Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube got good news on the injury front Wednesday.  Chris T...

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube got good news on the injury front Wednesday.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1685" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1685">Chris Tanev</a> is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, though the defenseman is unlikely to play Friday against the New York Rangers, per <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1894817621830181001">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a>, meanwhile, is a <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1894819320208990463">possibility</a> for Friday and is dealing with a seemingly minor issue.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tanev <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3226920" href="https://thescore.com/news/3226920">left</a> Tuesday's 5-4 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins after taking a hit from <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12925">John Beecher</a> in his second shift of the first period. The veteran exited TD Garden with his right arm in a sling.Nylander remained on the bench during the extra frame against Toronto's longtime rivals. Berube said that the star winger took some contact in the third stanza and that the Leafs were just being cautious by holding him out, according to <a href="https://x.com/dalter/status/1894819982539911293">The Hockey News' David Alter</a>.Wednesday was also already a scheduled day off for the Swede. Both players have been key cogs for the Maple Leafs this season. Nylander leads Toronto with 33 goals in 58 outings and ranks second on the club with 58 points. Tanev is a team-leading plus-26 and has blocked the third-most shots in the league (151) while averaging 19:48 minutes of ice time per contest. Berube confirmed that rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4567" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4567">Philippe Myers</a> would draw into the lineup against the Rangers if Tanev is sidelined.Veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a> hasn't played in the Maple Leafs' first three games after the 4 Nations Face-Off with an undisclosed issue, but he's also a possibility to play Friday. Toronto currently leads the Atlantic Division with a 36-20-2 record.

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 20: Chris Tanev #8 and William Nylander #88 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skate against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at the Scotiabank Arena on January 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Maple Leafs' Tanev day-to-day, Nylander possible to play Friday

Pending unrestricted free-agent forward Brock Boeser appears to be stung by the lack of progress ...

Pending unrestricted free-agent forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a> appears to be stung by the lack of progress on a contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks as the March 7 trade deadline looms."I mean, I understand it's a business," he told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canucks-boeser-focused-on-winning-despite-frustrating-contract-situation/">Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre</a>. "I feel like I'm a pretty loyal guy, and I feel like that should speak for itself. But it's a business, and that's just how things operate. "We all know the three options that could happen: trade, re-sign, or neither. If nothing happens and July 1 comes around, I still think I'm in a good spot (as a UFA). ... (I've) definitely been open about, you know, how much I love it in Vancouver. So, yeah, it's actually frustrating that nothing's got done."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Boeser is playing out the final campaign of a three-year pact with a $6.65-million cap hit. It also includes some protection in the form of a 10-team no-trade list this season, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/player/brock-boeser">PuckPedia</a>.The 28-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3193209" href="https://thescore.com/news/3193209">conceded</a> in January that Vancouver could view him as an "easy guy" to trade in the midst of its tumultuous season. The Canucks are one year removed from leading the Pacific Division with 109 points - good for the third-most in franchise history. They entered Wednesday's action one point behind the Calgary Flames for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference with a 26-20-11 record. "I would have never guessed the year would have gone how it's gone after last year. ... It's been a lot," Boeser said.Boeser has spent his entire career in Vancouver after being selected by the franchise with the 23rd overall pick at the 2015 NHL Draft. He leads the club with 193 goals and ranks third on the team with 414 points in 520 games since his first full NHL campaign in 2017-18. Boeser enjoyed a career year last season, becoming the first Canucks player to record 40 tallies in a single season since Daniel Sedin and Ryan Kesler did it in 2010-11.It's been a slower campaign for Boeser in 2024-25. He's logged 18 goals and 35 points in 50 games, but he's scored just four goals and six assists in 21 outings since Jan. 1.Despite the lack of a contract extension, Boeser is trying to keep his mind on what he can control."I feel I can score more and produce more and maybe be a difference-maker out there," he said. "So I'm really just trying to focus on helping our team win hockey games right now."He added, "I thought we were really playing some good hockey before the (4 Nations) break. I know the goals haven't come. But I truly feel that our defensive game has been the best it's been all year, and if we start getting the scoring, then we can win some games in a row."

VANCOUVER, CANADA - FEBRUARY 4: Brock Boeser #6 of the Vancouver Canucks reacts after scoring during their NHL game against the Colorado Avalanche at Rogers Arena on February 4, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Canucks' Boeser frustrated by lack of extension: 'Pretty loyal guy'

Alex Ovechkin gained major ground on Wayne Gretzky in the chase for the all-time goals crown Sund...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> gained major ground on Wayne Gretzky in the chase for the all-time goals crown Sunday.The ageless Washington Capitals captain buried a hat trick against the Edmonton Oilers to bring his career total to 882 goals, 13 away from breaking the record. He capped off his day with an empty-netter."Game by game," Ovechkin <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/alex-ovechkin-postgame-6369234950112">said</a> when asked if passing Gretzky with 25 contests left this season is doable. "Today, I had pretty good chances to score more, but you know, I'll take three."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Great Eight is on pace to overtake the Great One on April 4 against the Chicago Blackhawks, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1893784962236571697">Sportsnet Stats</a>. Ovechkin's first two goals were vintage. First, he burned <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> with a wrister from the slot.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xu9HK-yBB9E?si=LXUbnUL3sVRDWlm5" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>Then, Ovechkin did what he does best: a one-timer from the left circle. That tally also stood as the game-winner, which tied Jaromir Jagr for the most such goals in NHL history (135), per <a href="https://x.com/CapitalsPR/status/1893768138812006849">Capitals PR</a>. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Xd70Hg__Oc?si=Z7QOfh-1OOIGiJJy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>Ovechkin's hat trick was his second of the season and 32nd of his career, matching Phil Esposito for the fifth most in NHL history, according to the <a href="https://x.com/NHLPA/status/1893774025836437737">NHLPA</a>. He's up to 29 tallies in 2024-25, good for seventh in the NHL at 39 years old.His empty-netter was his 64th, adding to his all-time record. Ovechkin also padded his benchmark of most goalies scored on, making Pickard his 181st netminder beat."Whenever he gets a goal or two, you just know," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/tom-wilson-postgame-6369234645112">said</a>. "I've never seen a guy so hungry. Some guys score, they (go), 'OK, I had a good night.' He comes back to the bench, he's asking if he can go out again like right away. It's pretty fun. It's been an amazing journey watching him do what he can do."The sniper is now the first player in NHL history to score at least 200 goals in three different decades, per <a href="https://x.com/TomGulittiNHL/status/1893774153242628231">NHL.com's Tom Gulitti</a>. Ovi lit the lamp 245 times in the 2000s, 437 times in the 2010s, and 200 times so far in the 2020s."I'm telling you, he amazes me night in and night out," goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5525" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5525">Charlie Lindgren</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/charlie-lindgren-postgame-6369232982112">said</a> of Ovechkin. "He truly is the best. I'm so thankful that he's a Washington Capital, and to share a locker room with him, it's been incredible."Ovechkin's performance propelled Washington to a 7-3 victory and moved the Capitals to first place in the NHL standings with 84 points.

