St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said his choice to fire head coach Drew Bannister ...

St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said his choice to fire head coach Drew Bannister stemmed almost entirely from the sudden clearing of Jim Montgomery's schedule."When I woke up Wednesday morning, there was no inclination to make a coaching change," he revealed during Sunday's <a href="https://www.nhl.com/blues/video/armstrong-on-coaching-change-6365129886112">press conference</a>. "When I talked to Drew today, I told him this was more of a decision based on the availability of someone I think is a top NHL coach," Armstrong continued. "Someone that we have experience with, someone I really do believe can coach this team and also coach the team when it reaches its ultimate level of competitiveness." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Montgomery was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133503" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133503">fired</a> by the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, but he was only out of a job for five days. He was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3138324" href="https://thescore.com/news/3138324">scooped up</a> by the Blues on Sunday. St. Louis signed the 2023 Jack Adams Award winner to a five-year deal.Bannister finished last season as interim bench boss of the Blues and was just 22 games into the two-year extension he signed in May. This was his first-ever head coaching gig at the NHL level."The situation that we were in, a young coach learning, learning with young players, it wasn't an easy situation for (Bannister) to walk into," Armstrong said. "I thought he did a good job. He was making mistakes. We were all making mistakes and that's how you get better." The executive added that he was "more than prepared to go through the peaks and valleys" with Bannister, but he ultimately felt hiring Montgomery was "the right thing" for the franchise."We have our work to do, we have a lot of things that Jim has to get organized to his satisfaction, and we're ready to move ahead," Armstrong said. Montgomery is the Blues' third coach in less than a year after the team fired Craig Berube last December, but Armstrong said he's "quite confident" this will be his last time hosting a press conference of this nature. St. Louis <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2926242" href="https://thescore.com/news/2926242">announced</a> in June that Alex Steen will be succeeding Armstrong as general manager beginning in 2026. Despite the Blues' big-ticket hiring, Armstrong isn't about to stray from his retooling plan. "Our vision of where we're at has not changed. ... Bringing in Monty today doesn't put (top prospects <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13837" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13837">Dalibor Dvorsky</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/12737" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/12737">Jimmy Snuggerud</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13836" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13836">Theo Lindstein</a>, and Otto Stenberg) any closer to playing," he said. "That comes with maturity. What it does is gives us a really good coach for today and for tomorrow."Montgomery will speak to the media Monday.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 31: Head coach Jim Montgomery of the Boston Bruins looks on during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on October 31, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Armstrong: Bannister firing based on sudden availability of Montgomery

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is remaining tight-lipped about the status of ...

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is remaining tight-lipped about the status of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a>'s contract negotiations, but the executive has been impressed by the star winger this season."Everybody knows what I think of Mitch," he told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5942287/2024/11/24/brad-treliving-maple-leafs-interview/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. "Those things will get dealt with at the right time. But he's playing as well as anyone in the league right now, in my opinion."Marner can become an unrestricted free agent next summer upon the expiry of his six-year, $65.41-million contract and has been eligible to sign a new extension since July 1. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3078702" href="https://thescore.com/news/3078702">said</a> before the beginning of the campaign that he's open to negotiating in-season with the "goal" of staying in Toronto, but neither he or Treliving have an appetite for making their talks public. Marner is enjoying a strong start to his contract year, leading the Maple Leafs with 20 assists and 26 points in 20 outings while averaging 21:36 minutes of ice time. Treliving is particularly impressed with how the forward has stepped up during <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>' absence. Marner has logged four goals and 12 points to help the Leafs go 6-1 in seven games without the reigning Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner in the mix."I don't think Mitch gets enough credit for how good he is," he said. "Like, we all see Mitch as an offensive player, and he's elite with his brain, his skill, his ability to drive play. With Auston out, to me he's put the team on his back a little bit here."Treliving added, "He recognizes - especially in this situation, where we are going through injuries with a lot of offensive players out - he's got to take on more."Matthews, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2576">Calle Jarnkrok</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6397">David Kampf</a>, and the suspended <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> were all out of the lineup for Wednesday's 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> joined Toronto's list of unavailable players after exiting that contest with an upper-body injury. He's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3136187" href="https://thescore.com/news/3136187">ruled out</a> of Sunday's clash with Utah.The Maple Leafs were struggling with center depth even before the injuries started piling up. Rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12711" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12711">Fraser Minten</a> served as the third-line center against the Golden Knights, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11027" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11027">Pontus Holmberg</a> was moved to second-line pivot."I don't think it’s crazy talk to say that’s an area that we’ll try to address," Treliving said. "Trying to find the right fit, trying to find the right player, and then is it better than what you have right now?"Toronto currently sits in first place of the Atlantic Division with a 12-6-2 record and .650 points percentage.

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his game winning goal against the Edmonton Oilers in overtime at the Scotiabank Arena on November 16, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Treliving: Marner 'playing as well as anyone in the league right now'

The St. Louis Blues fired head coach Drew Bannister and replaced him with Jim Montgomery, the tea...

