Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard will start Friday's Game 3 against the Los Angeles King...

<p>Edmonton Oilers goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> will start Friday's Game 3 against the Los Angeles Kings, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed.</p><p>Pickard entered Game 2 in relief of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> in the third period, allowing one goal on three shots as the Kings posted a dominant 6-2 victory to take a 2-0 series lead. </p><p>Pickard said Friday that he's unfazed by taking on a bigger role at a critical point in the matchup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Same way I've approached every game as an Oiler: go out and do my job and give our team a chance to win," Pickard said. "Obviously, the first two games didn't go as planned, basically in all facets, but we've got a better effort in this locker room, and we're definitely going to do that tonight."</p><p>Skinner has produced an .810 save percentage in the opening two games of the playoffs. </p><p>The Oilers deflected blame from their netminders after Game 2, with blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3273899" href="https://thescore.com/news/3273899">saying</a> the club is hanging them out to dry with their defensive play.</p><p>Pickard started Games 4 and 5 of last year's second round as Skinner struggled. Skinner rebounded with a .914 save percentage over the next 15 games once he got the net back.</p><p>Pickard had a .900 save percentage and 2.71 goals against average in 36 appearances this campaign.</p><p>Game 3 is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 23: Calvin Pickard #30 of the Edmonton Oilers protects the goal during the third period of Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on April 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Oilers turn to Pickard for pivotal Game 3

The NHL fined Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins $2,083.33 for "unsportsmanlike conduct" relate...

<p>The NHL fined Ottawa Senators forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2113" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2113">Nick Cousins</a> $2,083.33 for "unsportsmanlike conduct" related to an incident prior to Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the league announced Friday.</p><p>The fine is the maximum allowable fine under the current collective bargaining agreement.</p><p>The Senators were also fined $25,000.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The incident took place Thursday, with Cousins shooting a puck at Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> during warmups.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here’s what NHL is looking at from last night. “Friend of Bieksa” Nick Cousins shoots puck at Stolarz. NHL not crazy about pre-game stuff…also clamped down on funny Scheifele/Hofer standoff in Blues/Jets series <a href="https://t.co/ZF08AZwdO4">pic.twitter.com/ZF08AZwdO4</a></p>— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1915771667877425452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's an active investigation. I'm not sure I should be commenting," Senators head coach Travis Green said jokingly, according to <a href="https://x.com/SunGarrioch/status/1915794677967577515">Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch</a>. "It's a game within the game."</p><p>Cousins and Stolarz were teammates last year with the Florida Panthers. </p><p>Stolarz has stymied the Senators throughout the series, posting a .926 save percentage in three games. Toronto put Ottawa on the verge of elimination with an overtime win in Game 3. </p><p>Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 22: Nick Cousins #21 of the Ottawa Senators skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 22, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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NHL fines Cousins, Senators for pregame shot at Stolarz

Sam Bennett's distaste for the Tampa Bay Lightning grows by the day, and he wasn't afraid to expr...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a>'s distaste for the Tampa Bay Lightning grows by the day, and he wasn't afraid to express that after his Florida Panthers took a 2-0 series lead over their in-state rivals Thursday.</p><p>"Two teams that have played each other a lot in the playoffs, and that rivalry is just growing and growing," Bennett told <a href="https://x.com/KatieEngleson/status/1915588575095095775">Panthers team reporter Katie Engleson</a> postgame. "We just hate them more and more every time we play them, so it makes for good hockey."</p><p>This is the fourth postseason series between the Panthers and Lightning in the past five years. Tampa Bay won the first two, but Florida prevailed in the first round last season en route to winning the Stanley Cup. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The rivalry could turn up a notch further when the series resumes Saturday, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> was given a major penalty for leveling <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> away from the puck.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/owJ3P24w9sE?si=LlMb69M9Je3BrZJy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>"It's tough to see," Bennett said. "Any time your best player goes down like that, it's tough to lose him. He does everything for this squad. We care about him a lot. He's a tough guy, so I'm sure he'll be fine."</p><p>The Panthers didn't give an update on Barkov after the game, and it hasn't been announced if Hagel will receive supplemental discipline.</p><p>Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.</p>

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 24: Nick Paul #20 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers of Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on April 24, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Bennett: Panthers' hatred for Lightning grows every game

Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis believes a return to home ice can help his club ga...

