1 spot left for: </strong>John Carlson,<strong> </strong>Noah Hanifin, Seth Jones, Brett Pesce, Jacob Trouba, Zach Werenski</p><p><strong>Wegman's pick: </strong>Werenski</p><p>USA's top six defensemen are quite clear, in my opinion. The seventh might come down to whether Guerin prefers a righty or lefty. I thought long and hard about Jones, who's played well this year in a bad situation and would bring some size and penalty-killing chops, but I landed on Werenski for a couple of reasons.</p><p>If the Americans were to make a lineup change on D, it would likely be Slavin or Sanderson dropping out, not any of the righties. That makes Werenski an easier plug-and-play guy. Werenski, like Jones, has also played well in some tough circumstances, and I'd be intrigued to see what he can do with more talent around him.</p><p><strong>Matisz's pick: </strong>Werenski</p><p>Carlson gave me slight pause, but, really, Werenski was the easy choice here.</p><p>He's one of the NHL's best at retrieving a loose puck in the defensive zone and immediately jump-starting a scoring chance the other way. The Blue Jackets alternate captain is a play-driver with plenty of international experience.</p><p>The U.S. blue line, which is led by two of the top five defensemen on the planet in Hughes and Fox, has the best one-through-seven depth in the tournament. Werenski's far from a throw-in. He could be a difference-maker.</p><h3>Goaltending</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748254/cropped_GettyImages-2152651031.jpg?ts=1731613337" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748254/w220xh124_GettyImages-2152651031.jpg?ts=1731613337 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748254/w320xh180_GettyImages-2152651031.jpg?ts=1731613337 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748254/w640xh360_GettyImages-2152651031.jpg?ts=1731613337 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748254/w768xh432_GettyImages-2152651031.jpg?ts=1731613337 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748254/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2152651031.jpg?ts=1731613337 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rich Gagnon / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Already on roster: </strong>None</p><p><strong>Near locks: </strong>Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger</p><p><strong>1 spot left for: </strong>Joey Daccord, Thatcher Demko, Charlie Lindgren,<strong> </strong>Anthony Stolarz, Jeremy Swayman</p><p><strong>Wegman's pick: </strong>Stolarz</p><p>Swayman may be the "safer" pick, but there's no denying who's been the better netminder this year. Stolarz is among the league leaders in virtually every important metric. I'd want the more in-form goalie playing should something happen to Hellebuyck and/or Oettinger. And if Stolarz can handle the pressure of playing in Toronto, who's to say he wouldn't be up to the task of playing in a star-studded tournament like this?</p><p><strong>Matisz's pick: </strong>Swayman</p><p>Don't get me wrong, the Stolarz argument is persuasive. He's unexpectedly in the Vezina Trophy conversation with almost a quarter of the season over.</p><p>Yet, given the volatile nature of the position, I think Guerin would much rather tap the proven guy in Swayman. Rosters are due two-plus months before the tournament. There should and will be some projecting involved.</p><p>I'm fully confident Swayman will close the gap between him and Stolarz in categories like save percentage, goals saved above expected, quality starts, and steals. The U.S. is better off with a playoff-tested third-string netminder.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Team USA (Matisz picks)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-UdBdq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/UdBdq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="422" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
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Debating key position battles for USA's 4 Nations Face-Off roster

It appears Cole Caufield's blazing-hot start to the season likely won't be enough to secure him a...

<p>It appears <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10510" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10510">Cole Caufield</a>'s blazing-hot start to the season likely won't be enough to secure him a spot on USA's 4 Nations Face-Off roster.</p><p>While no final decisions have been made, the Montreal Canadiens sniper is currently on the outside looking in to make the team, reports <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/~3029755">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>. </p><p>Caufield enters Thursday tied for the NHL lead with 12 goals on the campaign. However, he has only one assist and his defensive metrics are poor. He's posted minus-2.4 expected defensive goals above replacement this season, a bottom-10 mark among NHL forwards, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 4 Nations Face-Off rosters must be named by Dec. 2 before they're announced Dec. 4. The tournament begins Feb. 12 and also includes Canada, Sweden, and Finland.</p><p>The Americans have an embarrassment of riches up front, leaving tough decisions for the management group led by general manager Bill Guerin.</p><p>The United States and Canada lobbied to expand the rosters from 23 players to 25, but to no avail, LeBrun added.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 07: Cole Caufield #13 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during warm up prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on November 7, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Report: Caufield in doubt for USA's 4 Nations Face-Off roster

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper exited Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche ...