The St. Louis Blues fired head coach Drew Bannister and replaced him with Jim Montgomery, the team announced Sunday. Montgomery was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133503" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133503">removed</a> from his post as bench boss of the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. The Blues signed Montgomery to a five-year extension. He has experience with St. Louis after serving the club as an assistant coach for two seasons in 2020-21 and 2021-22.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bannister was hired on an interim basis after the Blues fired Craig Berube last December. They closed out the campaign with a 30-19-5 record and a .602 points percentage under Bannister's direction but missed the playoffs by six points.St. Louis removed Bannister's interim tag and signed him to a two-year extension in May. The Blues have struggled to start the 2024-25 season and sit in sixth place of the Central Division with a 9-12-1 record and .432 points percentage. They suffered a pair of 8-1 losses - one to the Ottawa Senators and the other to the Washington Capitals - in a two-week span.Bannister's last game was Saturday's 3-1 defeat to the New York Islanders.Injuries have been part of the problem. Star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6443" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6443">Robert Thomas</a> missed 12 games with a fractured ankle, while defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8601">Philip Broberg</a> remains out with the apparent leg injury he suffered in early November. St. Louis last made the playoffs in 2022, when it advanced to the second round before being eliminated by the Colorado Avalanche. Montgomery was in the midst of his third season in Beantown and piloted the team to a 120-41-23 record during his tenure. He won the Jack Adams Award as the league's best head coach in 2023 after helping the Bruins set all-time records for most wins (65) and points (135) in a single season.Despite his dazzling regular-season results, Boston was unable to make a deep playoff run under Montgomery, and its season ended at the hands of the Florida Panthers in back-to-back years.The Bruins moved on from Montgomery after starting the campaign with an 8-9-3 mark. Montgomery also served as head coach of the Dallas Stars for parts of two seasons beginning in 2018-19. He was let go from the team in December 2019 for unprofessional conduct and entered rehab for alcohol abuse in January. The Blues hired Montgomery as assistant coach eight months later.St. Louis will take on the New York Rangers on Monday. Montgomery is set to serve his first game as bench boss of the Blues just seven days after his last with the Bruins, the second-shortest period between in-season coaching jobs, per <a href="https://x.com/PR_NHL/status/1860762203286069716">NHL PR</a>.

MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 11: Interim head coach of the St. Louis Blues Drew Bannister, handles bench duties during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on February 11, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The St. Louis Blues defeated the Montreal Canadiens 7-2.

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Blues fire coach Bannister, hire Montgomery 

Sidney Crosby accomplished another major milestone by becoming the 21st player in NHL history to ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> accomplished another major milestone by becoming the 21st player in NHL history to score 600 career goals.The Pittsburgh Penguins captain reached the mark with a power-play tally against the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday night.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Welcome to the 600-goal club, Sidney Crosby! 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/dgLcw6PyNu">pic.twitter.com/dgLcw6PyNu</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1860494398296862967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"To be able to do it at home and have another memory with so many others, family here, it's special. Happy to see it go in," Crosby said at intermission, per <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1860503685282865179">Sportsnet</a>. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The future Hall of Famer and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> (868) are the only active players with at least 600 goals under their belts. Nashville Predators forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1152">Steven Stamkos</a> is closest among the rest with 562 career tallies.Crosby <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3097225" href="https://thescore.com/news/3097225">became</a> the 10th player ever to hit 1,600 points earlier this season. He's in pursuit of his 20th point-per-game campaign, which would establish an NHL record.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A sensational talent. A committed leader. A player that changed the game forever. Congratulations on 600 goals, Captain! <a href="https://t.co/NAOFS4TN26">pic.twitter.com/NAOFS4TN26</a>— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) <a href="https://twitter.com/penguins/status/1860501730716451172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 37-year-old <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/NHL/status/1860504039495991783">joined</a> Wayne Gretzky as the only players in NHL history with at least 600 goals, 1,600 points, three Stanley Cup championships, and two Conn Smythe Trophy wins. Crosby is showing no signs of slowing down, but he still has plenty of work to do to catch Mario Lemieux in the Penguins' record books.Lemieux is the franchise's all-time leader in goals (690) and points (1,723), as well as assists (1,033), but Crosby came into Saturday just 17 helpers away from passing him.Crosby is under contract through the 2026-27 campaign. The Penguins inked him to a two-year extension with an $8.7-million cap hit this past offseason. He's appeared in 1,295 career NHL games, all with Pittsburgh.It was a night to forget for Pittsburgh despite Crosby's achievement, as Utah took the contest 6-1 thanks to four unanswered goals. The defeat dropped the Penguins to 7-12-4 on the season.

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 31: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates during the game against the Anaheim Ducks at PPG PAINTS Arena on October 31, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Crosby becomes 21st player in NHL history to score 600 goals

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed forward Alex Nylander to a one-year contract worth a prorated $775...

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5593">Alex Nylander</a> to a one-year contract worth a prorated $775,000 and recalled him from the AHL, the team announced Friday.It's a one-way deal, per <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1860062177065074833">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>. Nylander would need to clear waivers before being sent back to the AHL.Toronto placed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> on injured reserve retroactive to Nov. 20 in a corresponding move.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nylander joined the organization in July after signing a one-year AHL pact with the Toronto Marlies. He's since put up eight goals and 12 points in 14 contests.The 26-year-old appeared in 28 NHL outings last season, split between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Blue Jackets. He potted 11 goals and 15 points, all of which came during his 23-game stint in Columbus. That production equates to a 39-goal pace over a full campaign.Nylander has amassed 25 goals and 49 points in 121 career NHL games. The Buffalo Sabres selected him eighth overall at the 2016 NHL Draft.He appeared in a career-high 65 games with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019-2020.Alex is the younger brother of Maple Leafs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a>. The two were linemates at the 2016 World Juniors before William was knocked out of the tournament with an injury. Toronto is set to host Utah on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

OTTAWA, ON - SEPTEMBER 24: Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Alex Nylander (92) keeps eyes on the play during third period National Hockey League preseason action between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators on September 24, 2024, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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Maple Leafs sign Alex Nylander to 1-year contract

The Chicago Blackhawks may have pulled off a 3-1 win against the defending Stanley Cup champions ...