<p>Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis believes a return to home ice can help his club gain some momentum against the Washington Capitals after losing the first two games of the series in D.C. </p><p>"There's nothing like playing at home, especially at the Bell Centre, with our fans, in the playoffs," St. Louis said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/montreal-seeking-boost-from-bell-centre-for-game-3-vs-washington?utm_source=nhldotcom&amp;utm_medium=social">NHL.com's Tom Gulitti</a>. "I think it will be exactly what we need."</p><p>The Canadiens haven't played host to a full-capacity playoff game since 2017. Attendance limits were in place because of the pandemic when the club reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2021.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Montreal's success on home ice down the stretch was a key reason it claimed the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens went 10-0-2 at the Bell Centre after the 4 Nations Face-Off in late February.</p><p>The Habs have kept the series close despite their underdog status. The Capitals won Game 1 in overtime after Montreal mounted a two-goal comeback in the third period, then Washington fended off a late push with an empty netter to win 3-1 in Game 2.</p><p>"I think our group feels that we can play with them," St. Louis said. "We've got to find more minutes of good hockey, like our brand. And it's hard because 'Wash' is a really good team."</p><p>The Capitals beat the Canadiens in their only visit to the Bell Centre this season, a 4-2 result in December. </p><p>Puck drop for Game 3 is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET Friday.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA- APRIL 5: Montreal Canadiens Head Coach Martin St-Louis speaks to the media after the NHL regular season game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Bell Centre on April 5, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Philadelphia Flyers by a score of 3-2.

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St. Louis: Returning home is exactly what Canadiens need

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty made his series debut Thursday in Game 3 against the O...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a> made his series debut Thursday in Game 3 against the Ottawa Senators, replacing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8758" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8758">Nick Robertson</a> in the forward corps.</p><p>"He's worked hard, kept a good attitude for he most part," head coach Craig Berube said, according to <a href="https://x.com/JClipperton_CP/status/1915440767197159525">Joshua Clipperton of The Canadian Press</a>. "It's not easy. ... He's been around a long time, veteran guy. It's always harder for those guys."</p><p>Pacioretty hadn't played since Feb. 8 due to an undisclosed injury. The 36-year-old skated with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13037">Bobby McMann</a> and Game 2 overtime hero <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3007" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a> at practice.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Robertson registered an assist in Game 1 but has six penalty minutes in the series, including a costly high-sticking minor in Game 2 that led to a Senators power-play goal.</p><p>His 9:36 of ice time in Game 2 was the lowest of any Maple Leafs skater. Robertson tallied 15 goals and seven assists in 69 games this season.</p><p>Pacioretty had 13 points in 37 appearances in his first campaign with Toronto. He has 50 points in 78 career playoff games. </p>

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

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Pacioretty replaces Robertson for Leafs in Game 3

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog would have preferred to end his night with a win, bu...

<p>Colorado Avalanche captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2034" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2034">Gabriel Landeskog</a> would have preferred to end his night with a win, but the reception he received Wednesday to begin his first NHL game in nearly three years is something he won't soon forget.</p><p>Landeskog was greeted with a raucous ovation from Avalanche fans prior to Game 3 against the Dallas Stars. It marked his first time suiting up for the Avs since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TbfjQT6iYKI?si=RpZ2c5Zc62UxS0DN" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>"From my perspective, regardless of the outcome of the game, that was a memory of a lifetime for me," Landeskog said, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6303922/2025/04/24/gabriel-landeskog-avalanche-comeback-nhl-playoffs/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=twhq&amp;source=twitterhq">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Landeskog underwent multiple knee surgeries after winning the championship, and only returned to game action earlier in April with a brief conditioning stint in the AHL. </p><p>The veteran winger was held off the scoresheet in Wednesday's overtime loss, but registered six hits in 13:16 of ice time. </p><p>"I've probably played this game 100 times in my mind already and envisioned what it was going to feel like," Landeskog said. "And obviously it wasn't even close to what it actually felt like."</p><p>He added, "But at the same time, (I was) allowing myself to enjoy everything because it’s a very special night."</p><p>The loss put Colorado down 2-1 in the series. The matchup resumes Saturday in Denver.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 23: Gabriel Landeskog #92 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on before the game against the Dallas Stars in Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 23, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Landeskog: Reception in return 'a memory of a lifetime'

The Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse came to the defense of his team's goaltending tandem...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> came to the defense of his team's goaltending tandem after it allowed six goals for the second time in its opening-round series against the Los Angeles Kings.</p><p>"No team in this league can give up the amount of Grade A's and high-danger chances that we've been giving up (and still win)," Nurse <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm48TYdrZBY&amp;ab_channel=EdmontonOilers">said</a>. "We've been hanging our goalie out to dry."</p><p>The Oilers lost 6-2 on Wednesday to take a 2-0 series deficit back to Edmonton. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> allowed five goals on 28 shots, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> let in the first shot he faced after entering the game in relief in the third period.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Kings have controlled 56.39% of expected goals at even strength in the series, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30180">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>"I don't think there's been any bad goals," head coach Kris Knoblauch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yjOHfgo66c&amp;ab_channel=EdmontonOilers">said</a>. "There's been a lot of goals, but boy, the chances that we're giving up are Grade A's, and I'm not sure there's many that I would say, 'Geez, where's the save there?'"</p><p>Knoblauch added, "When you're making a gaffe and a guy's all by himself in the slot, and we've seen probably three of those in the last two games, that's not giving your goaltender much help."</p><p>No decision has been made on which goalie will start Game 3 on Friday.</p><p>Skinner has an .810 save percentage this postseason through two starts. He owned a .896 clip in 51 regular-season appearances.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 23: Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts to allowing a goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Oilers' Nurse: 'We've been hanging our goalie out to dry'

The PWHL confirmed plans to bring an expansion team to Vancouver starting in the 2025-26 season. ...

<p>The PWHL confirmed plans to bring an expansion team to Vancouver starting in the 2025-26 season. </p><p>The franchise will be the PWHL's seventh, joining Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, New York, Boston, and Minnesota, which were a part of the league's launch in 2024.</p><p>"It is a momentous day for us," executive vice president of business operations Amy Scheer said, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6302038/2025/04/23/pwhl-vancouver-expansion-2025-26-season/">The Athletic's Hailey Salvian</a>. "Each day we're so grateful and appreciative of how the fans and the cities have embraced us.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"To be able to grow this fast is just a testament to the great sport, our great athletes, and how people feel about the work that we're doing and what our players are putting out on the ice."</p><p>Expansion draft details and Vancouver's involvement into the 2025 player draft will be revealed in the coming weeks.</p><p>Vancouver will play at the Pacific Coliseum, which formerly housed the WHL's Giants and the NHL's Canucks.</p><p>Branding will be unveiled at a later date, but Vancouver's PWHL jerseys will feature "Pacific blue" and cream as their colors.</p><p>The PWHL is expected to announce a second expansion team, but a timeline isn't confirmed. Seattle is a front-runner to become the eighth franchise, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-hockey-pwhl-vancouver-expansion-70176e67cf9cc4d918efd737e8de371f">The Associated Press</a>.</p>

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 1: The PWHL logo is seen prior to the match between Toronto and New York at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on January 1, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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PWHL confirms Vancouver expansion team beginning next season

Cal Clutterbuck announced his retirement from the NHL on Wednesday with a post on Instagram.     ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/608">Cal Clutterbuck</a> announced his retirement from the NHL on Wednesday with a post on Instagram. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIy-BCltyoA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIy-BCltyoA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIy-BCltyoA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Cal Clutterbuck (@cal.clutter)</a></p>
</div></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Clutterbuck didn't play this past season. The forward's contract with the New York Islanders expired after the 2023-24 campaign.</p><p>The 37-year-old spent 11 years with the Islanders and was an effective bottom-six player for much of his career. Clutterbuck is the NHL's all-time hits leader with 4,029, although the stat wasn't officially tracked until 2007-08.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Clutterbuck was a third-round draft pick of the Minnesota Wild in 2006. He spent six seasons with the club before joining the Islanders.</p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - MARCH 07: Cal Clutterbuck #15 of the New York Islanders skates against Colorado Avalanche at UBS Arena on March 07, 2022 in Elmont, New York.

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Clutterbuck retires after 17-year career

Masters champion Rory McIlroy is in the field at this weekend's Zurich Classic of New Orleans for...

<p>Masters champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> is in the field at this weekend's Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the first time since completing the career grand slam earlier in April, and he was naturally asked about how he's digested his historic feat.</p><p>McIlroy said he underestimated the impact of his win outside of the golf world.</p><p>"Very much beyond golf," McIlroy said Wednesday, per <a href="https://x.com/GolfDigest/status/1915057451256230065">Golf Digest</a>. "I spoke to two presidents the day after, which was pretty cool. Just people reaching out, from all walks of life, whether it be sports, entertainment, culture ... people that you would never even think that would watch golf or would know what's going on. That was very, very humbling."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>McIlroy's Masters came after 11 years of attempting to become the sixth player in PGA TOUR history to win all four majors. His past failures at Augusta National were publicized each time the famed tournament rolled around.</p><p>"I think people can see themselves in the struggle at times, and everything that, you know, you sort of try to put into getting the best out of yourself and that journey," McIlroy said. "I think people watching someone finally get it done, something they've been trying to do for a decade-plus, I think it resonated with a lot of people."</p><p>McIlroy is teaming up with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/325" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/325">Shane Lowry</a> at this week's paired event. They won the tournament together in 2024.</p>

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 13: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland is awarded the Green Jacket by Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler after the final round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia.