<p>Los Angeles Kings goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2003">Darcy Kuemper</a> exited Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche in the third period with an apparent injury.</p><p>Kings head coach Jim Hiller offered no update postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/DooleyLAK/status/1856943446855909766">Kings Insider Zach Dooley</a>.</p><p>Kuemper appeared to be favoring his lower body during his final shift before play was blown dead and he left the ice down the tunnel. He notably missed four games earlier in the season with a groin injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 34-year-old owned an .899 save percentage in nine games entering Wednesday. He stopped 18 of 20 Avalanche shots before departing. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5585" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5585">David Rittich</a> came into the game in relief and allowed one goal on four shots. He entered the evening with an .890 save percentage in eight appearances this season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3852" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3852">Pheonix Copley</a> would likely be recalled if Kuemper is forced to miss time.</p><p>The Kings acquired Kuemper - a 2022 Stanley Cup champion with the Avalanche - in an offseason trade with the Washington Capitals in exchange for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5588" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5588">Pierre-Luc Dubois</a>.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 13: Goaltender Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Los Angeles Kings looks up during a pause in play against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on November 13, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Kings' Kuemper leaves loss vs. Avalanche with apparent injury

It's time to look ahead to 2025 after the Hockey Hall of Fame inducted a star-studded 2024 class ...

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2025 HHOF preview: Examining loaded list of 1st-year eligible players 

Lars Eller is heading back to D.C.  The Pittsburgh Penguins traded the veteran center to the divi...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1077" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1077">Lars Eller</a> is heading back to D.C.</p><p>The Pittsburgh Penguins traded the veteran center to the division-rival Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, the teams announced Tuesday.</p><p>Eller spent seven years with the Capitals from 2016 to 2023, hoisting the Stanley Cup with Washington in 2018. The Dane was an integral member of that championship roster, potting a career-high 18 goals during the regular season before adding 18 points in 24 postseason contests as the team's third-line center.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 35-year-old has four goals and three assists in 17 games this season while averaging 16:25 per contest and winning 56% of his faceoffs. He's in the final year of his contract with a $2.45-million cap hit.</p><p>Eller projects to fill the third-line center role in Washington behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4562" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4562">Dylan Strome</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5588" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5588">Pierre-Luc Dubois</a>. Eller remains a strong defensive player who can lead a shutdown line.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lars Eller, acquired by WSH, is a veteran bottom six defensive centre. Still has reasonably decent puck skills and skating, but his main value is in his own end of the ice. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllCaps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllCaps</a> <a href="https://t.co/97rf4teprw">pic.twitter.com/97rf4teprw</a></p>— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/JFreshHockey/status/1856490241281945667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Penguins now have 10 picks each in the 2025 and 2027 drafts. They have nine in 2026.</p><p><a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/~3028240">TSN's Darren Dreger</a> reported earlier Tuesday that the Penguins don't intend on having a "fire sale." However, selling off pending unrestricted free agents before the deadline is common practice for teams near the bottom of the standings like Pittsburgh. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4721" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4721">Anthony Beauvillier</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9744" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9744">Drew O'Connor</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4553">Marcus Pettersson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5531" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5531">Matt Grzelcyk</a> highlight the team's other potential rental trade chips.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 08: Penguins center Lars Eller (20) cuts with the puck in front of Capitals defenseman Matt Roy (3) and goalie Charlie Lindgren (79) during the Pittsburgh Penguins versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on November 8, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C..

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Penguins send Eller back to Capitals for draft picks

If John Tortorella was hoping to motivate Matvei Michkov with back-to-back healthy scratches, he ...