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 23: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates after scoring a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at Capital One Arena on February 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. The goal was Alex Ovechkin 881st goal.

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Ovechkin nets hat trick vs. Oilers to move within 13 of Gretzky

The Avalanche dropped their first two games after the 4 Nations Face-Off, and Cale Makar knows hi...

The Avalanche dropped their first two games after the 4 Nations Face-Off, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> knows his team isn't sending the right message to Colorado's brass with the trade deadline less than two weeks away."This is a huge point in the season for us," the star defenseman said after Sunday's 3-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues, per <a href="https://x.com/AltitudeTV/status/1893843334348570877">Altitude TV</a>. "Obviously, I think every single guy on this team, we gotta prove to management that this should be a group that they invest in. "If we keep having games like this, it's going to be hard for them to justify it. It's gonna be on us. We know as a group we have a lot better than this. Just unfortunate when we can't find the consistency."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> was far bristlier than his teammate. "This was terrible," he <a href="https://x.com/AltitudeTV/status/1893843213384896514">said</a>. The Avalanche opened the scoring in the first period after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5553">Devon Toews</a> tipped home Makar's shot. Makar became the third-fastest rearguard to record 400 points (374 games) on the play, trailing only Paul Coffey (359 games) and Bobby Orr (333 games). The Blues responded with three goals in the second period to secure the win, handing Colorado its second loss in as many days after falling 2-1 against the Nashville Predators on Saturday."You can't just judge your team on the final result even though we know how important the final results are," Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar <a href="https://x.com/AltitudeTV/status/1893846347238735902">said</a>. "But there was so much out of (last night's) game that I liked. I thought we worked really hard, we were detailed, we were highly competitive. "We kind of started out that way tonight. I liked our first 15 minutes, probably, and then it just disappeared."All three of St. Louis' goals were buried right at the net. When asked if that was something the Avalanche should replicate amid their scoring struggles, MacKinnon made it clear he wasn't picky about how they light the lamp."I'd love to score any way," MacKinnon said. "I don't know if we had a rush chance tonight. I don't know if we had a scoring chance tonight. Yeah, cool."Colorado outshot the Blues 29-25, and both teams were even with 19 scoring chances apiece at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20910">Natural Stat Trick</a>.The Avalanche occupy the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference with a 33-24-2 record, but they've played two more games than all three teams ahead of them in the Central Division.Colorado was similarly flat after the All-Star break last season, losing five of its first six games. However, the club turned things around with a nine-game winning streak in March. The Avs have a chance to rebound Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils. They have four games remaining before the March 7 deadline.

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - FEBRUARY 23: Cale Makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche after loosing to the St. Louis Blues 3-1 at Enterprise Center on February 23, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri.

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Makar: Avs must 'prove' they're worth investing in before deadline

Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck believes his strong performance in playoff-style games at ...

Winnipeg Jets goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> believes his strong performance in playoff-style games at the 4 Nations Face-Off will give him a confidence boost heading into the NHL postseason. "Oh, absolutely," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/hellebuyck-25-02-23-6369229736112">said</a> Sunday. "The best part about it is that the game didn't feel all too different than our system here. We've been playing very good here in Winnipeg. It was kind of a really smooth transition into that game." Hellebuyck was outstanding for the United States in the tournament, posting a .932 save percentage and 1.59 goals against average while allowing just five goals on 74 shots across three appearances. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Team USA fell to Canada 3-2 in overtime during the inaugural championship game Thursday, which Hellebuyck admitted still stung."It's a goal short, really. ... It's kind of a heartbreak, and I'm still getting over it but looking forward here to the rest of our season and a big playoff push," he said. "It was really fun to play some emotional games."Hellebuyck added that he doesn't think he'll "think twice" about the loss once he's around his Jets teammates. "I think the second I wake up tomorrow and go to a morning skate, I believe everything's just gonna kind of transition back into the NHL season," he reasoned. "I'm just going to put it behind me like I do every single day after any goal and any other game." Hellebuyck didn't play in the Jets' first game after the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off - a 4-3 shootout victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday - but he expects to return to the crease Monday against the San Jose Sharks. Winnipeg will be in pursuit of its 10th straight victory as it has charged to second place in the league with a 40-14-3 record. Hellebuyck has been key to his team's success, posting 34 wins and a .925 clip in 43 starts while leading the league in shutouts (six), goals saved above average (27.04), and goals saved above expected (35.89), per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/goalie_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_gl_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_gl_team=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_str=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_gl_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_gl_span=%22Regular%22&amp;std_gl_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_gl_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_gl_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_status=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=null&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>. The 31-year-old is in line to win his second straight Vezina Trophy and third of his career, but it's been a bit of a struggle for him in the playoffs the last two seasons.The Jets were eliminated in five games in the opening round against the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, and they suffered that same fate against the Colorado Avalanche last spring. Hellebuyck was in net for all 10 contests, logging a .878 clip and 4.28 goals against average.Winnipeg would square off against the Vancouver Canucks if the 2025 playoffs started today.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 20: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of Team United States looks on against Team Canada during the second period in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Game at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Jets' Hellebuyck 'absolutely' got confidence boost from 4 Nations

The New York Rangers came out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break on Saturday and promptly fell flat ...