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McIlroy: Long-awaited Masters win resonated with a lot of people

Columbus Blue Jackets bench boss Dean Evason is set to coach Canada at the upcoming World Champio...

<p>Columbus Blue Jackets bench boss Dean Evason is set to coach Canada at the upcoming World Championship in Sweden and Denmark, <a href="https://x.com/DarrenDreger/status/1915053971657687343">TSN's Darren Dreger</a> reports.</p><p>Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska will also be part of the staff, Dreger notes.</p><p>Evason is coming off an impressive first season with Columbus, nearly leading the club to the playoffs after many expected it to be a bottom-feeder.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 60-year-old spent parts of five seasons with the Minnesota Wild before he was fired during the 2023-24 campaign. Evason has amassed a 187-110-36 regular-season record as an NHL coach.</p><p>Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas will be in charge of picking Canada's roster.</p><p>Canada failed to medal at last year's tournament, finishing fourth.</p><p>The event is scheduled to begin May 9.</p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - FEBRUARY 24: Head coach Dean Evason of the Columbus Blue Jackets talks to members of the media while visiting Ohio Stadium ahead of the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series game on February 24, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Report: Evason to coach Canada at World Championship

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk returned in Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning after...

<p>Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> returned in Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning after missing the final 25 contests of the regular season with a lower-body injury.</p><p>Tkachuk was injured in a round-robin win over Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. He missed the following game and was limited to fewer than seven minutes played in USA's championship-game loss.</p><p>The Panthers dealt with numerous injuries down the stretch but have nearly a full lineup for Game 1. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a>, who's eligible to return for Game 3 after serving a 20-game suspension for a performance-enhancing substance, is the only regular missing.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tkachuk lined up in Florida's top six alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10633">Mackie Samoskevich</a>, according to <a href="https://x.com/J_McPherson1126/status/1914835927551144313">Miami Herald's Jordan McPherson</a>.</p><p>Tkachuk registered 57 points in 52 games this season before being sidelined. He had 22 points in 24 postseason contests last spring, helping the Panthers win the Stanley Cup.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 08: Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) waits for a face-off during the game between the Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Amerant Bank Area in Sunrise, FL.

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Panthers' Tkachuk returns in Game 1 vs. Lightning

The New York Islanders aren't renewing the contract of president of hockey operations and general...

<p>The New York Islanders aren't renewing the contract of president of hockey operations and general manager Lou Lamoriello, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>Lamoriello joined New York's front office in 2018. The club will begin a search for their next GM immediately. </p><p>"The Islanders extend a heartfelt thank you to Lou Lamoriello for his extraordinary commitment over the past seven years," the team said in a statement. "His dedication to the team is in line with his Hall of Fame career."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Islanders reached the Eastern Conference Final twice with Lamoriello in charge, losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021. However, New York hasn't won a series since and missed the playoffs this season.</p><p>Some of Lamoriello's biggest transactions with the Islanders include trading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5553">Devon Toews</a> to the Colorado Avalanche, acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3009" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3009">Bo Horvat</a> from the Vancouver Canucks, and signing goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7301" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7301">Ilya Sorokin</a> to an eight-year, $66-million extension in 2023.</p><p>Lamoriello, 82, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009. He had a three-year stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs before joining the Islanders but is most known for overseeing the most successful era in New Jersey Devils history. He ran the club from 1987-2015, as the Devils qualified for the playoffs 21 times and won three Stanley Cups.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: President and general manager Lou Lamoriello of the New York Islanders speaks onstage during the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Islanders not renewing GM Lamoriello's contract