<p>If John Tortorella was hoping to motivate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13822" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13822">Matvei Michkov</a> with back-to-back healthy scratches, he can consider the plan successful.</p><p>The rookie phenom played with his hair on fire Monday against the San Jose Sharks, delivering a goal and an assist in Philadelphia's 4-3 shootout victory.</p><p>"He played good," Tortorella <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vYwZS_LfqM&amp;ab_channel=PhiladelphiaFlyers">said</a> postgame.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The coach added: "I wasn't worried about how he was going to respond. I wasn't worried about that at all. He competes."</p><p>Michkov beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4035" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4035">Vitek Vanecek</a> through the five-hole on a breakaway:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matvei Michkov puts it home on the breakaway to extend the lead for the <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLFlyers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHLFlyers</a>! 👏 <a href="https://t.co/wxqeRAABbA">pic.twitter.com/wxqeRAABbA</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1856145167193124938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>He scored again in the shootout with a slick backhand-forehand deke:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">All is well that ends well. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SJSvsPHI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SJSvsPHI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsGoFlyers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsGoFlyers</a> <a href="https://t.co/GBGweKI6nw">pic.twitter.com/GBGweKI6nw</a></p>— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLFlyers/status/1856169785622397070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Michkov also displayed his feisty side in a battle with fellow Calder Trophy contender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a>, though the Flyer was penalized for it:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matvei Michkov and Macklin Celebrini go at it in the final seconds of regulation and Michkov gets the lone penalty 🫣 <a href="https://t.co/GUryyjuIRT">pic.twitter.com/GUryyjuIRT</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1856166361157779699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Michkov watched Philadelphia's last two games from the press box - a shootout win and a shootout loss - for what Tortorella described as developmental reasons.</p><p>The 19-year-old appears to have pulled some positives from his stint on the sidelines. </p><p>"I had plenty of energy and feel really good," he said via an interpreter, per <a href="https://x.com/NHLAdamK/status/1856192137911480445">NHL.com's Adam Kimelman</a>. "The two games I watched, it was good to watch and good to get some time off and rethink."</p><p>Michkov leads all NHL rookies with five goals and ranks second with 12 points in 14 games so far this season.</p><p>The Flyers selected Michkov seventh overall in 2023. He arrived in North America earlier than expected and is looking like one of the best players in his draft.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 11: Matvei Michkov #39 of the Philadelphia Flyers reacts after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the second period at the Wells Fargo Center on November 11, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Tortorella lauds Michkov's response to scratches: 'He competes'

Mackenzie Blackwood put the San Jose Sharks on his back Sunday, stopping all 44 shots he faced in...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4779" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4779">Mackenzie Blackwood</a> put the San Jose Sharks on his back Sunday, stopping all 44 shots he faced in a 1-0 victory against the New Jersey Devils.</p><p>Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky lauded his goaltender's strong outing.</p><p>"(Blackwood) was outstanding, probably the best I've seen him play," Warsofsky <a href="https://x.com/NBCSSharks/status/1855808381661143362">said</a> postgame. "You could tell he was dialed in, focused, tracking pucks really well."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The victory was extra sweet for Blackwood, who spent the first five years of his career in New Jersey before he was traded to San Jose in 2023.</p><p>"It's pretty cool for me," Blackwood <a href="https://x.com/NBCSSharks/status/1855805112763265067">said</a> of blanking his former club. "I spent a lot of time here (in New Jersey), I have good relationships with a lot of the guys over in that room."</p><p>Teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10863" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10863">Fabian Zetterlund</a> called Blackwood the best goalie in the NHL right now, prompting a funny response by the netminder.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Priceless exchange with Blackwood, I asked him about Zetterlund calling him the best goalie in the NHL right now: "Today? I'll take it today. But tomorrow, ehhhh I don't know, we'll see. Appreciate that." <a href="https://t.co/Wuk1CyO6zb">pic.twitter.com/Wuk1CyO6zb</a></p>— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sheng_Peng/status/1855813810013057442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Blackwood's 44 saves were the second most in a shutout in Sharks franchise history, trailing Troy Grosenick's 45 back in 2014.</p><p>The 27-year-old now owns a .910 save percentage in nine games this season, a mark that ranks tied for second among Canadian netminders with at least seven starts. Blackwood's play so far this season could earn him some consideration for the country's wide-open goaltending competition for the 4 Nations Face-Off.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 10: Mackenzie Blackwood #29 of the San Jose Sharks defends his net in the third period of the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on November 10, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Sharks coach: Blackwood 'outstanding' in 44-save shutout vs. Devils

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Max Pacioretty departed Saturday's game against the Montreal Canadiens...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a> departed Saturday's game against the Montreal Canadiens with a lower-body injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.</p><p>He appeared to favor his left leg after getting cross-checked by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4508" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4508">Mike Matheson</a> near the end of the first period and didn't come out for the start of the second.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Max Pacioretty leaves the ice in discomfort due to an apparent leg injury. <a href="https://t.co/sAYnvSK6kw">pic.twitter.com/sAYnvSK6kw</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1855415397433868519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Pacioretty limped off the ice under his own power but had to be helped to the dressing room by teammates following the conclusion of the opening frame.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube didn't have an update on Pacioretty's status after his team's 4-1 victory. </p><p>"We'll have to see how he is in a day or so," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/dalter/status/1855449783898452187">The Hockey News' David Alter</a>. </p><p>Pacioretty had carved out a spot on Toronto's second line alongside <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>. He entered Saturday with two goals, four assists, and a team-leading 38 hits in 12 games.</p><p>The 35-year-old attended Maple Leafs training camp on a professional tryout before inking a one-year, $873,770 contract. He can earn an additional $626,230 in performance bonuses.</p><p>A 17-year NHL veteran, Pacioretty has battled multiple serious injuries in recent years, most notably tearing his Achilles twice in a five-month span from 2022-23.</p>