The Chicago Blackhawks may have pulled off a 3-1 win against the defending Stanley Cup champions Thursday night, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a>'s offensive slump continued."I could name 100 things," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/video/bedard-on-current-performance-6365059691112">said</a> Friday when asked what he could do better. "I don't know, man. It's been frustrating, for sure. I just don't feel like I'm really doing anything. Keep chipping away at it, I guess, and hopefully I'll find my game again."Bedard hasn't scored a goal in 11 straight games, and he's been held without a point eight times over that span.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It's been a tough stretch," he said. "You just feel like you don't have it, or whatever. You lose a bit of confidence."He and new linemates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3928" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3928">Jason Dickinson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7663" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7663">Joey Anderson</a> didn't generate a single shot on goal during Thursday's victory over the Florida Panthers, while Bedard didn't record a shot attempt, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20313">Natural Stat Trick</a>.However, Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson saw a lot to like about Bedard's performance."He played a good game," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/video/richardson-on-win-over-panthers-6365033673112">said</a>. "I thought he back-checked really hard to basically even up a 2-on-1 in the second period. ... We didn't get him here to be a defensive specialist, but the responsibility of playing against good lines, it comes first."Richardson added: "It just didn't bounce for him for the offensive side of things tonight, but he did everything right on the defensive side of the game against one of the top centermen in the league, playing against (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a>'s) line."Bedard paces Chicago with 15 points in 20 games, but he's only scored three times.Offense has been tough to come by for the Blackhawks in general. They rank 30th in the league in goals per game (2.35), and they've also scored the third-fewest goals at five-on-five (30).Richardson has resorted to mixing up his lines in an attempt to spark his group. Bedard has been placed with usual bottom-six staples Dickinson and Anderson for the past two games, but he's also skated alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/860" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/860">Nick Foligno</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3291" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3291">Teuvo Teravainen</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7738" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7738">Philipp Kurashev</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6950" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6950">Ryan Donato</a> this season. Bedard thinks there's a lot he can learn from Dickinson and Anderson. "I'm not doing much offensively at all, so I've got to find a different way to be productive," he said. "That was obviously different for me, but it was good to do that." Chicago is currently second last in the league with a 7-12-1 record.

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 21: Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on during the second period against the Florida Panthers on November, 21, 2024 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

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Bedard frustrated: 'I could name 100 things' I could do better

San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini's NHL career may just be beginning, but he still expects...

San Jose Sharks rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a>'s NHL career may just be beginning, but he still expects more from himself in the shootout. "I'm letting my team down here," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/Sheng_Peng/status/1859815512798265833">NBC Sports' Sheng Peng</a>. "I haven't scored on the shootout yet. I know I can do better and be there for my team when they're relying on me to score in that shootout. I'm 0-for-3 right now, so I'm not happy with it."The 18-year-old's harsh self-review came after the Sharks' 3-2 shootout loss to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. Celebrini tried to get <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> to bite with some quick puck movement, but the goaltender made the stop. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Celebrini similarly tried to out-deke Philadelphia Flyers netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10808" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10808">Samuel Ersson</a> during his first-ever shootout attempt earlier in November. He attempted to go five-hole on Pittsburgh Penguins goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4130" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4130">Alex Nedeljkovic</a> two games later, but to no avail. The Sharks haven't won in the shootout yet this season. Celebrini is contributing to San Jose in plenty of other ways. He recorded his third multi-point outing of the season against the Blues, won four straight faceoffs with the goalie pulled, and made a key stop in the final minutes of regulation before the Sharks scored the equalizer with nine seconds remaining.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HOW ABOUT THIS DIVING EFFORT FROM CELEBRINI 💪 This game doesn't get to overtime without him. <a href="https://t.co/2uRKOkEImg">pic.twitter.com/2uRKOkEImg</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1859804519716049130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"It's obviously an important part of the 6-on-5 (game) in crucial situations," head coach Ryan Warsofsky <a href="https://www.nhl.com/sharks/video/postgame-at-stl-11-21-warsofsky-6365031044112">said</a> of Celebrini's work between the dots. "But I think the more important part of the whole 6-on-5 was his effort to come back and save the game."Celebrini is up to four goals and seven points in 10 outings while averaging almost 20 minutes of ice time per contest. He scored the first overtime winner of his career Monday against the Detroit Red Wings to snap San Jose's three-game winless streak.After recording a goal and an assist in his NHL debut back in October, he missed the next 12 games with a suspected hip injury. The Sharks selected him with the first overall pick at the 2024 NHL Draft.San Jose is 29th in the league with a 6-11-5 record.

ST. LOUIS, MO - NOVEMBER 21: Jordan Binnington #50 of the St. Louis Blues blocks a shot from Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks in a shoot out on November 21, 2024 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Celebrini unhappy with his shootout performance: 'Letting my team down'

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies has been ruled out for Sunday's clash against Utah, head...