The New York Rangers came out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break on Saturday and promptly fell flat on their faces in an 8-2 thrashing at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres."Did not expect that," star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4530" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a> said, per the <a href="https://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1893475362094391754">New York Post's Mollie Walker</a>. "We cannot start a game like at (this time) of year."The Rangers had won three of their last four contests heading into the break, but Saturday was a different story.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>New York trailed 5-0 before the buzzer sounded to end the opening frame. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a> was removed from the game after allowing five first-period goals for the first time in his career, marking his fastest pull from a contest over his NHL tenure (18:21), according to<a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1893443061230846152"> Sportsnet Stats</a>.Media requested interviews with the Shesterkin postgame, but the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner didn't come out, per <a href="https://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1893473079159881744">Walker</a>.Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette opted not to zero in on Shesterkin when asked about the netminder's performance. "There's no sense talking about any one particular individual inside of this gathering right here," he <a href="https://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1893476158362030555">said</a>. "We weren't good as a team. We got what we deserve, so."Laviolette added that he didn't know why New York played so poorly in the opening 20 minutes."It wasn't good. There was nothing that was good about the game," he <a href="https://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1893475596891570545">said</a>. "Terrible start, terrible first period. Didn't get much better from there. It was not the game we were looking for coming out of the break. That's it in a nutshell."The Rangers have a quick turnaround and face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET. Coincidentally, the Penguins surrendered eight goals Saturday against the Washington Capitals."This is not going to get us where we need to go, and we've got to digest that tonight," Laviolette said, according to <a href="https://x.com/vzmercogliano/status/1893474626996420842">USA Today's Vince Z. Mercogliano</a>. "We've got to wake up tomorrow and be a determined group."Rangers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>, meanwhile, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhQTb-Kk07I">said</a> he was happy he and his teammates would "get the chance to reset" in less than 24 hours. "I know we're gonna be better tomorrow, it just sucks right now," he said.New York is fifth in the Metropolitan Division with a 27-25-4 record. The Rangers won the Presidents' Trophy as the league's top regular-season team last campaign after recording a franchise-best 55 wins and 114 points.

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 22: Artemi Panarin #10 and Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers discuss an upcoming face off during an NHL against the Buffalo Sabres game on February 22, 2025 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Rangers' 8-2 thrashing stuns Panarin: 'Did not expect that'

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk was sidelined for Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canad...

Ottawa Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> was sidelined for Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.The Senators don't think Tkachuk's injury is serious and consider it more of a day-to-day issue, reports <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1893414554991796319">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>. Head coach Travis Green said he hopes Tkachuk will be available for Wednesday's game against the Winnipeg Jets, according to <a href="https://x.com/clahanna/status/1893501327130403036">TSN's Claire Hanna</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ottawa rolled with 11 forwards and seven defensemen against Montreal. Tkachuk's absence likely disappointed Canadiens defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10926" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10926">Arber Xhekaj</a>, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3223843" href="https://thescore.com/news/3223843">said</a> ahead of the matchup between the Atlantic Division rivals that he was eager to "butt heads" with the star forward.He was initially labeled a game-time decision for the contest. Tkachuk was outstanding for the United States during the 4 Nations Face-Off, scoring three goals and recording 22 hits in four games.The 25-year-old suffered an <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220318" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220318">injury</a> when he crashed into the net during Monday's clash against Sweden, though he played in Thursday's final against Canada.Tkachuk leads the Senators with 21 goals and ranks third on the team with 44 points in 56 contests this season.Ottawa entered Saturday's action in the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 29-23-4 record.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 3: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on February 3, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Brady Tkachuk sidelined before Senators loss to Canadiens

The March 7 trade deadline is less than two weeks away, so it's time to play matchmaker for some ...

