Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson wired a slap shot for the 3-2 overtime winner in Friday...

Montreal Canadiens defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12709" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12709">Lane Hutson</a> wired a slap shot for the 3-2 overtime winner in Friday's Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LANE HUTSON IS YOUR <a href="https://twitter.com/Energizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ENERGIZER</a> OVERTIME HERO! 🔵⚪️🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StanleyCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StanleyCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/nJCmLD0jod">pic.twitter.com/nJCmLD0jod</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/2047863874184007804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Canadiens grabbed a 2-1 series lead with the victory.Hutson now has two career playoff goals after the 22-year-old netted his first in Game 2.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>All three games in the series have been decided in overtime. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12706">Juraj Slafkovsky</a> won Game 1 for the Canadiens, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10720" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10720">J.J. Moser</a> netted the decider in Game 2 for Tampa Bay."No complaints, extra hockey," Hutson told <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/2047873824725639512?s=20">Sportsnet's Kyle Bukauskas</a> postgame. "It's fun to compete versus these guys, they've got a great team. Two good teams going at it. We'll see what continues to go on."Montreal's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8598" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8598">Kirby Dach</a> tied Friday's contest in the second period after he assisted on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7698" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7698">Alexandre Texier</a>'s opening goal in the first.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4013" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4013">Brayden Point</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> scored for Tampa Bay. Hagel now has four goals and five points in the series.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9298" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9298">Jakub Dobes</a> made 15 saves in the victory, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3907" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3907">Andrei Vasilevskiy</a> stopped 26 of 29.Game 4 is Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

MONTREAL, CANADA- APRIL 24: Lane Hutson #48 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates after scoring the overtime winner in Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Bell Centre on April 24, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Hutson blasts OT winner as Habs take 2-1 series lead vs. Lightning

The Philadelphia Flyers took a 3-0 series lead against the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 5-2 win in ...

The Philadelphia Flyers took a 3-0 series lead against the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 5-2 win in Wednesday's Game 3.Pittsburgh's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> opened the scoring in the first period, but the Flyers surged back in the second. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9757" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9757">Trevor Zegras</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3173" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3173">Rasmus Ristolainen</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5511" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5511">Nick Seeler</a> each scored in a six-minute span to take a lead Philadelphia would never surrender.Eleven minor penalties were handed out as a result of a second-period melee. Zegras scored on the ensuing Philadelphia power play.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
THE BATTLE OF PENNSYLVANIA IS ALIVE AND WELL <a href="https://t.co/W3azOpQPru">pic.twitter.com/W3azOpQPru</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2047108657821683915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"It kind of turned into a bit of a circus there," Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/PensInsideScoop/status/2047142961587134618?s=20">team reporter Michelle Crechiolo</a>. "I'm not sure why they decided to put five guys in the box on each side. I felt like that kind of changed a lot of the momentum. It took a long time. Obviously, we didn't get the kill. Felt like they fed off that."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/864" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/864">Erik Karlsson</a> got one back for the Penguins in the third before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11203" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11203">Noah Cates</a> restored Philadelphia's two-goal advantage. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6488" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6488">Owen Tippett</a> sealed the contest with an empty-netter.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Noah's Spark. 💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PITvsPHI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PITvsPHI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IgniteTheOrange?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IgniteTheOrange</a> <a href="https://t.co/AaM4e2Cv7H">pic.twitter.com/AaM4e2Cv7H</a>— x - Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLFlyers/status/2047130884759830618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3929" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3929">Dan Vladar</a> made 29 saves, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> stopped 24 of 28.Flyers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4076" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4076">Garnet Hathaway</a> clipped Crosby with a high stick before a faceoff in the first period. Hathaway was penalized, but Crosby was also assessed a minor penalty for embellishment.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Garnet Hathaway catches Sidney Crosby with a slight high stick and both players head to the penalty box. <a href="https://t.co/FrqnXjXZR4">pic.twitter.com/FrqnXjXZR4</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2047100672655426012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"We don't have a single embellishment all year," Penguins head coach Dan Muse said, according to <a href="https://x.com/wyshynski/status/2047144709764567312?s=20">ESPN's Greg Wyshynski</a>. "Sidney Crosby doesn't have an embellishment in 21 seasons. Stick in his face, they take both of them. I disagree on that strongly. We didn't come into this series to start (embellishing) now. Sid doesn't embellish."Flyers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2114" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2114">Sean Couturier</a> is glad his team is finding success this postseason after missing the playoffs each of the last five seasons."We're happy, but I think we're also happy for the city, for the fans," Couturier said, according to <a href="https://x.com/charlieo_conn/status/2047144633872900303?s=20">The Athletic's Charlie O'Connor</a>. "They've supported us through the ups and the downs of the last couple years."The Flyers last swept a series in the 1995 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when they eliminated the New York Rangers in four games during the second round. Philadelphia has never swept the Penguins.Pittsburgh was most recently swept by the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2019 postseason.Game 4 is Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in Philadelphia.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 22: Nick Seeler #24 of the Philadelphia Flyers (r) celebrates his second period goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Flyers take commanding 3-0 series lead vs. Penguins