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 5: Max Pacioretty #67 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck against the Boston Bruins at the Scotiabank Arena on November 5, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Maple Leafs' Pacioretty exits with apparent leg injury

The Winnipeg Jets moved to an astounding 14-1-0 on the campaign after defeating the Dallas Stars ...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets moved to an astounding 14-1-0 on the campaign after defeating the Dallas Stars 4-1 on Saturday, establishing a new NHL record for wins through the first 15 games of a season.</p><p>Goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> was vying for his third consecutive shutout before the Stars got on the board with 1:22 left in the game. Still, he set a new franchise-record shutout streak at 191:47, surpassing the previous mark of 187:05 set by Ondrej Pavelec in 2014-15.</p><p>Hellebuyck turned aside 32 of 33 shots in the victory.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"He was unbelievable all game, the last game, and the game before," Jets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2119" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2119">Vladislav Namestnikov</a> <a href="https://x.com/NHLJets/status/1855381693060030473">said</a> postgame. "He's a rock back there."</p><p>The reigning and two-time Vezina Trophy winner now owns a sparkling .935 save percentage and a 1.83 goals-against average in 12 games this season.</p><p>The Jets are the fourth team in the expansion era to lead the NHL in goals per game (4.47) and goals against per game (2.07) through 15 contests, joining the 1984-85 Oilers, the 2005-06 Senators, and the 2022-23 Bruins. Their +36 goal differential is 14 better than the next best mark in the league entering Saturday's evening slate of games.</p><p>Winnipeg's 67 goals are the most by a team through 15 games since the Buffalo Sabres' 68 in 2006-07 - a total which includes shootout-deciding tallies. Only the 2005-06 Senators (75), the 2005-06 Flyers (68), and the 1995-96 Penguins (78) have scored more in the last 30 years.</p><p>Head coach Scott Arniel - no doubt the early favorite for the Jack Adams Award - preached that his players should relish the team's historic start.</p><p>"These players, they do have to recognize that it's an amazing feat they've done so far," Arniel said. "We'd like to just keep this going a little bit longer."</p><p>Winnipeg's lone defeat came against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 28. The Jets are only the second team in NHL history with multiple win streaks of at least six games through the first 15 contests of a season.</p><p>"This is such a team effort," Arniel added. "This isn't (Hellebuyck) winning every game. This isn't (the) Scheifele line winning us every game. To me, this is 23 guys. This has been unbelievable in the sense how everyone has contributed."</p><p>Wins were moderately tougher to come by before the 2005 lockout when games ended in ties after overtime. But the Jets have yet to need a shootout, winning 11 games in regulation and three in overtime. However, the likelihood of games ending in overtime increased in 2015-16 when the NHL switched from 4-on-4 to 3-on-3 in the extra frame.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - NOVEMBER 7: Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets is all smiles as he salutes the fans after receiving first star honours following a 1-0 shutout victory over the Colorado Avalanche at the Canada Life Centre on November 7, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. This shutout marks the 40th of Hellebuyck's career.

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Hellebuyck fuels Jets to NHL-record 14 wins through opening 15 games

Philadelphia Flyers phenom Matvei Michkov was a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game S...

<p>Philadelphia Flyers phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13822" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13822">Matvei Michkov</a> was a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game Saturday for the team's 4-3 shootout loss to the Florida Panthers.</p><p>The Flyers scratched the 19-year-old for Thursday's 2-1 shootout win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with head coach John Tortorella citing developmental reasons.</p><p>Michkov was named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for October and ranks second on Philadelphia in goals (four) and points (10) in 13 appearances.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Russian winger slipped to seventh in the 2023 NHL Draft over concerns about when he'd arrive in North America. However, his surprisingly quick move to the Flyers ahead of this season is making that pick look like a steal.</p><p>Philadelphia enters Saturday sitting 27th in the NHL standings.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Matvei Michkov #39 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the Boston Bruins at the Wells Fargo Center on November 2, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Flyers scratch Michkov for 2nd straight game

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone wasn't in the lineup Friday during his team's 4-3 overtim...

<p>Vegas Golden Knights captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> wasn't in the lineup Friday during his team's 4-3 overtime loss against the Seattle Kraken and is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury, the team announced prior to the game.</p><p>Stone has been a catalyst for the Golden Knights so far this season, leading the club with 21 points in 13 games. He's on pace to smash his previous career high of 73 points.</p><p>The 32-year-old has missed 110 games over the last three seasons due to various injuries.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The two-time Selke Trophy finalist is a strong candidate to represent Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February if he's healthy.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 02: Mark Stone #61 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up prior to a game against the Utah Hockey Club at T-Mobile Arena on November 02, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Golden Knights' Stone day-to-day with lower-body injury

The Vancouver Canucks traded winger Daniel Sprong back to the Seattle Kraken for future considera...