The March 7 trade deadline is less than two weeks away, so it's time to play matchmaker for some squads hoping to make a long postseason run in the spring.Here, we look at five seamless fits that would fill a team's need while laying within the realm of possibility.Let's get into it. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Dallas Stars 🤝 David Savard</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769860/cropped_GettyImages-2198440242.jpg?ts=1739317361" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769860/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198440242.jpg?ts=1739317361 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769860/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198440242.jpg?ts=1739317361 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769860/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198440242.jpg?ts=1739317361 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769860/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198440242.jpg?ts=1739317361 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769860/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198440242.jpg?ts=1739317361 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Vitor Munhoz / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>50</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>17:46</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Dallas' deadline cap space: $4.598 million Savard's cap hit: $3.5 million (pending UFA)Savard isn't the flashiest name available, but he's a solid fit for Dallas' needs even after the club acquired Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci. The Stars could still use another right-handed option on top of Matt Dumba, Ilya Lyubushkin, and Ceci. Their depth took a hit with Nils Lundkvist's season-ending injury, so Savard could help ease the blow.Sure, Savard is 34 and has shown some warts with the Canadiens, but the Stars are a far better defensive team than Montreal, and their system should shield the veteran better. Savard isn't Chris Tanev - who Dallas has sorely missed this season - but he has a similar skill set and ranks just outside the top 10 in shot blocks (122) this campaign. Savard also has a strong leadership presence, which can help the Stars in the absence of Tyler Seguin and Miro Heiskanen.Dallas wouldn't need to take on money beyond this campaign by acquiring Savard. That isn't a bad thing given the number of key free agents on its roster. The same can't be said for fellow righties Rasmus Ristolainen (two more years, $5.1-million AAV) and Seth Jones (five more years, $9.5-million AAV). Savard also won't cost as much to acquire, which is good news for a team missing its 2025 first- and second-rounder.<h3>Edmonton Oilers 🤝 Trent Frederic</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769865/cropped_GettyImages-2193420044.jpg?ts=1739226521" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769865/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193420044.jpg?ts=1739226521 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769865/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193420044.jpg?ts=1739226521 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769865/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193420044.jpg?ts=1739226521 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769865/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193420044.jpg?ts=1739226521 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769865/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193420044.jpg?ts=1739226521 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> China Wong / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>55</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>14:01</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Edmonton's deadline cap space: $948,000 Frederic's cap hit: $2.3 million (pending UFA)Before we get into it, there are some caveats. The Oilers fortified their defense by adding John Klingberg, but it's too soon to say if he satisfies Edmonton's desire for a top-four rearguard. There also aren't a lot of difference-makers out there that work with the Oilers' limited cap space and asset pool. Up front, Evander Kane expects to play at some point this season, so Edmonton doesn't necessarily need to add a middle-six scoring option. Finally, GM Stan Bowman doesn't sound eager to make a change in net (sorry, John Gibson). That pushes us to pair the reigning Western Conference champs with a cheap yet effective option in Frederic.Standing at 6-foot-3 and 221 pounds, Frederic would add some much-needed physicality to Edmonton's bottom six, and he can line up at center or wing. He's racked up 147 hits this campaign, 29 more than Oilers leader Vasily Podkolzin. The 27-year-old can also score. Though Frederic is on pace for just 12 goals this campaign, he recorded 17 tallies in 2022-23 and 18 last season.Picture this: A line that has Corey Perry and Frederic on it in the playoffs. Does that sound fun to play against? Absolutely not.<h3>Los Angeles Kings 🤝 Rickard Rakell</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768854/cropped_GettyImages-2197024063.jpg?ts=1738682101" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768854/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197024063.jpg?ts=1738682101 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768854/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197024063.jpg?ts=1738682101 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768854/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197024063.jpg?ts=1738682101 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768854/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197024063.jpg?ts=1738682101 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768854/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197024063.jpg?ts=1738682101 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>56</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>48</td>
<td>19:11</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Los Angeles' deadline cap space: $4.498 million Rakell's cap hit: $5 million (2028 expiry)The Kings need some scoring help, stat. They've been dead last in goals per game (2.18) since Jan. 1 with a sputtering power play that's converting on just 9.1% of its chances.Luckily for L.A., it can get some aid in the form of Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rakell. If the Kings added him right now, he'd tie for the most goals on the team and lead the squad in points. The 31-year-old is also a right-handed shot, which is a plus. Only three Kings forwards are righties: Alex Laferriere (30 points), Trevor Lewis (seven points), and Akil Thomas (three points).The Penguins may not be eager to trade Rakell as they pretend to be competitive for Sidney Crosby. However, the Kings could assemble a compelling package, seeing as they have their first-round pick in the next three drafts. GM Rob Blake shouldn't be stingy in dealing those picks after watching his team fall to the Oilers in the first round three times. Bringing in Rakell would go a long way in helping L.A. avoid another early exit.<h3>Washington Capitals 🤝 Jake Evans</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764463/cropped_GettyImages-2188611250.jpg?ts=1736444944" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764463/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188611250.jpg?ts=1736444944 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764463/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188611250.jpg?ts=1736444944 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764463/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188611250.jpg?ts=1736444944 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764463/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188611250.jpg?ts=1736444944 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764463/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188611250.jpg?ts=1736444944 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>56</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>15:32</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Washington's deadline cap space: $3.65 million Evans' cap hit: $1.7 million (pending UFA)The Capitals have been a joy to watch this season, but even they aren't perfect. They should be on the hunt for a third-line center, namely to bump the 35-year-old Lars Eller further down the lineup. More than one option would fit in D.C., but we'll start with Evans, seeing as Washington was linked to the Canadiens forward at last summer's draft.The 28-year-old is on pace to establish new career highs with 16 goals and 39 points this campaign. Five of his tallies this season are game-winners, which would match Alex Ovechkin and Aliaksei Protas for the most on the Capitals. Evans is also tied for the league lead with six shorthanded points, so he'd give Washington another dangerous weapon on its fifth-ranked penalty kill (82.6%). Oh, and he's winning 52.8% of his faceoffs and 53.4% of his draws in the defensive zone this season.Ryan Donato could be another option. The forward has 19 goals and 37 points in 53 games with the Chicago Blackhawks this campaign, but he isn't used on the penalty kill, nor is he as strong on faceoffs as Evans. Donato is a pending UFA and is just a tad pricier than Evans with a $2-million cap hit, but he wouldn't break the Capitals' bank if they also wanted to add a depth defenseman.<h3>Winnipeg Jets 🤝 Brock Nelson</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764137/cropped_GettyImages-2188785549.jpg?ts=1736282064" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764137/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188785549.jpg?ts=1736282064 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764137/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188785549.jpg?ts=1736282064 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764137/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188785549.jpg?ts=1736282064 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764137/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188785549.jpg?ts=1736282064 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764137/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188785549.jpg?ts=1736282064 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mike Stobe / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>55</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>35</td>
<td>19:10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Winnipeg's deadline cap space: $12.506 million Nelson's cap hit: $6 million (pending UFA)The Jets are making a serious run for the Presidents' Trophy as the league's top regular-season team. However, there's a position they should bolster if they hope to translate that success into the playoffs.Winnipeg could use a bona fide second-line center to give it a one-two punch down the middle behind star Mark Scheifele. Adam Lowry and Vladislav Namestnikov have filled that spot admirably this season, but there's no harm in adding more depth, especially when you can land a piece like Nelson. The 33-year-old has hit the 30-goal mark in his last three campaigns, and his 20 goals and 39 points in 52 playoff games since 2020 are the most on the New York Islanders over that span.However, there's a hitch here. Nelson has a 16-team no-trade list, and Winnipeg isn't typically viewed as a top-tier destination. He's also a pending UFA. The Jets gave up plenty of picks to acquire Tyler Toffoli and Sean Monahan last year, only to lose both on the free-agent market. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff may not be in a rush to risk that again. Perhaps a center with term like Ryan O'Reilly or Scott Laughton would be more prudent. Still, Winnipeg has its 2025 first-rounder and tons of cap space to fit Nelson, assuming the Islanders want to move him. New York is in the fight for a wild-card spot, after all.(Salary source: <a href="https://puckpedia.com/">PuckPedia</a>)

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 25: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders and David Savard #58 of the Montreal Canadiens skate against each other during the third period at the Bell Centre on January 25, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the New York Islanders 4-3.