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook scored in double overtime to beat the Ottawa Senator...

Carolina Hurricanes forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3188" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3188">Jordan Martinook</a> scored in double overtime to beat the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in Monday's Game 2.The Hurricanes grabbed a 2-0 series lead with the victory.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
JORDAN MARTINOOK WINS IT FOR THE HURRICANES IN DOUBLE OT 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/AbE5BkaX7m">pic.twitter.com/AbE5BkaX7m</a>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/2046435133842936228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Martinook was denied on a penalty shot in the first overtime after Carolina had a goal overturned on an offside review.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
WHAT A SEQUENCE IN RALEIGH AS WE HEAD TO A SECOND OVERTIME 🤯 The Hurricanes thought they had won in overtime, but the play was deemed offside. Jordan Martinook was awarded a penalty shot on the play, but failed to score. <a href="https://t.co/sCL6ltUhQy">pic.twitter.com/sCL6ltUhQy</a>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/2046427949222461575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"That's playoffs for you," Hurricanes goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> told <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/2046443695755444315?s=20">Sportsnet's Shawn McKenzie</a>. "That's the rollercoaster we're all on right now. Great job by everyone just to refocus and get right back at it. Obviously, we'd have loved to end it twice there, but obviously it's awesome to see (Martinook) get it there. Good redemption on the penalty shot, so it was awesome."Martinook recorded 12 goals and 29 points in the regular season. The game-winner is his ninth career tally in 78 total postseason games.The Hurricanes owned a 2-0 lead at the midway mark of the game with goals from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10707" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10707">Logan Stankoven</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a>. Ottawa evened things up with tallies from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9905" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9905">Drake Batherson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10037">Dylan Cozens</a> before the end of the second.Andersen made 37 saves, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> stopped 43 of 46.The Hurricanes blanked Ottawa 2-0 in Saturday's Game 1.Carolina has reached the second round each season since 2021. The Senators also lost the first two contests of their first-round series last year against the Toronto Maple Leafs before eventually falling in six games.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 20: Jordan Martinook #48 of the Carolina Hurricanes is recognized as one of the stars of the game after scoring the game-winning goal during the second overtime period against the Ottawa Senators in Game Two of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on April 20, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Martinook nets 2OT winner to give Canes 2-0 series lead over Senators

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov will play for Finland at the World Championship after ...

Florida Panthers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> will play for Finland at the World Championship after missing the entire NHL season with a torn ACL and MCL, he announced Thursday.Barkov sustained the knee injury during training camp in September, which also forced him to miss the Olympics.The 30-year-old said he didn't suffer any setbacks in rehab, and added that he feels better each week, according to team reporter <a href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/2044799588293345704?s=20">Jameson Olive</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barkov captained Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025. He last featured at the Worlds in 2016, when Finland lost in the final.The Panthers missed the playoffs in Barkov's absence after winning consecutive Stanley Cups.Barkov notched 20 goals and 71 points in 67 games in the 2024-25 campaign. He won the Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward for the third time.The World Championship begins May 15 in Switzerland.

SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 08: Florida Panthers Center Aleksander Barkov (16) looks on during the first period of the game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Florida Panthers on Saturday March 8, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.

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Barkov will play at Worlds after missing season with torn ACL, MCL

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin doesn't think his NHL career is done just yet.  "To b...

Washington Capitals superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> doesn't think his NHL career is done just yet."To be honest with you, I'm pretty sure it's not my last game. I hope it's not my last game against Columbus," Ovechkin said Thursday. "How I said, I have to make a decision to see where we're at. Team, family - obviously family gonna support me."Ovechkin said his kids have been asking him if he's staying.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"They're excited. They want me to come back because they love the city, they love the team, they love the boys."Ovechkin is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1. Earlier in April, he said he would <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3517849" href="https://thescore.com/news/3517849">determine his NHL future</a> in the summer.The 40-year-old is the NHL's all-time top goal-scorer with 929 tallies in 1,573 career games. Ovechkin notched 32 goals and 64 points this season and played in all 82 contests. He's spent his entire career with the Capitals.Ovechkin quipped that he wants a two-year contract offer from Washington general manager Chris Patrick. He said he "probably" wouldn't consider signing with another team.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - MARCH 03: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals warms up before a game against the Utah Mammoth on March 03, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

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Ovechkin 'pretty sure' he hasn't played last NHL game

The Columbus Blue Jackets extended head coach Rick Bowness through the 2026-27 season, the team a...

The Columbus Blue Jackets extended head coach Rick Bowness through the 2026-27 season, the team announced Thursday.The 71-year-old Bowness took over the position in January on a contract that ran through the end of the campaign. The Blue Jackets went 21-11-5 under him after starting the season 19-19-7 with Dean Evason."Rick has done an outstanding job since his arrival, and it was obvious to all of us that he is the right person to lead our club as head coach," Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said in a statement. "Rick developed strong relationships with our players, who will continue to benefit greatly from his leadership as we look to learn from the hard lessons of this season and work towards our goal of competing for a Stanley Cup."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bowness <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3523430" href="https://thescore.com/news/3523430">ripped his team's effort</a> in an emotional tirade after the last game of the season Tuesday. Columbus ended the year on a 2-8-1 skid to miss the playoffs."Losing is not important enough to them," Bowness said. "It doesn't bother them. How can you go out and play like that? I should have done this about a month ago. But this is why we are where we are. This is why we're out of the playoffs. That kind of effort. You have to hate losing. I don't care if it's a meaningless game. I don't care. Show up and compete."Bowness had retired in 2024 after a two-year stint with the Winnipeg Jets. He landed his first NHL gig in 1984-85.

COLUMBUS, OHIO - APRIL 12: Head coach Rick Bowness of the Columbus Blue Jackets follows gameplay in the second period against the Boston Bruins at Nationwide Arena on April 12, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Bowness returning as Blue Jackets head coach on 1-year contract