<p>The Vancouver Canucks traded winger Daniel Sprong back to the Seattle Kraken for future considerations, the team announced Friday.</p><p>The Canucks signed Sprong to a one-year, $975,000 contract in free agency, but he managed just one goal and two assists in nine appearances with the club.</p><p>"We would like to thank Daniel for his time here in Vancouver," Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said. "With his help, our team has started the year in a positive way, and we wish him the best in Seattle."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sprong, 27, set career highs in goals (21) and points (46) in 66 games during his lone full campaign with the Kraken in 2022-23. He spent 2023-24 with the Detroit Red Wings, where he managed 18 goals and 25 assists in 76 contests.</p><p>Sprong ranked 18th among all NHL skaters in five-on-five goals per 60 minutes over the previous three seasons, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>. However, he's been unable to carve out a larger role due to inconsistent defensive play as he's averaged just 12:07 per game in that span. The Kraken, who entered Friday ranking 21st in the NHL in goals per game, could use his scoring touch.</p><p>Sprong has played for six teams in his nine-year NHL career. He's scored at least 13 goals in every year in which he suited up in 40-plus games.</p><p>The Canucks could suddenly be thin at right wing after trading Sprong and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3121713" href="https://thescore.com/news/3121713">potentially</a> losing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a> to injury. Top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12758" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12758">Jonathan Lekkerimaki</a>, who's scored five times in seven AHL games this season, could be in line to get his first taste of NHL action at some point in the near future.</p>

SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 02: Vancouver Canucks right wing Daniel Sprong (91) controls the puck during a NHL game between the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks on November 2, 2024 at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA.

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Canucks trade Sprong to Kraken for future considerations

Los Angeles Kings winger Tanner Jeannot was suspended three games for his illegal check to the he...

<p>Los Angeles Kings winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9747" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9747">Tanner Jeannot</a> was suspended three games for his illegal check to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a> on Thursday, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Friday.</p><p>Here's a look at the hit:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tanner Jeannot is handed a match penalty for this hit on Brock Boeser 🤕 <a href="https://t.co/m4vbDlpRi0">pic.twitter.com/m4vbDlpRi0</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1854736183827304757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Boeser exited the game after the hit and was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the contest. His status moving forward remains unclear. The 27-year-old leads the Canucks with six goals this season after potting a career-high 40 in 2023-24.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>This marks the first career suspension for Jeannot, a five-year NHL veteran. The former Tampa Bay Lightning and Nashville Predators forward was previously fined once, in 2022, for kneeing.</p><p>The Canucks overcame the Boeser injury to collect a 4-2 victory, extending their win streak to three games.</p>

QUEBEC CITY, CANADA - OCTOBER 03: Tanner Jeannot #10 of the Los Angeles Kings skates during the third period in a pre-season NHL game at Videotron Centre on October 03, 2024 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

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Kings' Jeannot suspended 3 games for high hit on Boeser

Welcome to the first edition of theScore's 2024-25 Norris Trophy Rankings. We publish new ranking...