The Toronto Maple Leafs' home crowd consistently serenaded Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk ...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs' home crowd consistently serenaded Ottawa Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> with "Brady sucks!" chants in Sunday's Game 1, but Ottawa linemate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/911" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/911">Claude Giroux</a> doesn't view it as a bad thing.</p><p>"In my eyes, it's a compliment for Brady," Giroux said Tuesday, per <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1914713363416006756">The Athletic's Chris Johnston</a>, noting his own experience as a Philadelphia Flyer in the Battle of Pennsylvania. "I mean, they don't do that if he actually sucks. I've gotten booed in Pittsburgh before and, I'll be honest, it was the best games to play."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9189" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9189">Tim Stutzle</a>, the third member of Ottawa's top line, agreed with Giroux.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"He's a good player. That's why they do it; they know he's a good player," Stutzle said, according to <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1914717939892208087">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>. "Everybody knows it. He's a really confident guy and knows what he has to do out there. So, I think it fires him up."</p><p>Tkachuk's playoff debut was a focal point leading into the series, particularly after his standout performance in the 4 Nations Face-Off. The 25-year-old was held off the scoresheet in Sunday's 6-2 loss but registered five shots, seven hits, and a minor penalty.</p><p>Tkachuk had 55 points in 72 regular-season games, missing much of the stretch run due to injury. Ottawa's in the playoffs for the first time since 2017.</p><p>Game 2 of the Battle of Ontario is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday. </p>

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 20: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators questions a call by referee Garrett Rank #7 during action against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period in Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Giroux: 'Brady sucks!' chants a compliment to Tkachuk

The fight of the underdog Montreal Canadiens left an impression on Washington Capitals head coach...

<p>The fight of the underdog Montreal Canadiens left an impression on Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery following a tightly contested Game 1 in their opening-round series.</p><p>The Capitals squeaked by the East's lowest seed with an overtime win after surrendering a two-goal lead in the third period. Carbery expects the remainder of the series to be just as close.</p><p>"One thing I've learned about their coach, their team: This team will not go quietly into the night," Carbery said, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canadiens-counterpunch-in-game-1-loss-puts-capitals-on-notice/">Sportsnet's Eric Engels</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Carbery added, "We know we have our hands full, and we're going to see a better first period from them in Game 2. I guarantee it. And that's on us to counter that and know that that's coming and not drop our guard."</p><p>The Canadiens outshot the Capitals 35-32, but Washington owned a distinct advantage in expected goals at five-on-five (57.06%), according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30131&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>Montreal head coach Martin St. Louis liked what he saw out of his group after a shaky start.</p><p>"I felt that we caught up to it and we started executing more," he said. "We spent more time in the O-zone, and we got better as the game went on. ... In terms of what we tried to do out there tonight, I felt it was a pretty good first game. There was a lot of good stuff. Unfortunately, you don't win, but we got some really good stuff from this game."</p><p>The Canadiens were the final team to qualify for the playoffs, grabbing the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 91 points. The postseason berth is their first since 2021, and it came on the strength of a 15-5-6 run after the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. The Capitals were 15-11-1 over that span.</p><p>Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday in D.C.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: The Montreal Canadiens celebrate the game tying goal past Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson (48) during the third period of game one of a first round playoff hockey game at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC on April 21, 2025.

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Carbery credits Habs' Game 1 effort: 'This team will not go quietly'

The United States defeated Canada 4-3 in overtime on Sunday to win gold at the 2025 Women's World...

<p>The United States defeated Canada 4-3 in overtime on Sunday to win gold at the 2025 Women's World Championship.</p><p>Tessa Janecke scored the winning goal late in the extra frame after Canada botched a line change. USA's title is its second in three years and 11th in tournament history.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">USA wins <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomensWorlds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WomensWorlds</a> GOLD!! 🥇🇺🇸<br><br>Tessa Janecke is the OT hero! <a href="https://t.co/3Xny4bgAtw">pic.twitter.com/3Xny4bgAtw</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1914035596953079823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Both countries scored two goals in less than three minutes in the second period. Minnesota Frost star Taylor Heise put the U.S. ahead in the third period with a 5-on-3 goal. The opportunity arose after Laura Stacey was penalized for charging American netminder Aerin Frankel. Gwyneth Philips replaced Frankel for the remainder of the contest after the collision.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sarah Fillier forced overtime with an equalizer with five minutes left in regulation. </p><p>Canada outshot the U.S. 10-7 in overtime but lost to its biggest rivals for the second time in the tournament. The United States won the preliminary round meeting 2-1 on April 13.</p><p>USA and Canada have met in the gold-medal game of the tourney in all but one year since 1990. Five of the past seven title games between the two countries have been decided in overtime.</p>

UTICA, NEW YORK - APRIL 11: Megan Keller #5, Kelly Pannek #12, Hilary Knight #21, Nicole Hensley #29, Britta Curl #17 of United States are seen with the rest of their team at the end of the game against Japan during the 2024 IIHF Women's World Championship at Adirondack Bank Center on April 11, 2024 in Utica, New York.