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Toronto Maple Leafs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> thinks he can glean plenty of positives from his strong performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off."Confidence. I mean, just belief, also, in a way," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/video/mitch-marner-4-nations-face-off-post-game-6369133316112">said</a> Thursday after Canada beat the United States 3-2 in overtime to win the inaugural championship. "I'll try to take (this) the rest of this season and then going forward." Marner recorded three points in the tournament, all of which came at big moments. He scored the overtime winner in Canada's first game against Sweden and recorded two assists in the final versus Team USA. The first helper came on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a>'s equalizer, and the other came on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>'s overtime tally.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 27-year-old revealed he felt some "relief" while lifting the trophy."It's something we had to earn and work through, and compete against some very high-end players," Marner said.He added, "It's cool to win something and hoist something." Marner has long faced criticism for his performance in high-pressure moments.He leads the Maple Leafs with 39 assists and 50 points in 57 playoff games since his debut season in 2016-17, but he mustered just one goal and three points during Toronto's first-round loss to the Boston Bruins last spring. He also hasn't scored a goal in <a href="https://www.mapleleafsdaily.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/one-horrible-mitch-marner-stat-that-should-not-be-overlooked-this-summer">16 instances</a> of Games 5-7 in the last five seasons and has just five assists in those matchups.Marner was enjoying a strong season before the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off and is pacing his team with 71 points (16 goals, 55 assists) in 54 outings. He's on pace to record his first-ever 100-point campaign.The Ontario native is currently playing out the final season of the six-year, $65.41-million deal he signed as a restricted free agent in 2019. Marner can become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and though he's reiterated his desire to remain in Toronto, he wasn't eager to address his contract status prior to this campaign.The Maple Leafs (33-20-2) are currently three points behind the Florida Panthers for top spot in the Atlantic Division and have two games in hand. They've won just one playoff series since 2005.Toronto will resume its regular-season schedule Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes at 7 p.m. ET.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 17: Mitchell Marner #16 of Team Canada looks on during a break in play in the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off between Team Canada and Team Finland at TD Garden on February 17, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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The 4 Nations Face-Off championship clash between Canada and the United States on Thursday night drew a total of 16.1 million viewers across North America, making it the second-most-watched hockey game in the continent in a decade, per <a href="https://x.com/PR_NHL/status/1893072567667175836">NHL PR</a>.Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers garnered 16.3 million viewers across North America.<a href="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2025/02/4-nations-face-off-canada-usa-championship-game-delivers-9-3m-viewers-espns-largest-hockey-audience-ever/">ESPN</a> averaged 9.3 million viewers in the U.S. during the 4 Nations final with a peak of 10.4 million, good for the network's largest-ever hockey audience.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>North of the border, 10.7 million Canadians - just over a quarter of the country's population - tuned into the 4 Nations final on <a href="https://x.com/SportsnetPR/status/1893024078816018857">Sportsnet</a> with a peak of 7.3 million viewers and an average of 5.7 million. It was the second-most-watched hockey game ever on the network behind only last spring's Cup-clinching game, which <a href="https://x.com/SportsnetPR/status/1805692373977960870">reached</a> 15 million Canadians with an average audience of 7.55 million.Canada <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3209593" href="https://thescore.com/news/3209593">bested</a> the United States 3-2 in overtime Thursday, with forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> winning tournament MVP.NHL players are expected to return to the Olympics one year from now after missing the previous two Games.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 20: A detailed view of a warm-up puck before the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship game between Team Canada and Team United States at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Multiple members of Team Canada acknowledged that they felt the energy of millions of fans during Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off final."Yeah, we wanted this one," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> told <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1892804845804884229">Sportsnet's Kyle Bukauskas</a> after Canada's 3-2 overtime victory over the United States. "Forty million Canadians sitting at home, you feel that energy rooting us on. The pride we have to play for our country every time we get (the chance to wear) the flag on our chest, it's a special feeling."Hockey's what we do, right? Brings us together. I'm just glad we were able to get this win."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Head coach Jon Cooper agreed with Stone's sentiment."I just hope Canada's proud, because every player in that room is proud to be a Canadian," he said. "Did we need a win? Not only our team, but Canada needed a win. And the players (carried) that on their shoulders and they took it seriously. "This one was different. This wasn't a win for themselves. This was a win for 40-plus million people. The guys knew it and they delivered."United States president Donald Trump reiterated his desire Thursday for Canada to become the 51st state, posting about it on his <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/11027203/donald-trump-4-nations-face-off-governor-trudeau/">Truth Social platform</a> prior to the game.Fans booed the U.S. anthem during the tournament's spin through Montreal, while the Canadian anthem singer in Boston <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3222374" href="https://thescore.com/news/3222374">changed the lyrics</a> in protest of Trump's remarks before the final. Canada prime minister Justin Trudeau wrote, "You can't take our country - and you can’t take our game" in a <a href="https://x.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1892793839649272278">statement</a> on X shortly after the Canadians claimed the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy."I think there were a lot of questions going into (the tournament)," Canadian captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> said when asked about Trudeau's post. "What was it going to feel like? Was it going to be an All-Star Game? What was the level going to be like as far as how were players viewing it? I think that got answered pretty quickly on the first night against Sweden."I think you saw the passion. It just continued to build and build. You saw the attention and how much it meant to people. Obviously in Canada, we have a lot of pride in being Canadian but also for hockey as well. I think our group felt that. It meant a lot that we could find a way to pull it out tonight."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> spent the tournament dealing with his fair share of naysayers, who zeroed in on Canada's crease as its biggest weakness. But he walked away feeling proud of how he and his team navigated the outside noise."As an athlete and competitor, there's always gonna be that doubt," Binnington said. "You've got to use that as motivation and find a way and believe in yourself to get the job done. Just being around these guys the last two weeks, I feel like it's elevated everyone's game. "Just how proud we are to be Canadian hockey players, just finding a way to win with everything going on, just stay with it is all I'll say."

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 20: Mark Stone #61 of Team Canada hoists the 4 Nations Face-Off Trophy after their 3-2 overtime win in the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship game between Team Canada and Team United States at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. Team Canada defeated Team United States 3-2 in overtime.

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Team USA scratched Winnipeg Jets sniper Kyle Connor for Thursday night's 4 Nations Face-Off final...