<p>Welcome to the first edition of theScore's 2024-25 Norris Trophy Rankings. We publish new rankings once a month throughout the campaign.</p><p>These rankings focus on analytics and the all-around ability of defensemen rather than only points or reputation.</p><p><em>xGF% = five-on-five expected goals for percentage</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>5. Josh Morrissey, Jets</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754145/cropped_GettyImages-2181659067.jpg?ts=1731022197" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754145/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181659067.jpg?ts=1731022197 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754145/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181659067.jpg?ts=1731022197 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754145/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181659067.jpg?ts=1731022197 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754145/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181659067.jpg?ts=1731022197 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754145/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181659067.jpg?ts=1731022197 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kirk Irwin / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>24:29</td>
<td>46.63</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Morrissey has been a catalyst for the best team in the league, ranking second among NHL defensemen in points and<em><strong> </strong></em>just outside the top 10 in average time on ice. He's been arguably Winnipeg's most valuable skater.</p><p>His advanced metrics aren't quite as dominant as the other defenders on this list, so he comes in a bit lower than some may expect. The Jets are only outscoring the opposition by a slight 9-7 margin with Morrissey on the ice at five-on-five, and that's with a bit of puck luck both ways.</p><h3>4. Victor Hedman, Lightning</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754144/cropped_GettyImages-2182155280.jpg?ts=1731022139" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754144/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182155280.jpg?ts=1731022139 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754144/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182155280.jpg?ts=1731022139 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754144/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182155280.jpg?ts=1731022139 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754144/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182155280.jpg?ts=1731022139 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754144/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182155280.jpg?ts=1731022139 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>24:05</td>
<td>58.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>It's been a resurgent start to the season for Hedman. While he remained highly productive offensively in 2023-24, he posted rather poor underlying numbers over the last two campaigns. But that's not the story this season. Hedman's xGF% is the best it's been in years, and the Lightning are outscoring opponents 15-6 with the 33-year-old on the ice at five-on-five.</p><p>Perhaps uncoincidentally, Ryan McDonagh is back in Tampa after a two-year stint with the Predators. McDonagh's pairing with Erik Cernak has soaked up defensive zone starts and combated some tough matchups, helping free up Hedman to dominate offensively.</p><h3>3. Brock Faber, Wild</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748913/cropped_GettyImages-2176829182.jpg?ts=1728324685" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748913/w220xh124_GettyImages-2176829182.jpg?ts=1728324685 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748913/w320xh180_GettyImages-2176829182.jpg?ts=1728324685 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748913/w640xh360_GettyImages-2176829182.jpg?ts=1728324685 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748913/w768xh432_GettyImages-2176829182.jpg?ts=1728324685 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748913/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2176829182.jpg?ts=1728324685 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Reaves / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>25:04</td>
<td>57.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Faber isn't setting the world on fire offensively, but there's a case to be made that he's been the NHL's best defensive defenseman this season. His expected goals against per 60 minutes rank fifth among NHL blue-liners with at least 200 minutes at five-on-five.<em><strong> </strong></em>The Wild are also outscoring opponents by a robust 13-4<em><strong> </strong></em>margin with Faber on the ice at five-on-five.</p><p>Most impressively, Faber has been <em>this </em>dominant despite being a true workhorse, placing sixth among NHL skaters in average time on ice. The eight-year, $68-million extension he signed before the start of the campaign is looking like a savvy move by GM Bill Guerin, who, at this rate, will almost surely select Faber for the United States' 4 Nations Face-Off squad.</p><h3>2. Quinn Hughes, Canucks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746689/cropped_GettyImages-2149179628.jpg?ts=1727191982" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746689/w220xh124_GettyImages-2149179628.jpg?ts=1727191982 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746689/w320xh180_GettyImages-2149179628.jpg?ts=1727191982 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746689/w640xh360_GettyImages-2149179628.jpg?ts=1727191982 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746689/w768xh432_GettyImages-2149179628.jpg?ts=1727191982 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746689/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2149179628.jpg?ts=1727191982 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Vinnick / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>24:51</td>
<td>68.8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Hughes is picking up where he left off after winning the Norris Trophy last season. There hasn't been a repeat winner since Nicklas Lidstrom won three straight from 2006-08, but Hughes is making a strong case so far.</p><p>He's been downright dominant in driving play. Along with his sparkling xGF%, the Canucks are outscoring opponents 15-4 with Hughes on the ice at five-on-five. Hughes is playing the best defensive hockey of his career and has been his usually dynamic self offensively. On Tuesday, he became the third-fastest defenseman in NHL history to reach 300 career assists.</p><h3>1. Cale Makar, Avalanche</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753817/cropped_GettyImages-2181769527.jpg?ts=1730870582" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753817/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181769527.jpg?ts=1730870582 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753817/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181769527.jpg?ts=1730870582 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753817/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181769527.jpg?ts=1730870582 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753817/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181769527.jpg?ts=1730870582 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753817/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181769527.jpg?ts=1730870582 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>24:04</td>
<td>56.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Makar has been on another level to begin the 2024-25 campaign. The consensus best defenseman in the league has elevated his game to new heights, ranking tied for third among all NHL skaters - yes, including forwards - in points. That alone should put him in the Hart Trophy race, too.</p><p>Sure, a league-high 12 points have come on the man advantage, but Colorado's No. 2-ranked power play, which Makar quarterbacks, is a major reason the Avalanche are still treading water despite a depleted forward group and some horrendous goaltending. Makar also sits tied for first among defensemen in even-strength points.</p><p>Some may point to Makar's minus-8 rating as a reason he shouldn't be atop this list, but that's mostly a byproduct of the Avalanche's aforementioned poor goaltending. </p><p><strong>Keep an eye on:</strong></p><ul>
<li>John Carlson, Capitals</li>
<li>Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres</li>
<li>Gustav Forsling, Panthers</li>
<li>Adam Fox, Rangers</li>
<li>Zach Werenski, Blue Jackets</li>
</ul><p>(Analytics source: <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>)</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 30: Cale Makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Ball Arena on October 30, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Norris Trophy Rankings: Makar, Hughes duking it out again