Toronto Maple Leafs winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> has been ruled out for Sunday's clash against Utah, head coach Craig Berube announced, according to <a href="https://x.com/nickbarden/status/1860010206954160151">The Hockey News' Nick Barden</a>.Berube added that Knies is improving, but the bench boss still doesn't have a timeline for when he might return."If he keeps progressing in the right direction, then a possibility down the road here soon," Berube said. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Knies exited Toronto's 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday with an upper-body injury after taking a crushing hit from defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7390" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7390">Zach Whitecloud</a>. The rearguard was initially given a five-minute major, but the penalty was rescinded after a review. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Zach Whitecloud catches Matthew Knies with a high hit. <a href="https://t.co/9DaenOV3zZ">pic.twitter.com/9DaenOV3zZ</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1859415450586583120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>His absence is another blow to the Maple Leafs' forward group, which was also without <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2576">Calle Jarnkrok</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6397">David Kampf</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> against the Golden Knights.Reinforcements might be on the way, though, as Domi is eligible to come back to the lineup Sunday. Berube didn't rule out his return for Toronto's next match, per <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1860009310513934434">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. Knies has registered eight goals and 12 points in 20 games this season. Toronto selected the 6-foot-3 power forward in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft, and he's since amassed 48 points in 103 career outings.

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 24: Matthew Knies #23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the St. Louis Blues at Scotiabank Arena on October 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Knies ruled out for Sunday vs. Utah, no return timeline

The Vegas Golden Knights signed forward Brett Howden to a five-year extension with an average ann...

The Vegas Golden Knights signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5612">Brett Howden</a> to a five-year extension with an average annual value of $2.5 million, the team announced Friday.Howden was set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season upon the expiry of his current two-year, $3.8-million pact. He inked that deal as a restricted free agent in July 2023.The 26-year-old has eight goals - all of which came at even strength - and one assist in 20 appearances so far this season while averaging a career-high 15:07 minutes of ice time per contest.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Howden is in the midst of his fourth season in Vegas after being traded to the team by the New York Rangers during the 2021 offseason. He chipped in with five goals and 10 points in 22 playoff games while helping the Golden Knights capture their first Stanley Cup championship in 2023.Howden was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning with the 27th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft and has amassed 47 goals and 110 points in 371 career NHL games.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 28: Brett Howden #21 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates during the third period against the Calgary Flames at T-Mobile Arena on October 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Golden Knights re-sign Howden to 5-year extension

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has a fracture in his left fibula and will likely requi...

Washington Capitals captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> has a fracture in his left fibula and will likely require four-to-six weeks to recover, the team announced Thursday.The Capitals listed Ovechkin as week-to-week Tuesday after he suffered the ailment Monday following a collision with Utah forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11032" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11032">Jack McBain</a>. Washington placed Ovechkin on injured reserve Wednesday.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Alex Ovechkin is slow to get up after colliding knee-to-knee with Jack McBain. <a href="https://t.co/gQNOiDMcPR">pic.twitter.com/gQNOiDMcPR</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1858728676650614876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 39-year-old was in the midst of a hot start to the campaign with 15 goals through 18 games. He scored 31 tallies all last season. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ovechkin is just 27 goals away from claiming the all-time record from Wayne Gretzky. The Great One lit the lamp 894 times in 1,487 career games, while the Great Eight has 868 tallies under his belt in 1,444 outings. Capitals teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> said Wednesday that Ovechkin's absence is a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3134295" href="https://thescore.com/news/3134295">"letdown"</a> for the hockey world now that the sniper's chase is on hold.Washington played its first game without Ovechkin on Thursday in a 2-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. The Capitals own the fourth-best points percentage (.711) in the league.

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 08: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Capital One Arena on November 08, 2024 in Washington, DC.

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Ovechkin expected to miss 4-6 weeks with broken fibula

Darnell Nurse sounded off on the hit from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves that's sideline...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> sounded off on the hit from Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> that's sidelined the Edmonton Oilers defenseman since Saturday."In situations like that, there's definitely an onus on the player with the puck to be aware of where everyone else is on the ice, for sure," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/raw-nurse-11-21-24-6365008596112">told</a> reporters Thursday. "With that said, even if you put yourself in a bad spot, there's lots of body on a 6-foot-4 hockey player to hit, and not one piece was touched other than the head."You can argue about the intent, but there's certain guys in the league that, each shift they go out there, they try and go inflict pain. I think it's pretty obvious what was going on there." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The hit occurred in the second period of the Oilers' 4-3 overtime loss. Nurse was bloodied on the play and subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Reaves was suspended five games for an illegal check to the head Sunday.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ryan Reaves receives a 5-minute match penalty for this hit on Darnell Nurse. <a href="https://t.co/hVZN9FJpRY">pic.twitter.com/hVZN9FJpRY</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1857956894414885353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Nurse conceded he may not have been "aware enough" of his surroundings before the hit but restated that it was also Reaves' responsibility to keep it clean."It's one thing if my head is between my knees, but I was in a skating posture," he said. "You're elevating at that point to hit someone in the head." Nurse added that he's feeling "good," and that Reaves apologized to him afterward.Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3132357" href="https://thescore.com/news/3132357">said</a> Monday that Nurse was expected to miss 5-10 days. Edmonton will next play the Minnesota Wild on Thursday and the New York Rangers on Saturday, which falls within Nurse's recovery timeline. However, nothing has been confirmed."With these things, the timeline's kinda up to multiple people," the rearguard said. "What I feel sometimes isn't indicative of what's gonna happen, so we'll see." Edmonton lost its first game without him in the lineup but beat the Ottawa Senators 5-2 on Tuesday. Nurse, 29, is in the midst of his 11th season with the Oilers. He's logged nine points in 18 games while averaging 20:49 minutes of ice time per contest.