Team USA scratched Winnipeg Jets sniper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> for Thursday night's 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada.Connor leads all U.S.-born skaters with 30 goals in 56 games this season, but he was limited to one assist and one shot on goal in three games in the tournament.New York Rangers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> remained in the lineup in Connor's absence. He was a healthy scratch for Team USA's first two games but scored the Americans' only goal Monday in their 2-1 loss to Sweden when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> were sidelined.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kreider started Thursday's game on Team USA's fourth line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2089" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2089">Vincent Trocheck</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2524" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2524">Brock Nelson</a>.The United States won the first matchup against Canada 3-1 on Saturday.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 17: Kyle Connor #81 of Team United States skates during the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off between Team Sweden and Team United States at TD Garden on February 17, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Pittsburgh Penguins veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> once again made it clear that he doesn't want to play anywhere else."I know what some people say - like, I go back to Russia and play for my home team," he told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6146829/2025/02/19/evgeni-malkin-retirement-penguins/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Rob Rossi</a> on Wednesday. "But I never say it, you know? I retire with Pittsburgh. The Penguins are my team. I love this team. "When I retire, it's here."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Malkin said he'd play one game at most for his hometown club, the KHL's Metallurg Magnitogorsk, "to say goodbye" at the end of his career.The 38-year-old has one more year remaining on his current deal with a cap hit of $6.1 million, but he hasn't decided if he'll hang up the skates when it expires in 2026. Longtime teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1023" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1023">Kris Letang</a> are signed until 2027 and 2028, respectively.Malkin has chipped in with nine goals and 34 points in 47 contests this campaign, his 19th in the NHL. He ranks third in franchise history in goals (507), assists (823), and points (1,330), as well as second in games played (1,192). The future Hall of Famer has won three Stanley Cup championships with the club (2009, 2016, 2017).The Penguins made the playoffs in the first 16 seasons of Malkin's tenure, but they fell short the past two campaigns and are on track to do so again.Pittsburgh entered the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off six points outside of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 23-25-9 record. The team has a 3.4% chance of qualifying for the postseason, according to <a href="https://moneypuck.com/predictions.htm">MoneyPuck</a>. Malkin missed the Penguins' last six contests with a lower-body injury, but he confirmed Wednesday that he's ready to return, according to <a href="https://x.com/OtherNHLCrosby/status/1892261718941721067">NHL.com's Wes Crosby</a>.Pittsburgh's schedule resumes Saturday against the Washington Capitals at 3 p.m. ET.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 18: Penguins center Evgeni Geno Malkin (71) waits for a face-off during the Pittsburgh Penguins versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on January 18, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C..

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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3005" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a> hasn't formally requested a trade, but he and agent Pat Brisson have been chatting with general manager Kyle Davidson about the possibility of a move."We all know the whole story and what happened when I got here," Jones said, per the <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/02/19/seth-jones-blackhawks-nhl-trade-deadline-chance-to-win">Chicago Sun-Times' Ben Pope</a>. "I would like to give myself a chance to win in my career. I know that the money is not an easy thing to move, and that's what we're figuring out. If it happens, it happens. Obviously, while I'm here with the Blackhawks, they have my full effort (and) full attention to this team to try to get this team better."He added, "Winning games makes you feel better. It makes the team feel better. It makes your organization feel better. You have fun coming to the rink every day. That's what my goal is for this team, as long as I'm here. It could be two weeks. It could be five more years."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Teams have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3191963" href="https://thescore.com/news/3191963">reportedly</a> been calling about Jones' availability. The Blackhawks acquired Jones from the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2021 offseason in exchange for a package that included two first-round picks and a second-rounder. Chicago then signed the rearguard to a mammoth eight-year pact with an average annual value of $9.5 million and a full no-movement clause.Jones is currently playing out the third year of that pact in his fourth season in Chicago. The Blackhawks have struggled mightily during his tenure, amassing a 94-175-32 record since 2021-22. Their .365 points percentage is tied with the San Jose Sharks for the worst in the league over that span.The 30-year-old was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3189837" href="https://thescore.com/news/3189837">booed</a> by frustrated Blackhawks fans during a particularly ugly 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames in January. He said the reaction came "with the territory" of his huge contract.Jones has the fifth-highest cap hit among all defensemen this campaign, trailing only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5520">Zach Werenski</a> ($9.583 million), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7216">Rasmus Dahlin</a> ($11 million), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/560">Drew Doughty</a> ($11 million), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/864" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/864">Erik Karlsson</a> ($11.5 million).Jones has hit the 40-point mark four times and the 50-point milestone twice, including in his first season with the Blackhawks.The Texas native has six goals - including two game-winners - and 26 points in 38 appearances with Chicago this campaign while averaging 24:38 minutes of ice time per contest.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 20: Seth Jones #4 of the Chicago Blackhawks in action against the Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center on January 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Team USA has been granted permission to call Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson and New Jersey D...

Team USA has been granted permission to call Buffalo Sabres center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5611">Tage Thompson</a> and New Jersey Devils defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4501" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4501">Brett Pesce</a> to Boston in the event of injuries or illnesses ahead of Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off finale, reports <a href="https://x.com/RussoHockey/status/1892325318720942221">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>.Thompson can only enter the lineup if the U.S. has fewer than 12 healthy forwards, and Pesce can join if the team has fewer than six defensemen.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> was initially eyed as a replacement if the national team was to have another absence on the back end, but the Vancouver Canucks captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3221477" href="https://thescore.com/news/3221477">wasn't medically cleared</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9188" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9188">Jake Sanderson</a> replaced <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a> in the lineup for the United States' 2-1 loss to Sweden on Monday. McAvoy has been <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220898" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220898">ruled out</a> of Thursday's championship game against Canada due to a shoulder injury. Thompson was one of the final cuts for Team USA, according to <a href="https://x.com/emilymkaplan/status/1892325838680453269">ESPN's Emily Kaplan</a>. His 26 goals in 48 outings this season are the third most among all U.S.-born skaters, trailing only 4 Nations Face-Off teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5578" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5578">Jake Guentzel</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a>. Pesce has recorded 11 points in 48 games for the Devils this campaign while averaging 20:47 of ice time.The U.S. held captain <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> and star forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> out of Monday's matchup with the Swedes, but both <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3221380">confirmed</a> Wednesday that they'd be good to go against Canada.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> missed Wednesday's practice due to illness after getting hurt Monday, but he's also expected to play.The United States beat Canada 3-1 in the longtime rivals' first meeting at the tournament Saturday. The puck drops on the rematch at 8 p.m. ET.