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USA tops Canada in OT to capture gold at Women's Worlds

Dallas Stars head coach Peter DeBoer believes his club played better than the score reflected in ...

<p>Dallas Stars head coach Peter DeBoer believes his club played better than the score reflected in Saturday's series-opening 5-1 defeat to the Colorado Avalanche.</p><p>"I think it's probably the best game we've played in three or four weeks," DeBoer <a href="https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/heika-s-take-dallas-stars-solid-effort-in-game-1-spoiled-by-bad-bounces-in-5-1-loss-to-colorado-avalanche-042025">said</a>. "I thought we were pretty solid."</p><p>Colorado scored the first two goals, but Dallas made it a 2-1 game in the third period. The Avalanche responded with three tallies to seal the deal.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"You've got to make your bounces in the playoffs, and they worked for their bounces tonight," DeBoer said. "We've got to work for some bounces around the net."</p><p>The Stars held a slight advantage in expected goals at five-on-five (50.15%), according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30161&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>, but the Avalanche controlled 61.7% of shot attempts and 52.94% of scoring chances.</p><p>The Stars entered the playoffs on a seven-game losing streak and have now lost eight consecutive Game 1s. Dallas has made the Western Conference Final two years in a row despite the setbacks.</p><p>"The good news is we've come back and won more than our share of those series where we have, so I think we've got to concentrate on that," DeBoer said.</p><p>Dallas lost Game 1 to Colorado in the second round last season before winning the series in six.</p><p>"They're just a deeper team than they were a year ago," DeBoer said. "They're a deeper team and they didn't have (goalie) MacKenzie Blackwood last year. He obviously was a key guy for them tonight."</p><p>Game 2 is scheduled for 9:30 p.m ET on Monday.</p>

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 19: Pete DeBoer watches the action from behind the bench against the Colorado Avalanche in the second period of Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on April 19, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Stars' DeBoer: Game 1 loss best we've played in weeks

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson accepts that he's likely to face another offseason s...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/864" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/864">Erik Karlsson</a> accepts that he's likely to face another offseason surrounded by trade rumors.</p><p>"It's a business," Karlsson said at Pittsburgh's locker clean out Friday, per <a href="https://x.com/OtherNHLCrosby/status/1913250684364874093">NHL.com's Wes Crosby</a>.</p><p>Karlsson added, "Been through this before. I realize the magnitude of it. At the end of the day, it's a business. Whatever happens is going to happen. But all I can say is I've enjoyed everything here. I enjoy (it) on a personal level. Me and my family really want it to work here."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Penguins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3226554" href="https://thescore.com/news/3226554">reportedly</a> made it known they were willing to trade the veteran blue-liner leading up to the trade deadline. However, the offseason creates an easier avenue to facilitate a deal with fewer salary-cap restraints around the league.</p><p>Karlsson just wrapped up his second season with the Penguins, who acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the San Jose Sharks. He joined Pittsburgh after a 101-point, Norris Trophy-winning season but has failed to replicate that elite production, tallying 56- and 53-point outputs with the Pens.</p><p>"I think Erik Karlsson has elite talent," head coach Mike Sullivan said, per <a href="https://x.com/937theFan/status/1913260940067250231">93.7 The Fan</a>. "He makes a handful of plays each game that other players can't make. Just like our team, consistency of that is the challenge."</p><p>Karlsson, who was also traded from the Ottawa Senators earlier in his career, is under contract for two more seasons at an $11.5-million cap hit. The soon-to-be 35-year-old ranks 15th in points by a defenseman in NHL history with 870 in 1,084 games.</p><p>The Penguins missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 11: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Pittsburgh Penguins warms up prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 11, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Karlsson acknowledges possibility of trade: 'Been through this before'

Ex-Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen isn't hung up on facing his old teammates in the fir...