Auston Matthews was noncommittal about his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs at the team's end-...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> was noncommittal about his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs at the team's end-of-season media availability Thursday."I mean, I can't predict the future," Matthews told reporters, per <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/2044770906241700180?s=20">TSN</a>. "Obviously, there's steps that kinda have to take place. They gotta hire new leadership at management, stuff like that. I don't really know. ..."There's always noise and there's always chatter. I think personally, I really don't pay attention to all that. I just focus on myself, focus on this team, and try to be a part of the solution."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Matthews is signed through the 2027-28 campaign at a $13.25-million cap hit. He's eligible to ink an extension beginning July 1, 2027."I love being the captain of this team," Matthews <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/2044769580803883102?s=20">said</a>. "I think it's an incredible honor to wake up every day and wear this jersey. That's not lost on me, even despite the circumstances and the way this season went."Matthews' season ended in March after he sustained a Grade 3 MCL tear on a knee-on-knee hit by Anaheim Ducks captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1727" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1727">Radko Gudas</a>. The Maple Leafs were heavily criticized for their lack of response on the play."It was an unfortunate play," Matthews said, according to <a href="https://x.com/Arunthings/status/2044767341842415913?s=20">Nation Network's Arun Srinivasan</a>. "I thought they responded in the third period."Toronto had made the playoffs every season since Matthews was drafted in 2016."I believe in the guys in the room and the people we have here. ... We're all hopeful this is kind of a one-off," Matthews said, according to <a href="https://x.com/AnnaNoelleDua/status/2044769463656960337?s=20">Sportsnet's Anna Dua</a>.

TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 27: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Ottawa Senators during the third period in their NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 27, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Matthews 'can't predict' his future with Maple Leafs

The Chicago Blackhawks signed general manager Kyle Davidson to a multi-year contract extension, t...

The Chicago Blackhawks signed general manager Kyle Davidson to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday."Kyle's exceptional body of work to date has set us down the path of bringing sustainable, championship-caliber hockey back to Chicago," Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz said in a statement. "In a short amount of time, he's rebuilt the team through strong drafting and player development, delivering a league-leading prospect pool and the beginnings of our future core. He, alongside head coach Jeff Blashill, has redefined our locker room's culture and mentality, and we are seeing improvements in all of the underlying areas that make winning possible."We believe in Kyle's vision for this team and remain fully committed to his plan to return the Blackhawks to the top of our sport."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Davidson was named interim GM in October 2021, and the interim tag was lifted in March 2022. Chicago has missed the playoffs in every year of his tenure.The 37-year-old has compiled a compelling young core, which includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16279" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16279">Anton Frondell</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12728" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12728">Frank Nazar</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15084" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15084">Artyom Levshunov</a>. The Blackhawks, who are guaranteed to finish 31st in the league, will pick in the top five of the draft for the fourth straight year.Davidson has been with the Blackhawks for 16 seasons in various positions.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JULY 07: Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks attends the 2022 NHL Draft at the Bell Centre on July 07, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Blackhawks sign GM Davidson to multi-year extension

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk said he experienced brief vision loss Saturday against the ...

Ottawa Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> said he experienced brief vision loss Saturday against the New York Islanders.Tkachuk explained his vision slowly "started going" after he delivered a check in the corner. He left the game and returned to start the third period but exited again after one shift."I feel great. I mean, that was one of the weirdest, honestly scary moments," Tkachuk told reporters Tuesday. "All the tests came back clear and fine. Everything's all good."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 26-year-old stumbled near the benches just before he initially left the game. Tkachuk clarified that Ryan Pulock's stick didn't hit him.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Brady Tkachuk has gone to the Senators locker room after coming back to start the 3rd period. <a href="https://t.co/QVB13JS5Ly">pic.twitter.com/QVB13JS5Ly</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2043043214748168431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Tkachuk noted he "got everything back really quick" once he sat down on the bench.Senators head coach Travis Green told reporters Monday that Tkachuk is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3521658" href="https://thescore.com/news/3521658">expected to be ready</a> for Game 1 of the playoffs.Tkachuk said he isn't sure if he will play in Ottawa's regular-season finale against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday but is "ready to go for what's to come."The Senators are in the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference but could still pass the Boston Bruins. Tkachuk has 22 goals and 59 points in 60 games. He missed 20 contests earlier in the campaign after undergoing thumb surgery.

OTTAWA, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators leaves the ice after warmup prior to an NHL game against the Nashville Predators on October 13, 2025 at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Tkachuk briefly lost his vision vs. Islanders: 'Scary' moment

The Denver Pioneers beat the Wisconsin Badgers 2-1 to claim the NCAA men's hockey national champi...