The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Colorado Avalanche 1-0 on Thursday to become the second team in NH...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Colorado Avalanche 1-0 on Thursday to become the second team in NHL history to begin a season with at least 13 wins through their first 14 games.</p><p>The 2007-08 Ottawa Senators, who began that season 13-1 before their second loss, are the only other team to do so.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> made 35 saves for his second consecutive shutout. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner now has three clean sheets on the season and 40 in his illustrious career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Avalanche arguably deserved a better fate in the contest. They generated 39 scoring chances to the Jets' 22 and won the high-danger scoring chance battle 12-6, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>, but couldn't get one past Hellebuyck.</p><p>Hellebuyck was named the first star of the game, much to the delight of the fans.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="no" dir="ltr">HELLE 👏 HELLE 👏 HELLE 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/saraorlesky?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@saraorlesky</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoJetsGo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoJetsGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/sl9bAO4IRW">pic.twitter.com/sl9bAO4IRW</a></p>— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLJets/status/1854732621286195214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Wins were slightly more difficult to come by prior to the 2005 lockout, as games ended in ties after overtime. However, the Jets have yet to require a shootout, winning 10 of their games in regulation and three in overtime. The 2007-08 Senators won one of their games in a shootout during their historic start. However, the likelihood of games ending in overtime increased in 2015-16 when the NHL switched from 4-on-4 to 3-on-3 in the extra frame.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - NOVEMBER 7: Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets makes a save during first period action against the Colorado Avalanche at the Canada Life Centre on November 7, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets blank Avalanche, become 2nd team ever to start 13-1

The New York Rangers are ready to turn the page after a 6-1 loss against the Buffalo Sabres on Th...

<p>The New York Rangers are ready to turn the page after a 6-1 loss against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.</p><p>Veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2033" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2033">Mika Zibanejad</a> had no way of justifying the team's poor outing.</p><p>"There's no excuse for what happened today," Zibanejad <a href="https://x.com/SNYRangers/status/1854718864338108433">said</a>. "We just have to understand that that wasn't good enough and go to work tomorrow and get back to doing what we do."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Sabres held a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes but poured it on in the middle frame with four more goals, including three in a span of 2:12, to chase Vezina Trophy front-runner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a>.</p><p>Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> chalked up the disastrous game to poor preparation.</p><p>"I don't think we were ready to play," Trouba <a href="https://x.com/SNYRangers/status/1854717185794437593">said</a>. "I don't think that's really (a secret)."</p><p>Head coach Peter Laviolette shortened the bench in the third period. Breakout forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9195" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9195">Alexis Lafreniere</a> - fresh off signing a seven-year, $52.15-million extension in late October - notably played just 2:54 in the final frame. Lafreniere, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6526" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6526">Filip Chytil</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8593">Kaapo Kakko</a> all sat for the first 6:58 of the third period.</p><p>"The guys that seemed to have a little bit more pop to me were the guys I was trying to put back on the ice," Laviolette <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-84023634-374574024/fox-926371656/albums">explained</a>.</p><p>The 8-3-1 Rangers will get a chance to rebound Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 07: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers skates against the Buffalo Sabres during their game at Madison Square Garden on November 07, 2024 in New York City.

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Zibanejad: 'No excuse' for Rangers' dreadful outing vs. Sabres

San Jose Sharks blue-liner Jake Walman is a healthy scratch Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jac...

<p>San Jose Sharks blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6367" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6367">Jake Walman</a> is a healthy scratch Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, head coach Ryan Warsofsky announced.</p><p>"Coach's decision, I'll leave it at that," Warsofsky said, per <a href="https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/jake-walman-healthy-scratch-ryan-warsofsky/1801246/">NBC's Sheng Peng</a>.</p><p>He added: "I'm sure he's frustrated. I think everyone wants to play. That message is gonna be between him and I."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Walman ranks second on the Sharks in average time on ice, trailing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2858" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2858">Cody Ceci</a> by exactly one second. He's tallied nine points in 13 games, matching the total of the rest of San Jose's defensemen combined.</p><p>"My initial reaction is I'm a competitor, and I want to play, but it's coach's decision, I'll respect the conversation that we had," Walman said. "He's the coach, in the end, even if I'm not happy about not being out there. It's respecting the decision, and just gonna be better for it in the end and come back stronger and ready to go, ready to be a leader."</p><p>Walman was acquired in an offseason trade with the Detroit Red Wings, along with a second-round pick, in exchange for future considerations. He's under contract through next season at a $3.4-million cap hit, making him the team's highest-paid active defenseman with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1062" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1062">Marc-Edouard Vlasic</a> ($7 million) on injured reserve.</p>

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 02: Jake Walman #96 of the San Jose Sharks in action against the Vancouver Canucks at SAP Center on November 02, 2024 in San Jose, California.