EDMONTON, CANADA - JANUARY 25: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres warms up prior to the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on January 25, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Report: Thompson, Pesce on standby for Team USA 

Ludvig Aberg narrowly beat a surging Maverick McNealy for a one-stroke victory at the Genesis Inv...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5384">Ludvig Aberg</a> narrowly beat a surging <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1961" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1961">Maverick McNealy</a> for a one-stroke victory at the Genesis Invitational on Sunday.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
<th>Round 4 score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>-12</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Maverick McNealy</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>64</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Patrick Rodgers</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>71</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Patrick Cantlay</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Tommy Fleetwood</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Tony Finau</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Denny McCarthy</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>71</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>McNealy shot into contention with nine birdies through his first 13 holes. Aberg tied him with three straight birdies on his back nine before securing the win with another on the 18th hole. The victory is Aberg's second on the PGA TOUR, with his first coming at the RSM Classic in 2023. The 25-year-old Swede was a runner-up on three occasions last season, including at the Masters and BMW Championship.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was a great fight," Aberg said of his Sunday showing at Torrey Pines, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/aberg-torrey-pines-genesis-invitational-mcnealy-scheffler-484f211b13e6a3bb8b14566eb1ed63b2">The Associated Press' Doug Ferguson</a>. "I'm really proud of the way I finished. It was really cool."McNealy entered the final round five strokes back of the lead and was pleased with how he finished. "It's more than I could have asked for at the start of the day," he said. "Ludvig played awesome. I knew with that leaderboard it was going to take some great golf to get it done."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> is the host of the Genesis Invitational, but he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3215046" href="https://thescore.com/news/3215046">withdrew</a> after the death of his mother, Kultida.

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Ludvig Åberg of Sweden reacts after making birdie on the 15th green during the final round of The Genesis Invitational 2025 at Torrey Pines Golf Course on February 16, 2025 in La Jolla, California.

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Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley got the green light to join Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Of...

Dallas Stars defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8659">Thomas Harley</a> got the green light to join Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1890444367111831601">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a> on Friday.Daly said the league and the NHLPA agreed Harley can be with the squad in case <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> is unable to play against the United States on Saturday night. Makar missed Friday's practice due to illness.Canada head coach Jon Cooper is optimistic about Makar's availability.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Expect is a big word, but I'm confident," he said, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1890450409849852153">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>. "I'm confident he'll be there."It was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6135565/2025/02/13/thomas-harley-4-nations-canada-injury-sub/">reported</a> Thursday that Harley was already on standby and was scheduled to travel to Boston on Friday in the wake of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a>'s tournament-ending injury.Canada will play one more game in Montreal - Saturday's showdown against the U.S. - before heading to Boston for the rest of the tournament.Theodore suffered an <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3216976" href="https://thescore.com/news/3216976">apparent wrist injury</a> in the second period of Canada's 4-3 overtime victory over Sweden on Wednesday and is considered week-to-week. Philadelphia Flyers rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4175" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4175">Travis Sanheim</a> is set to enter the lineup in Theodore's absence, but Canada no longer has a spare blue-liner on its roster. Squads could only bring one extra player at each position, totaling 20 skaters and three goalies.Initially, the 4 Nations teams could only add new players if there were fewer than 18 healthy skaters or two able netminders remaining on their rosters, but that rule has been adjusted in light of Canada's jam. "We have told them they can identify and notify a player that he would be next up," Daly told The Athletic. "But they know they have to play with the six (defensemen) they have left until they drop below that."Can't add anyone to the team or have him participate in any team activities until that happens."Harley has amassed nine goals and 29 points in 53 games so far this campaign while averaging 22:39 minutes of ice time per contest. He's also a team-leading plus-26, and he's been seeing 25 minutes per game since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a> was injured Jan. 28.The 23-year-old helped Canada win silver at the 2021 World Junior Championship.

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 14: Dallas Stars Defenceman Thomas Harley (55) skates with the puck during the NHL regular season game between the Dallas Stars and the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 14, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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For Finland forward Patrik Laine, being labeled the underdogs at the 4 Nations Face-Off is nothin...

For Finland forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5587" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5587">Patrik Laine</a>, being labeled the underdogs at the 4 Nations Face-Off is nothing new for his country on the international stage."I feel like we're always doubted," the Montreal Canadiens sniper <a href="https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/video/pregame-vs-usa-laine-6368769463112">said</a>. "I don't think anybody in that locker room really cares what you guys are saying. We know what we can do out there, and nothing better than proving people wrong. We like to do that, so I think we're happy where we're at."Finland begins play Thursday night in Montreal against the Americans, who many consider the favorites to win the tournament.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Though the Finns are in for a tough fight, Laine hopes they'll have the support of the Bell Centre crowd. Fans heartily <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3217543" href="https://thescore.com/news/3217543">booed</a> Toronto Maple Leafs and Team USA captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> when he took to the ice during the opening ceremony on Wednesday, which didn't surprise Laine at all."Yeah, of course, that's how it goes here," Laine said. "I'm pretty confident they'll be on our side. ... I'm not too worried about it."U.S. defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a> agreed with Laine and isn't expecting a warm welcome for his team in Montreal."I played here in (the 2017 world juniors), I've played here twice a year since I've been in (the league) in Montreal," the Boston Bruins rearguard <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/4-nations-raw-charlie-mcavoy-6368773479112">said</a>. "It's a hostile rink. They don't like us. I can't say I've ever been here and been cheered for. It's always like that.""It kinda feels like us against the world and that's fine by me," McAvoy added, per <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1890154663720415293">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. Laine, meanwhile, is hopeful Finland can rebound from its eighth-place finish at the World Cup of Hockey in 2016. The 26-year-old was held without a point in three appearances at that event. "It'll be a fun night for sure. We've all been expecting and waiting for this for a while now," he said. "The last time we had best-on-best it definitely didn't go so well for us. I think we all kind of want to change that and have a better tournament."Just gotta fire up the crowd early." Laine has had no problem bringing the Bell Centre to its feet in his first season as a Hab. He scored in his season debut - which was delayed until early December because of a knee injury - and has racked up 12 goals and 18 points in 28 outings.

MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 11: Patrik Laine #92 of Finland takes questions during media day ahead of the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at the Bell Centre on February 11, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Finland's underdog status doesn't faze Laine: 'We're always doubted'

Team Canada and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore will miss the remainder of the 4 Na...

Team Canada and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a> will miss the remainder of the 4 Nations Face-Off after sustaining an apparent wrist injury in the tournament opener against Sweden on Wednesday.The Golden Knights said Thursday that Theodore is expected to be week-to-week. Vegas doesn't play again until Feb. 22 against the Vancouver Canucks."Heartbreaking for the kid," head coach Jon Cooper said, per <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1889900847104143759">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Theodore was hurt while bracing for a hit from Swedish forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4520">Adrian Kempe</a> along the boards early in the second period. He didn't return to the contest.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LaX5Mgg8Gg4?si=MM13gCIS_1b64HDD" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>The 29-year-old saw almost seven minutes of ice time before getting hurt. Canada held a 2-0 lead when he exited the game. Philadelphia Flyers blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4175" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4175">Travis Sanheim</a> was scratched as Canada's extra defenseman for Wednesday's contest. The squad won't be able to add another rearguard unless there are fewer than 18 healthy skaters on the roster, according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1889877169675161926">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>. Canada entered the 4 Nations Face-Off with 20 skaters.Theodore's Golden Knights teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a> pulled out of the tournament after Canada selected him in order to tend to an injury of his own.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - FEBRUARY 12: Shea Theodore #27 of Team Canada skates back on defense during the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between Canada and Sweden at Bell Centre on February 12, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Canada's Theodore out for tournament after injury vs. Sweden

Canada thwarted Sweden's comeback attempt with a 4-3 overtime victory to open the 4 Nations Face-...

Canada thwarted Sweden's comeback attempt with a 4-3 overtime victory to open the 4 Nations Face-Off on Wednesday night.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> scored the game-winner in the extra frame, but captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> led the way for the Canadians with three assists. The performance was his seventh multi-point outing when representing his home country, per <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1889873700704624753">Sportsnet Stats</a>."(Crosby) will go down as the greatest player to ever wear the Canadian jersey," national team coach Jon Cooper said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/EricEngels/status/1889901485187846425">Sportsnet's Eric Engels</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Crosby's first helper was a slick behind-the-back feed to fellow Nova Scotian <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> on the power play just 56 seconds into the game. He then held off Swedish defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9416">Gustav Forsling</a> to set up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> in the middle stanza before assisting on Marner's overtime tally."Insane," Marner said of Crosby's performance. "It's crazy, just watching him, being on his team, just seeing the work ethic, everything he does. Its insane, that Stone goal, what he did on that play was insane. That's why he's a top player in the world." He added: "You tell 10-year-old Mitch that he scored an overtime goal assisted by Sidney Crosby, the guy he's looked up to since Day 1, yeah, it's pretty crazy. I'm sure my family's going to be very excited about that one."Crosby was named the first star of the game and fans at the Bell Centre showed their appreciation by chanting his name. "Special, the atmosphere, played in this building many times in the playoffs, but tonight, it was pretty cool," he told <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1889894912856043663">Sportsnet's Kyle Bukauskas</a> after the matchup. "Just an unbelievable game, unbelievable skill and talent out there. It was some great hockey."Canada has now <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1889817383814176990">won 26 straight games</a> across all international competitions with Crosby in the lineup since Feb. 21, 2010, which was a preliminary clash at the Vancouver Olympics. The first period of Wednesday's showdown belonged to the Canadians. They outshot the Swedes 7-3 and held a 6-0 edge in high-danger chances, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=90001">Natural Stat Trick</a>. Sweden wasn't credited with a shot on goal until 17:16 in, four minutes after Canada made it 2-0 off a goal from <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>, which electrified the Bell Centre crowd. It was a change of pace for the Boston Bruins forward, who is used to being booed in Montreal. "I heard a few boos out there still, but it's incredible the way that Canada rallies behind the team," he told <a href="https://x.com/NHL_On_TNT/status/1889860404475486316">NHL Network's Jackie Redmond</a> during the first intermission. "You feel so much love and emotion. You can see how excited they are out there, so it's fun to be out there." It didn't take long for Sweden to quiet the crowd, though. Defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2600">Jonas Brodin</a> got his team on the board in the second, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4520">Adrian Kempe</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5684">Joel Eriksson Ek</a> knotted the game up at three before the halfway point of the third period.Stone revealed that Crosby helped settle the team down after Sweden came back. "It's special, man, the way he goes about his business, the way he can calm a bench down," Stone told the <a href="https://x.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1889896179414212653">NHL on TNT</a> panel. "Obviously we get the 3-1 lead going into the third, we kind of give it away there, but he calms things down, has that presence. He's still playing at a crazy-high level at his age. He's been doing it for what, 20 years? God, I don't see him slowing down any time soon."Swedish goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9896" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9896">Filip Gustavsson</a> made an incredible sprawling save on defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5553">Devon Toews</a> to help force overtime. He turned aside 24 shots in the loss. At the other end of the ice, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> made 23 saves on 26 shots, including some big game-saving stops in overtime.Canada earned two of a possible three points with the victory, but it came at a cost.Rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3216976" href="https://thescore.com/news/3216976">departed</a> the game in the second period with an apparent wrist injury, so his team had to play with five defensemen for more than half the contest.The Canadians will take on the United States on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.

MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 12: Mark Stone #61 of Team Canada (c) celebrates his goal against Team Sweden at 17:28 of the second period and is joined by Nathan MacKinnon #29 (l) and Sidney Crosby #87 (r) in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at Bell Centre on February 12, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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