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 16: Darnell Nurse #25 of the Edmonton Oilers is helped off the ice following a hit from Ryan Reaves #75 of the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on November 16, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Nurse: Obvious Reaves was looking to 'inflict pain' on hit

The Nashville Predators are looking to acquire a top-four defenseman with "a bit of term," report...

The Nashville Predators are looking to acquire a top-four defenseman with "a bit of term," reports <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/32-thoughts-why-the-bruins-fired-jim-montgomery-and-whats-next/">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.General manager Barry Trotz already <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3107246" href="https://thescore.com/news/3107246">revealed his intentions</a> to land a center in late October, though he acknowledged the trade market was cold at that point in the season.The Predators are off to an abysmal 6-11-3 start to the campaign, falling well short of their lofty expectations after a busy summer. Trotz landed wingers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1152">Steven Stamkos</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2870" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2870">Jonathan Marchessault</a>, as well as rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4511" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4511">Brady Skjei</a>, but it's been slow going for each new addition.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nashville sits 31st in the league with a .375 points percentage, ahead of only the Chicago Blackhawks. The Preds own a minus-18 goal differential and have been outscored 45-21 at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php">Natural Stat Trick</a>.The struggling squad has used seven defensemen so far this season, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5602" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5602">Dante Fabbro</a> has since been claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Here's how the Predators' blue line has predominantly lined up:<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LD</th>
<th>RD</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Brady Skjei</td>
<td>Roman Josi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeremy Lauzon</td>
<td>Alexandre Carrier</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marc Del Gaizo</td>
<td>Luke Schenn</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Each defenseman is under contract for at least one more season after this one, aside from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10982" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10982">Del Gaizo</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1663" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1663">Josi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4511" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4511">Skjei</a> have three more years remaining on their pacts.Nashville has three 2025 first-round picks, but Trotz hasn't shown a willingness to move them, according to Friedman.Trotz <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3120104" href="https://thescore.com/news/3120104">threatened</a> to start his "rebuild plan" in early November if the Predators didn't turn things around. They've gone 2-4-2 since he made those comments.Nashville will host the league-leading Winnipeg Jets on Saturday.

NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 18: Alexandre Carrier #45 and Roman Josi #59 of the Nashville Predators prepare for a face-off against the Vancouver Canucks during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on January 18, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Report: Predators seeking top-4 defenseman with 'a bit of term'

Matthew Knies is still being evaluated after being injured by a high hit during Wednesday's conte...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> is still being evaluated after being injured by a high hit during Wednesday's contest, but Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said the winger is doing better. "Not bad," he said Thursday when asked about Knies' condition, according to <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1859648069895324147">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. Berube added, "(He's) actually feeling OK today, which is good news."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Vegas Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7390" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7390">Zach Whitecloud</a> trucked the Leafs winger with <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3134755/knights-whitecloud-injures-leafs-knies-with-high-hit">a big hit</a> in the second period of Toronto's 3-0 win. The rearguard was initially handed a five-minute major before having it rescinded after a review.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Zach Whitecloud catches Matthew Knies with a high hit. <a href="https://t.co/9DaenOV3zZ">pic.twitter.com/9DaenOV3zZ</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1859415450586583120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Knies exited the contest and was later <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3134755" href="https://thescore.com/news/3134755">ruled out</a> with an upper-body injury.Berube chose his words carefully when asked about the hit immediately after the game but elaborated more Thursday."It’s a hockey hit," he <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1859649044311834656">said</a>. "It's been around forever … It's a clean hit. It's a tough play. He's in a vulnerable position a little bit. The guy was on him from behind and it's a tough play. It is, but it's hockey. That's part of the game."Maple Leafs defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9758" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9758">Simon Benoit</a>, who mixed it up with Whitecloud in retaliation for the hit, didn't seem to agree with Berube's assessment. "I think his feet were off the ice when he hit Kniesy right to the head, so I had to go in there and just protect my teammate," he <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1859658205577756689">said</a>. "It was just not a good hit ... I don't think it's a good call." Knies suffered a concussion during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs and missed the last three games of the Maple Leafs' second-round series against the Florida Panthers. Toronto was already without forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3007" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2576" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2576">Calle Jarnkrok</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6397" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6397">David Kampf</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> versus Vegas.Berube said Matthews' recent trip to Germany to address his upper-body injury was a success.“Everything went well," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/DaveAMcCarthy/status/1859648821250359701">NHL.com's Dave McCarthy</a>. "He's actually improving and in a really good spot right now going forward, so we are very happy with that."Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133555" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133555">told reporters</a> Tuesday that Matthews might return Sunday against Utah but added that next week's Florida trip was more likely.

TORONTO, ON- NOVEMBER 20 - Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) lays on the ice after getting checked by Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud (2) as Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit (2) steps in and Vegas Golden Knights right wing Keegan Kolesar (55) and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Conor Timmins (25) tangle in second period action as the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Vegas Golden Knights at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. November 20, 2024.