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Sharks' Walman a healthy scratch vs. Blue Jackets

Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff believes his team beat themselves on Friday night.  The Sabr...

<p>Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff believes his team beat themselves on Friday night.</p><p>The Sabres fell 4-3 to a New York Islanders squad that entered Friday with the league's worst offense and played nearly half the game with only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3115078" href="https://thescore.com/news/3115078">four defensemen</a>.</p><p>"Let's be real. We handed them three goals," Ruff <a href="https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/lindy-ruff-postgame-vs-nyi-6364105261112">said</a> postgame. "We've been playing pretty tight but it's just starting to slip."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ruff was quick to defend netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9370" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9370">Devon Levi</a>, who surrendered four goals on 36 shots. The veteran bench boss took the blame for some of the team's sloppy defensive play.</p><p>"This game isn't on our goalie," Ruff said. "I have to clean up, that's on me. I've got to clean up our play. We've been defending well, we had a focal point on making sure we stay around the front of the net. The first goal and the fourth goal are goals that just can't happen."</p><p>The Islanders' first goal came on a breakaway by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3009" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3009">Bo Horvat</a>. Defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6615" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6615">Connor Clifton</a> was pinching, but his post wasn't adequately covered by winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9186" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9186">Jack Quinn</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HORVAT ON THE BREAKAWAY.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Ford?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ford</a> <a href="https://t.co/GeqG2eRZKI">pic.twitter.com/GeqG2eRZKI</a></p>— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders/status/1852495016448393610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>On the eventual game-winner, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2093" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2093">Jean-Gabriel Pageau</a> was left all alone in front of the net.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🚨🚨🚨 <a href="https://t.co/EC0T6QvyMk">pic.twitter.com/EC0T6QvyMk</a></p>— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders/status/1852523367410155796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ruff didn't name names, but he believes some of the team's slumping players were burned trying to cheat for offense.</p><p>"When you've got guys who are struggling and are thinking offense, it's eventually going to bite you, and it bit a few guys tonight," he said.</p><p>At 4-6-1, the Sabres find themselves tied for last place in the jumbled Atlantic Division. They're back in action Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 10: Head coach Lindy Ruff of the Buffalo Sabres watches the action against the Los Angeles Kings during an NHL game on October 10, 2024 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Ruff: Sabres 'handed' Islanders 3 goals in defeat

The New York Islanders lost a pair of defensemen during Friday's 4-3 win against the Buffalo Sabr...

<p>The New York Islanders lost a pair of defensemen during Friday's 4-3 win against the Buffalo Sabres.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3847" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3847">Adam Pelech</a> departed after taking a puck to the face in the second period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pelech went back to the room after taking a puck to the face <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sabrehood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sabrehood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/mgOmcyVilY">pic.twitter.com/mgOmcyVilY</a></p>— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) <a href="https://twitter.com/SabresPlays/status/1852507130009358470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4692" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4692">Mike Reilly</a> had to leave the game minutes late after hitting his head on the ice due to a hit from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6951" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6951">Jordan Greenway</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Greenway hit on Mike Reilly. He hit his head on the ice when coming down. scary stuff <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sabrehood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sabrehood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/hzFYkE6NyE">pic.twitter.com/hzFYkE6NyE</a></p>— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) <a href="https://twitter.com/SabresPlays/status/1852508854438732211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The stretcher came out for Reilly, but he was eventually able to skate off the ice with the help of his teammates.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/3xzWRq81u0">pic.twitter.com/3xzWRq81u0</a></p>— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) <a href="https://twitter.com/SabresPlays/status/1852509409051578845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Greenway was initially handed a five-minute major, but the penalty was rescinded upon review.</p><p>Islanders head coach Patrick Roy offered no immediate postgame update for either player but said Reilly is well enough to travel with the team back to New York ahead of Sunday's meeting with the Rangers, per <a href="https://x.com/AGrossNewsday/status/1852535111285186775">Newsday's Andrew Gross</a>. Roy <a href="https://x.com/AGrossNewsday/status/1852533413909061829">added</a> he didn't like the non-call on the Greenway hit.</p><p>The Islanders were briefly down to three defensemen after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9157" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9157">Alexander Romanov</a> left the game. However, he returned shortly after that.</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 1: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres shoots while defended by Adam Pelech #3 of the New York Islanders during an NHL game on November 1, 2024 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Islanders lose Pelech, Reilly to injuries vs. Sabres

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Josh Wegman

News Editor

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