The Denver Pioneers beat the Wisconsin Badgers 2-1 to claim the NCAA men's hockey national championship Saturday.It's Denver's third title in the five seasons, all under head coach David Carle. The Pioneers also won in 2022 and 2024. It's the program's record-extending 11th all-time title.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/17962" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/17962">Kyle Chyzowski</a> tipped a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14647" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14647">Boston Buckberger</a> point shot for the game-winning goal with just under six minutes left.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MAKE SURE TO TIP 🫰💵 Kyle Chyzowski tips in a shot from Boston Buckberger to take the lead! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MFrozenFour?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MFrozenFour</a> x 🎥 ESPN / <a href="https://twitter.com/DU_Hockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DU_Hockey</a> <a href="https://t.co/meGDT2tnv1">pic.twitter.com/meGDT2tnv1</a>— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCAAIceHockey/status/2043115122537988316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Wisconsin outshot Denver 30-15 and led 1-0 until <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14675" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14675">Rieger Lorenz</a> tied the game 7:31 into the third period.Denver goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/17810" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/17810">Johnny Hicks</a> was named the Frozen Four's Most Outstanding Player. He finishes his freshman campaign unbeaten after making 78 saves in the Frozen Four. He took over as the Pioneers' starter in January and went 16-0 with one tie, which Denver won in a shootout."I'm just so happy that we could get it done with this group," Hicks told ESPN's Colby Cohen. "We've gone through so much adversity this year. I'm just so proud of everyone."The Pioneers knocked off the reigning champions Western Michigan in their regional final. Denver then bested No. 1-ranked Michigan in the Frozen Four semifinals in double overtime Thursday.The Frozen Four all-tournament team featured Denver's Chyzowski, Lorenz, Buckberger, and Hicks, plus Wisconsin's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14978" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14978">Vasily Zelenov</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14700" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14700">Ben Dexheimer</a>.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 9: The Denver Pioneers react after a game-tying goal from Rieger Lorenz #14 of the Denver Pioneers during the Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship against the Wisconsin Badgers held at T-Mobile Arena on April 9, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Denver wins 3rd Frozen Four in 5 seasons

Forward Michael Hage will return to the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 campaign and isn't...

Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14982" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14982">Michael Hage</a> will return to the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 campaign and isn't signing with the Montreal Canadiens this season, reports <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2043074677791220021?s=20">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.Hage, who was drafted 21st overall by the Canadiens in 2024, tallied 13 goals and 52 points in 39 games this season as a sophomore. He was tied for third in NCAA scoring.The Wolverines won the Big Ten title but lost in the Frozen Four semifinals to Denver on Thursday. Michigan hasn't won the national championship since 1998.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hage led Canada in scoring at the world juniors with 15 points in seven games.The Canadiens retain the 19-year-old's signing rights until August 15, 2028.Montreal inked <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14986" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14986">Ivan Demidov</a> after his KHL campaign and just before the NHL playoffs last season. He featured in the Canadiens' lineup for all five first-round games against the Washington Capitals after appearing in two regular-season contests.The Habs have clinched a playoff spot and are currently second in the Atlantic Division.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 16: Michigan Wolverines forward Michael Hage (19) skates with the puck during a college hockey game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Michigan Wolverines on January 16, 2026, at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, MN.

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Report: Canadiens prospect Hage returning to Michigan

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk exited Saturday's 3-0 win over the New York Islanders with ...

Ottawa Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> exited Saturday's 3-0 win over the New York Islanders with an undisclosed issue.Senators head coach Travis Green said postgame that Tkachuk "wasn't feeling well" and didn't offer any other update, according to <a href="https://x.com/jkamckenzie/status/2043059461971923392?s=20">The Athletic's Julian McKenzie</a>.Tkachuk initially left the game after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3313" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3313">Ryan Pulock</a>'s stick appeared to clip him up high in front of the Islanders' bench. He came back to begin the third period but left again after taking a shift and didn't return.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Brady Tkachuk has gone to the Senators locker room after coming back to start the 3rd period. <a href="https://t.co/QVB13JS5Ly">pic.twitter.com/QVB13JS5Ly</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2043043214748168431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Tkachuk has 22 goals and 59 points in 60 games. He's third on the Senators in scoring.The 26-year-old missed 20 games earlier in the season after undergoing thumb surgery.The Senators clinch a playoff spot if the Detroit Red Wings lose in any fashion Saturday against the New Jersey Devils.