<p>Ex-Colorado Avalanche forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> isn't hung up on facing his old teammates in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as a member of the Dallas Stars.</p><p>"I have a lot of friends off the ice from that team, but I think when the whistle goes on the ice for Game 1, I think then it's business and we try to beat each other," Rantanen said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/mikko-rantanen-now-on-other-side-of-dallas-stars-colorado-avalanche-playoff-matchup">NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika</a>. "Business is how I would look at it. Everybody wants to win."</p><p>The Stars and Avalanche are set to begin their slugfest Saturday in one of the opening round's most anticipated series. Rantanen's connection with both teams is a compelling storyline in the matchup between the two Western Conference powerhouses.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Avalanche traded Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in a shocking trade in January. Carolina then flipped him to Dallas at the deadline after the playmaking winger indicated he didn't want to sign long term in Raleigh. Rantanen inked an eight-year extension with the Stars as part of the trade.</p><p>"It's going to be different, but that's his new home, and it's going to be his home for eight years," Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said. "That's the life of pro hockey sometimes in the business side of it. He's going to be a big factor in this series."</p><p>Rantanen played against the Avalanche in his fourth game with the Stars, an overtime loss. He finished the season with 88 points in 82 contests, including 18 in 20 appearances with Dallas.</p><p>The Stars and Avalanche had history before Rantanen switched sides, as Dallas eliminated Colorado from last year's playoffs in the second round.</p>

DENVER, CO - MARCH 16: Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) blocks a shot by Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) in the third period at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

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Rantanen downplays series vs. former Avs teammates: 'It's business'

The first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is one of the most exciting stretches on the NHL cale...