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Berube: Knies 'feeling OK' after 'clean hit' by Whitecloud

Yaroslav Askarov will make his San Jose Sharks debut Thursday night when they take on the St. Lou...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9205" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9205">Yaroslav Askarov</a> will make his San Jose Sharks debut Thursday night when they take on the St. Louis Blues, the team announced.The promising 22-year-old netminder has posted six wins, a .939 save percentage, 1.92 goals against average, and two shutouts in nine appearances for the AHL's San Jose Barracuda this season. San Jose acquired Askarov, forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14047" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14047">Nolan Burke</a>, and a 2025 third-round draft pick from the Nashville Predators in August in exchange for forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13848">David Edstrom</a>, goaltender <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11080">Magnus Chrona</a>, and a 2025 conditional first-round pick.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Predators selected Askarov with the 11th overall pick at the 2020 NHL Draft, and he's since been considered one of the top goalie prospects in the game.He made his NHL debut Jan. 12, 2023, with Nashville and surrendered four goals on 35 shots in a loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Askarov appeared in two more games last season - one start and one relief appearance - and registered a .943 save percentage.Askarov missed all of San Jose's training camp with a lower-body injury.The Russian owns a career .914 save percentage in the AHL across 101 games. The Sharks have so far deployed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4779" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4779">Mackenzie Blackwood</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4035" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4035">Vitek Vanecek</a> between the pipes this campaign. Blackwood has a .910 save percentage and 4-6-3 record, while Vanecek has an .899 clip and 2-5-1 record.San Jose ranks 20th in the league with a .908 save percentage at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php">Natural Stat Trick</a>. The team is last in the Pacific Division with a 6-11-4 record and .381 points percentage.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 30: Yaroslav Askarov #30 of the Nashville Predators looks on during the second period of the game "W| at Capital One Arena on December 30, 2023 in Washington, DC.

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Askarov making Sharks debut vs. Blues

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen will undergo knee surgery Friday and is expected...

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> will undergo knee surgery Friday and is expected to be sidelined for 8-12 weeks, the team confirmed Thursday.Andersen hasn't played since Oct. 26 against the Seattle Kraken. He turned aside 18 of 19 shots during the Hurricanes' 4-1 victory.Carolina head coach Rod Brind'Amour said the veteran netminder "came up a little gimpy" after the game. Andersen was labeled <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3113777" href="https://thescore.com/news/3113777">week-to-week</a> with a lower-body injury a few days later.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Hurricanes initially believed the Dane's ailment wouldn't keep him out long term, but Brind'Amour revealed last week that Andersen would be out "way longer" than expected, per <a href="https://x.com/RyanHenkel_/status/1857471169546592549">The Hockey News' Ryan Henkel</a>.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12697">Pyotr Kochetkov</a> has been outstanding since Andersen went down, going 8-1-0 with a .911 save percentage and 2.16 goals against average. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3025" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3025">Spencer Martin</a>, meanwhile, has gone 1-1-0 with an .891 clip in a backup role. "Obviously, Freddie has been great for us, and it stinks to lose him," general manager Eric Tulsky said, per the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/what-s-the-plan-tulsky-talks-canes-crease-without-andersen">team website</a>. "But Pyotr has also been great for us and we are very comfortable with him and Spencer."When asked if he's thinking about exploring the trade market for a goalie, Tulsky said "of course" he's considering multiple scenarios. "We want to be prepared for whatever may happen," he said. "But we want to preserve flexibility to make sure we have the ability to address our most important needs."The way our goalies are playing right now buys us time to assess the situation and make sure we use our assets where they are needed most."Andersen was limited to 16 regular-season games in 2023-24 because of a blood-clotting issue. The 35-year-old has posted three victories and a .941 save percentage in four games this campaign.

EDMONTON, CANADA - OCTOBER 22: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes takes a drink during a stoppage in play in the second period of the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on October 22, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Andersen to miss around 8-12 weeks after knee surgery

Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour believes star center Sebastian Aho will leave quite the leg...

Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour believes star center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a> will leave quite the legacy behind in Carolina."He's going to be the franchise leader in everything when it's all said and done, and he should be," the bench boss <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/tzxjut1tinfoxza0gmqzg/ACuNryGYeT3x-YuzN2-IJ3I?dl=0&amp;e=1&amp;preview=BrindAmourPost112024.mp3&amp;rlkey=ubbzj7cb7jtzpchyo7gdzbqh2&amp;st=06psgspv">said</a> Wednesday. "He's going to be the best player that's played here."Aho already ranks third in the organization's record books in goals, assists, and points, but the 27-year-old is quite a ways away from catching Hall of Famer Ron Francis for the No. 1 spot in all three categories:<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Goals</th>
<th>Assists</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>P/GP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Ron Francis</td>
<td>382</td>
<td>793</td>
<td>1175</td>
<td>1186</td>
<td>0.99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Eric Staal</td>
<td>322</td>
<td>453</td>
<td>775</td>
<td>909</td>
<td>0.85</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Sebastian Aho</td>
<td>259</td>
<td>315</td>
<td>574</td>
<td>616</td>
<td>0.93</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Aho has already taken over one team record, however. His third-period goal during Wednesday's 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers propelled him past Francis for the most game-winners in franchise history:<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>GWG</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Sebastian Aho</td>
<td>58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Ron Francis</td>
<td>57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Eric Staal</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Jeff O'Neill</td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Kevin Dineen</td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>"Having my name next to that kind of legend and in the same sentence is special," Aho <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/tzxjut1tinfoxza0gmqzg/ACuNryGYeT3x-YuzN2-IJ3I?dl=0&amp;e=1&amp;preview=Aho112024.mp3&amp;rlkey=ubbzj7cb7jtzpchyo7gdzbqh2&amp;st=06psgspv">said</a> of surpassing Francis."Obviously, everyone knows what he did for the game and how good of a player he was. It probably means I've done something right to be able to at least be in the same sentence as that guy. Hopefully a lot, lot more to come."Although Aho now has 17 points in 18 games following Wednesday's match, he's only scored five times after netting 37 goals in 2021-22 and 36 in each of the past two campaigns. Part of the issue is he owns a 10.4 shooting percentage while ranking second on the Hurricanes with 48 shots.However, Brind'Amour isn't concerned."It's not just about scoring, and when you're not scoring ... you've gotta be doing the other things," the coach said. "And he does. Hopefully (Wednesday's goal) jumpstarts him and gets that department going."A franchise legend in his own right, Brind'Amour amassed 174 goals and 473 points in 694 contests for Carolina.The Hurricanes entered Thursday's slate in the top spot of the Eastern Conference with a 14-4-0 record and .778 points percentage. They'll take on the New Jersey Devils at 7 p.m. ET.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 03: Sebastian Aho #20 of the Carolina Hurricanes prepares for a face off during the second period against the Washington Capitals at Lenovo Center on November 3, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Brind'Amour: Aho will end career as 'best player that's played' for Canes

Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney detailed why he felt the need to change course one day ...

Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney detailed why he felt the need to change course one day after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133503" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133503">firing</a> head coach Jim Montgomery. "We're 20 games in," Sweeney <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/press-room-don-sweeney-6364958352112">said</a> Wednesday. "You might think it's a smaller sample size, I just didn't like the direction. ... Our team can't stay as close-knit as they've been, they can't get through the adversity piece within a game, and they can't respond from game to game."The executive added: "We want to find out what this team is capable of based on where we're at right now with 60 games to go. There's a lot of season. But you can't stay in neutral."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Montgomery was on the last season of his deal and Sweeney revealed they held unsuccessful contract talks over the summer. Coupled with the team's underperformance, he felt as though he had to make a decision. "Moving forward, that rests with me now," he said. "From a personnel standpoint and the players themselves, they have to understand that they're not where they need to be. We're either going to get back there, or there'll be continued changes across the board." Sweeney made it clear that Montgomery hadn't lost the room, adding that the Bruins' issues are "confounding" and "team-wide." Boston held its first practice Wednesday under interim head coach Joe Sacco, who's been with the team as an assistant since 2014.Despite the familiarity with Sacco, it was a somber day for the players. "Very frustrating because this is a reflection of our play, and it was avoidable," captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/locker-room-raw-brad-marchand-6364960649112">said</a>. "That's the tough part about this. If we would have done our job in here, (Montgomery) would still be around. We feel terrible as a group and individually that we let a really good coach and really good person down."The Bruins currently sit in fourth place of the Atlantic Division with an 8-9-3 record. For comparison, they went 14-3-3 through their first 20 contests of the 2023-24 campaign. Defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a> said he doesn't know what went wrong exactly, but he's confident Boston can turn things around. "You want to go back to camp or the beginning of the season or whatever it was, we lost it. We lost it for a minute, and this is life," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/locker-room-raw-charlie-mcavoy-6364961026112">said</a>. "These things happen. "But today you wake up and you realize that you still have the best job in the world playing for the best team in the world. ... We've got everything to play for and that's the crest, that's each other, that's everything. It's all going to be all right." The Bruins will play their first game under Sacco against Utah on Thursday.

Boston, MA - September 20: Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney speaks with the media.

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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones is expected to miss around four weeks with a foot injury...

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3005" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a> is expected to miss around four weeks with a foot injury, head coach Luke Richardson announced Wednesday, per <a href="https://x.com/MarkLazerus/status/1859302675923468659">The Athletic's Mark Lazerus</a>. Jones was hurt blocking a shot during last Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken. He was placed on injured reserve Saturday.The Blackhawks have already played two games without their top rearguard in the lineup, and they dropped both in regulation.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Jones leads the entire league in average ice time (25:43) and has registered two goals and 10 points - half of which have come on the power play - in 17 games so far this season. He's under contract through the 2029-30 campaign with a $9.5-million cap hit. This is Jones' fourth season in the Windy City after being traded there by the Columbus Blue Jackets in July 2021. His 129 points and 445 blocks since his arrival are the second most on the Blackhawks and he leads the team with 234 games played over that span. The 30-year-old has racked up 415 points in 814 career NHL games split between the Nashville Predators, Jackets, and Blackhawks. Nashville selected Jones with the fourth overall pick at the 2013 NHL Draft.