OTTAWA, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Nashville Predators at Canadian Tire Centre on October 13, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Tkachuk exits Senators' win with undislosed issue

The Colorado Avalanche signed University of Michigan standout forward T.J. Hughes to a one-year, ...

The Colorado Avalanche signed University of Michigan standout forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/17723" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/17723">T.J. Hughes</a> to a one-year, entry-level contract beginning next season, the team announced Saturday.An undrafted free agent, Hughes was one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, which Detroit Red Wings prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15099" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15099">Max Plante</a> won Friday.Hughes was second in NCAA scoring this season with 57 points in 40 games. His 22 goals were tied for ninth in the nation.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Michigan lost in double overtime against Denver in the Frozen Four semifinals Thursday, ending the 24-year-old's collegiate career.Hughes racked up 69 goals and 179 points in 156 total games over four campaigns at Michigan. He has the most career points by a Wolverine since Kevin Porter, who featured for Michigan from 2004-08.The Hamilton, Ontario, native notched four assists in four contests at the Spengler Cup with the first-ever U.S. Collegiate Selects team.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 9: T.J. Hughes #13 and Adam Valentini #92 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate after a goal against the Denver Pioneers during the Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship held at T-Mobile Arena on April 9, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Avalanche sign Michigan standout Hughes

Minnesota-Duluth forward and Detroit Red Wings prospect Max Plante won the Hobey Baker Memorial A...

Minnesota-Duluth forward and Detroit Red Wings prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15099" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15099">Max Plante</a> won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top player in men's college hockey Friday.Plante bested Denver defenseman and San Jose Sharks draft pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13991" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13991">Eric Pohlkamp</a> and Michigan forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/13465" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/13465">T.J. Hughes</a> for the honor. He's the youngest of the three.The 20-year-old sophomore tallied 25 goals and 52 points in 40 games this season, ranking third in collegiate scoring behind Quinnipiac forward and Calgary Flames prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/16345" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/16345">Ethan Wyttenbach</a> and Hughes. Plante's 25 goals finished tied for second in the nation behind Dartmouth's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/17820" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/17820">Hayden Stavroff</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Minnesota-Duluth knocked off Penn State in its regional semifinal before losing to Michigan.Plante featured for the U.S. world junior team earlier this year, notching one goal in three games.The Red Wings drafted Plante 47th overall in 2024.Notable NHLers to win the Hobey Baker in recent years include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a> (2024), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13830" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13830">Adam Fantilli</a> (2023), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10510" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10510">Cole Caufield</a> (2021), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> (2019). <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12722" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12722">Isaac Howard</a> won the award last year.

ALBANY, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Max Plante #10 of the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs skates against the Michigan Wolverines during the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Regional Championship final at the MVP Arena on March 29, 2026 in Albany, New York. The Wolverines won 4-3 to advance to the Frozen Four.

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Red Wings prospect Plante wins Hobey Baker as NCAA's top player

The Anaheim Ducks signed general manager Pat Verbeek to a multi-year contract extension, the team...