<p>The first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is one of the most exciting stretches on the NHL calendar. </p><p>There's an overwhelming amount of storylines percolating this postseason, and below, we'll outline one intriguing matchup to watch in each of the eight series.</p><h3>(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Montreal Canadiens</h3><p><strong>Intriguing matchup</strong>:<strong> </strong>Capitals' offense vs. inexperienced Canadiens' D-corps</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Canadiens limped into the playoffs, but they showed they can hang with the league's best teams with a red-hot stretch following the 4 Nations Face-Off. One big concern for Montreal in its return to the postseason is a defensive unit that lacks experience. David Savard is the elder statesman with a Stanley Cup to his name and 57 career playoff games, but there's a steep drop-off after him. Three of Montreal's top six - Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, and Jayden Struble - are playoff rookies.</p><p>Washington has cooled off lately despite all the hoopla around Alex Ovechkin breaking the all-time goals record, but the Caps still boast seven 20-goal scorers and finished the campaign ranked second with 3.49. The Capitals also have a balanced blend of physical and skilled forwards who the Canadiens will need to hold at bay.</p><h3>(A1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (WC1) Ottawa Senators</h3><p><strong>Intriguing matchup</strong>: Brady Tkachuk vs. Toronto's top pairing</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780862/cropped_GettyImages-2183822399.jpg?ts=1744815226" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780862/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183822399.jpg?ts=1744815226 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780862/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183822399.jpg?ts=1744815226 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780862/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183822399.jpg?ts=1744815226 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780862/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183822399.jpg?ts=1744815226 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780862/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183822399.jpg?ts=1744815226 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Claus Andersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There are several intriguing layers to the upcoming Battle of Ontario, but Tkachuk's impact in his playoff debut leads the pack. The Sens' captain has been chomping at the bit to make his mark in the playoffs, and is expected to be ready for Game 1 after dealing with an injury for the stretch run. As evidenced at the 4 Nations, Tkachuk is capable of rising to the moment, and an underdog role against Ottawa's biggest rival is a situation where it's easy to imagine him thriving.</p><p>Limiting Tkachuk will unquestionably be among the Maple Leafs' top priorities, but Jake McCabe's undisclosed injury, even though he's probable for Game 1, clouds the feasibility of it. He's Toronto's most physical defender and makes up the club's shutdown unit with Chris Tanev. </p><h3>(M2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (M3) New Jersey Devils</h3><p><strong>Intriguing matchup</strong>: Carolina's power play vs. New Jersey's penalty kill</p><p>The Hurricanes enter this series as strong favorites, which is strongly influenced by the Devils' glut of key injuries. While New Jersey faces an uphill battle to reach the second round, a notable advantage on special teams has the potential to swing the series in its favor.</p><p>As dangerous as Carolina is on offense at five-on-five - its 55.43% expected goals rate led the NHL - the Hurricanes are mystifyingly terrible on the power play. The club ranked 24th in the regular season and 31st from January onward with a paltry 12.4% conversion rate. Conversely, New Jersey has owned the league's second<strong>-</strong>best penalty kill at an 82.27% clip. If the Devils lock it defensively at all strengths, they've got a shot.</p><h3>(A2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (A3) Florida Panthers</h3><p><strong>Intriguing matchup</strong>: Matthew Tkachuk vs. Brandon Hagel</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771332/cropped_GettyImages-2200092824.jpg?ts=1744381473" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771332/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200092824.jpg?ts=1744381473 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771332/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200092824.jpg?ts=1744381473 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771332/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200092824.jpg?ts=1744381473 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771332/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200092824.jpg?ts=1744381473 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771332/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200092824.jpg?ts=1744381473 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Florida and Tampa Bay hate each other, and it seems like Tkachuk and Hagel do, too. There was clearly bad blood between the two in their premeditated scrap at the 4 Nations, and due to Tkachuk's injury from the tournament onward, the two players haven't seen each other since. There are plenty of reasons this could be the most memorable matchup of the opening round, but nothing would cause a stir like Tkachuk and Hagel renewing hostilities.</p><h3>(C1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) St. Louis Blues</h3><p><strong>Intriguing matchup</strong>: Connor Hellebuyck vs. Playoff demons</p><p>Everything on paper in this matchup heavily favors the Jets, as the Presidents' Trophy winners have been the league's top team since starting the season on an eight-game win streak. However, one question mark looms over Winnipeg entering its highly anticipated playoff run: Which Hellebuyck shows up? The Jets' superstar netminder is a virtual lock to win his second consecutive Vezina Trophy, but he has faltered in back-to-back playoffs with save percentages of .886 and .864 in consecutive first-round losses. It's difficult to understand Hellebuyck's recent playoff struggles, but the Blues, who mustered only six goals against him in three games this season, have to hope the trend continues.</p><h3>(P1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild</h3><p><strong>Intriguing matchup</strong>: Center depth</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780866/cropped_GettyImages-1478913151.jpg?ts=1744816128" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780866/w220xh124_GettyImages-1478913151.jpg?ts=1744816128 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780866/w320xh180_GettyImages-1478913151.jpg?ts=1744816128 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780866/w640xh360_GettyImages-1478913151.jpg?ts=1744816128 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780866/w768xh432_GettyImages-1478913151.jpg?ts=1744816128 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780866/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1478913151.jpg?ts=1744816128 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Golden Knights have dominated the Wild recently, winning 11 of the past 13 meetings. Vegas enters this series as significant favorites, and a key advantage is likely to swing the clash in its favour: depth down the middle. The Golden Knights are set to roll out Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, and William Karlsson as their top three pivots. The Wild have a competent first-line center in Joel Eriksson Ek, but there's a major decline with Frederick Gaudreau and Marco Rossi anchoring lines two and three. How Minnesota manages this mismatch is likely to determine its playoff fate.</p><h3>(C2) Dallas Stars vs. (C3) Colorado Avalanche</h3><p><strong>Intriguing matchup</strong>: Thomas Harley vs. Nathan MacKinnon</p><p>Dallas' defensive corps is a big question mark heading into the playoffs, particularly with Miro Heiskanen missing. Slowing down MacKinnon and the rest of Colorado's attacking weapons is imperative for the Stars to have a chance, and that responsibility is likely to fall primarily on Harley.</p><p>The 23-year-old has quietly been outstanding this season, particularly since Heiskanen hit the shelf. Harley led all blue-liners with 27.1 goals above replacement in the regular season, a metric that measures an individual's all-around contributions on the ice. He had a strong cameo with Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, but stepping up in the playoffs against MacKinnon could make him a household name.</p><h3>(P2) Los Angeles Kings vs. (P3) Edmonton Oilers</h3><p><strong>Intriguing matchup</strong>: Darcy Kuemper vs. Oilers' attack</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780868/cropped_GettyImages-2208136857.jpg?ts=1744816513" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780868/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208136857.jpg?ts=1744816513 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780868/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208136857.jpg?ts=1744816513 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780868/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208136857.jpg?ts=1744816513 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780868/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208136857.jpg?ts=1744816513 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780868/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208136857.jpg?ts=1744816513 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>We've seen this one before, as the Kings and Oilers are set to clash for the fourth consecutive year. Edmonton has taken the previous three matchups, but this year offers an interesting wrinkle: Los Angeles has competent goaltending. Over the last three meetings, the Kings trotted out six different netminders, and only one - 36-year-old Jonathan Quick in 2022 - posted a save percentage over .900.</p><p>This year, the Kings will rely on Darcy Kuemper, who could be a Vezina Trophy finalist after a dominant stretch run. On top of a great debut season with the Kings, Kuemper is 13-4-4 lifetime against the Oilers with a .924 clip and two shutouts. He also won a Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. Could he be what Los Angeles needs to get over the first-round hump?</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 11: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche skates with the puck against Thomas Harley #55 of the Dallas Stars during the second period in Game Three of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 11, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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1 intriguing matchup for each 1st-round series

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