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 28: Seth Jones #4 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on before a faceoff against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on October 28, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Tom Wilson believes Alex Ovechkin's injury absence impacts more than just the Washington Capitals...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> believes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a>'s injury absence impacts more than just the Washington Capitals now that the sniper's historic chase for the all-time goals record has been put on pause. "It was emotional at first, to be completely honest. ... He's the hottest guy in the league," Wilson <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/tom-wilson-november-20-6364956061112">said</a> Wednesday about his teammate. "He's chasing something bigger than hockey. I think everyone in the hockey world just feels that little bit of letdown, that emotion, that you're just pulling for him."He's putting everything that he has into it. He feels all that pressure and the whole world of hockey is just rooting him on."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ovechkin is considered <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133026" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133026">week-to-week</a> with a lower leg injury after a knee-on-knee collision with Utah's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11032" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11032">Jack McBain</a> in the third period of Washington's 6-2 victory Monday.The veteran forward scored two goals before going down, bringing his season total to a league-leading 15 tallies in 18 games. With 868 career goals, Ovechkin is only 27 away from passing Wayne Gretzky in the NHL record book.The Capitals officially placed Ovechkin on injured reserve Wednesday and recalled forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12723">Ivan Miroshnichenko</a> from the AHL. Head coach Spencer Carbery said the team will know more about Ovechkin's recovery timeline Thursday, per <a href="https://x.com/TomGulittiNHL/status/1859279227482406986">NHL.com's Tom Gulitti</a>.Ovechkin has built a reputation thanks to his uncanny ability to stay healthy. He's missed less than 40 games because of injury in his 20-season career, so this absence has come as a surprise for Wilson."We were sitting there saying, 'This is just weird.' It's unbelievable that he's actually hurt," he said. "It's one of those things where (we're) like, 'He's going to miss games?' I've been here a long time, and it's new to me."Wilson added, "I'm sure he's going to be back stronger than ever and flying around soon."The Capitals sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 13-4-1 record, but their red-hot start will be difficult to maintain without Ovechkin in the mix.Wilson thinks he and his teammates are well-equipped to pick up the slack."I think what's gotten us success this year is the team game and every line having an identity, the group playing really well together," he said. "This doesn't change that. I think it puts more of an emphasis on us just to continue doing what we're doing and working for the guy next to you."We want to play for (Ovechkin), too. ... When he's out, we've got to make sure we're playing to the standard that he would appreciate." Washington will play host to the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - NOVEMBER 18: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates his second period goal with teammate Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals during a game against the Utah Hockey Club on November 18, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Dustin Wolf enjoyed another gem of a performance during Calgary's 2-1 shootout win over the New Y...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9990" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9990">Dustin Wolf</a> enjoyed another gem of a performance during Calgary's 2-1 shootout win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday, but Flames defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> isn't surprised by the rookie goalie's poise."The more comfortable you get in this league, the more you believe in yourself, the more success you're going to have," Andersson <a href="https://www.nhl.com/flames/video/postgame-andersson-19-11-24-6364936325112">said</a> postgame. "(Wolf), for sure, believes in himself quite a bit. He's been awesome, especially the last seven, eight games he's played. He saved us tonight."Wolf now owns a dazzling 7-2-1 record while ranking within the top eight in save percentage (.925) and goals against average (2.36) among all goalies to make at least five starts this season. His 8.19 goals saved above average and 8.18 goals saved above expected at all strengths also lead the rookie class by a large margin, 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=%22Rookie%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=null&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_season=%2220242025%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 23-year-old has been particularly outstanding as of late, with a 4-0-1 record in his last five starts:<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Opponent</th>
<th>Result</th>
<th>SA</th>
<th>xGA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Canadiens (Nov. 5)</td>
<td>3-2 (OTW)</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>3.72</td>
<td>.917</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bruins (Nov. 7)</td>
<td>4-3 (OTL)</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>3.75</td>
<td>.895</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kings (Nov. 11)</td>
<td>3-1 (W)</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>2.55</td>
<td>.966</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Predators (Nov. 15)</td>
<td>2-0 (W)</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>3.73</td>
<td>1.000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Islanders (Nov. 19)</td>
<td>2-1 (SOW)</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>2.49</td>
<td>.966</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Statistics courtesy of <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>. When asked to describe his recent play, Wolf <a href="https://www.nhl.com/flames/video/postgame-wolf-19-11-24-6364936533112">admitted</a> "the zone" was an apt description."'Zone' is definitely a great word to use," he said. "That's kind of the stuff I work on, the mindfulness side of the game. If you can reach that zone, you're going to feel good." He added: "You're reading plays well ... you're kind of envisioning what's going to happen next. You're seeing through bodies, you're just connected. And it's a good feeling to have, and one you certainly have to work every day to keep."Wolf's excellent play has created a good problem for head coach Ryan Huska. The Flames have largely been platooning Wolf and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3929" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3929">Dan Vladar</a>, who's also performed admirably with a .906 clip in nine appearances.Both netminders have gotten two straight starts on at least one occasion so far, but neither of them has appeared in three consecutive games. That might change when Calgary hosts the New York Rangers on Thursday."(Wolf's) been great, what can you say?" a smiling Huska <a href="https://www.nhl.com/flames/video/postgame-huska-19-11-24-6364937297112">said</a> after beating the Islanders. "We'll have some conversations after the game, for sure." The Flames entered Wednesday in third place in the Pacific Division with a 10-6-3 record and a .605 points percentage.

CALGARY, AB - NOVEMBER 19: Dustin Wolf #32 of the Calgary Flames skates against the New York Islanders at Scotiabank Saddledome on November 19, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

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