The Anaheim Ducks signed general manager Pat Verbeek to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Friday.Verbeek has been Ducks GM since February 2022. Anaheim is third in the Pacific Division with 89 points and on the verge of making the playoffs for the first time since 2018."Pat has done exactly as we hoped, having turned the Ducks into what we believe are perennial contenders for the next decade," Anaheim owners Henry and Susan Samueli said in a statement. "We are beyond thrilled to see the team continue developing into what is already an exciting, winning team ready to take the next step."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Verbeek drafted <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13838" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13838">Leo Carlsson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15128" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15128">Beckett Sennecke</a>, and he traded for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12716" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12716">Cutter Gauthier</a>. In the past year, he's signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13808" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13808">Jackson LaCombe</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9753" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9753">Lukas Dostal</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10696" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10696">Mason McTavish</a> to extensions. Verbeek made a splash on deadline day by acquiring veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1445" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1445">John Carlson</a> from the Washington Capitals.Anaheim also promoted Mike Stapleton to senior vice president and associate GM. Stapleton has been with the Ducks since 2014, serving as assistant GM since May 2024.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JULY 08: Pat Verbeek of the Anaheim Ducks attends the 2022 NHL Draft at the Bell Centre on July 08, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Ducks sign GM Verbeek to multi-year extension

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz exited Wednesday's 4-0 loss against the Washington...

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> exited Wednesday's 4-0 loss against the Washington Capitals after he sustained a lower-body injury while making a save.Stolarz made a left pad stop on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15076" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15076">Cole Hutson</a> less than three minutes into the game before going down in considerable discomfort and needing help off the ice.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Anthony Stolarz goes down the tunnel after an apparent injury. <a href="https://t.co/0MGc1Pt9MB">pic.twitter.com/0MGc1Pt9MB</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2042028383337406680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> made 14 saves on 17 shots in relief.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Stolarz entered Wednesday's contest with a .892 save percentage and a 3.29 goals against average in 25 games.The 32-year-old missed 33 games earlier this season with an upper-body injury. Stolarz played a career-high 34 contests during the 2024-25 campaign.Stolarz inked a four-year extension with a $3.75-million cap hit in September. The new contract begins next season.The Maple Leafs are eliminated from playoff contention and sit 15th in the Eastern Conference. Toronto had made the postseason in each of the previous nine campaigns.

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 08: Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) is taken out of the game due to an injury during the first period of the NHL regular season game between the Washington Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 8, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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Stolarz sustains lower-body injury while making save vs. Caps

Seattle Kraken president of hockey operations Ron Francis is stepping down at the end of the seas...

Seattle Kraken president of hockey operations Ron Francis is stepping down at the end of the season, the team announced Wednesday.Francis moved into the president role last summer after serving as the Kraken's general manager for the franchise's first six years, starting his tenure two years before Seattle's inaugural 2021-22 campaign. Jason Botterill succeeded him as GM and will lead the team's hockey operations following Francis' departure."Ron and I agreed that this is the right moment to make a thoughtful transition for both Ron and the organization, and move in a new direction," Kraken CEO Todd Leiweke said in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Kraken have lost six straight games to fall out of the wild-card race in the Western Conference. Seattle has made the playoffs once, upsetting the Colorado Avalanche in the 2023 first round before losing in seven games to the Dallas Stars."It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years," Francis said. "I am proud of the culture we built, the people we brought together, and the milestones we achieved, including our historic first playoff run."Francis was previously GM of the Carolina Hurricanes from 2014-18. The team didn't make the playoffs during his tenure.The Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils are teams currently without general managers.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 22: Seattle Kraken President of Hockey Operations Ron Francis speaks to the media during a press conference at the Kraken Community Iceplex on April 22, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Kraken president Francis stepping down

The Colorado Avalanche clinched the Central Division and the top seed in the Western Conference w...

The Colorado Avalanche clinched the Central Division and the top seed in the Western Conference with a 3-1 win over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.The result locks in a first-round matchup between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild as the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds in the Central, with home-ice advantage for the series still to be determined. The Stars have a two-point lead over the Wild in the standings with four games remaining for both teams.Colorado leads the Carolina Hurricanes by six points in the race for the Presidents' Trophy, awarded to the club with the best regular-season record.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Avalanche last won the Central in 2023.Dallas and Minnesota have met twice in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, facing off in the first round of the 2016 and 2023 postseasons. The Stars took both series in six games.

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 7: Gabriel Landeskog #92 and Scott Wedgewood #41 both of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate after defeating the St. Louis Blues on April 7, 2026 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Avalanche clinch Central title to lock in Stars-Wild 1st-round matchup

The New Jersey Devils parted ways with general manager Tom Fitzgerald, the team announced Monday....

The New Jersey Devils parted ways with general manager Tom Fitzgerald, the team announced Monday.Fitzgerald had served as the Devils' GM since January 2020 after initially joining the organization in 2015 as an assistant GM. New Jersey promoted him to president of hockey operations in addition to his role as GM when he signed an extension in January 2024.The 57-year-old's contract ran through next season, reports <a href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/2041288314079117393?s=20">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>. Fitzgerald was also an assistant general manager on the USA's Olympic men's hockey team this year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was apparent to everyone that the best course of action is to move on for the benefit of the team," Fitzgerald said in a statement.New Jersey sits 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 40-34-3 record. The Devils made the playoffs just twice in Fitzgerald's tenure, losing in the second round in 2023 before getting ousted by the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the first round last year."As we prepare to move forward, it is important I acknowledge our fans. I recognize we have not delivered in the way you expect and deserve, and I understand and share in your frustration," Devils managing partner David Blitzer said. "This is a critical offseason for our franchise, and we will explore all avenues that best position the Devils to compete for a Stanley Cup once again."The franchise has had only five general managers since moving to New Jersey in 1982.The Devils join the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators as teams searching for a GM. Fitzgerald was the first captain in Predators history and featured for Nashville from 1998-2002. He also played for the Maple Leafs from 2002-04.New Jersey has five games left in the regular season.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: General manager Tom Fitzgerald of the New Jersey Devils looks on during the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft Rounds 2-7 at Sphere on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Devils part ways with GM Fitzgerald

Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander is committed to the franchise, barring a rebuild.  "Unl...

Toronto Maple Leafs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> is committed to the franchise, barring a rebuild."Unless it was a full rebuild and we were going to get rid of everybody, then it's a different story," Nylander told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7165619/2026/04/02/william-nylander-maple-leafs-future-retool-pelley-treliving/">The Athletic</a> on Wednesday. "Then you take that conversation then. But just to do a retool or whatever, I don't even know, but I mean, I still want to be here, yeah."The Maple Leafs fired general manager Brad Treliving on Monday after nearly three seasons at the helm. Toronto is 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 32-30-13 record and is set to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016, when Nylander was 19 years old.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nylander had a "good conversation" with his now ex-GM Treliving before the March 6 trade deadline and was content with the message he received."Brad said that he doesn't want to rebuild or anything. He just wants to retool and stuff. That sounded fine for me," Nylander explained.Despite Treliving's exit, the organization's sentiment appears unchanged. MLSE CEO Keith Pelley, who will hire Toronto's next head of hockey operations, doesn't believe the team needs a complete rebuild."We all know the Toronto Maple Leafs have foundational pieces in place," Pelley <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3511980" href="https://thescore.com/news/3511980">said</a> Tuesday. "If we're able to surround them with the right culture, with the right structure, with the right personnel, both on and off the ice, then I would say we would be in a retool, not a rebuild."Nylander is signed through 2031-32 at an $11.5-million cap hit. Leafs captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, on the other hand, only has two seasons left on his contract after this campaign concludes. Nylander hasn't considered how Matthews' future will impact his own decisions down the road."I mean, I haven't really thought about it, like that far. Once they just told me (rebuilding is) not what they want to do - try to keep winning here or try to start winning (Stanley Cups)," Nylander said.He added, "If that point in time comes, then I'll think about that then."Nylander called this season "super frustrating and rattling" but said he's "not too worried" about the Leafs' future."You just look at Boston this year. They were not in the playoffs last year, and they're having a pretty good season this year," Nylander said.

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 25: William Nylander #88 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the New York Rangers during the third period in their NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 25, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Nylander committed to Leafs barring rebuild

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