Florida Panthers forward Jesse Puljujarvi has been suspended two games for an illegal check to th...

<p>Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5589">Jesse Puljujarvi</a> has been suspended two games for an illegal check to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9883" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9883">Mitchell Chaffee</a>, the NHL Department of Player Safety <a href="https://www.nhl.com/video/topic/player-safety/puljujarvi-suspended-two-games-6371608617112">announced</a> Thursday.</p><p>The head was the main point of contact, and it was avoidable, the league said.</p><p>The suspension is the first of Puljujarvi's eight-year NHL career. He's played five games with the Panthers this season after the Pittsburgh Penguins released him in February.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chaffee has tallied 12 goals and six assists in 66 games for the Lightning this season. He's considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury.</p><p>The Lightning and Panthers begin their Round 1 series Tuesday.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - APRIL 8: Jesse Puljujarvi #20 of the Florida Panthers skates prior to the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Amerant Bank Arena on April 8, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30999633/related

Puljujarvi suspended 2 games for high hit on Chaffee

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs will open Saturday with the Presidents' Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jet...

<p>The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs will open Saturday with the Presidents' Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets taking on the red-hot St. Louis Blues at 6 p.m. ET. Here's the full Round 1 schedule.</p><p><em>All times ET.<br>*If necessary</em></p><h3>Atlantic Division</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780926/cropped_GettyImages-2195648848.jpg?ts=1744831758" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780926/w220xh124_GettyImages-2195648848.jpg?ts=1744831758 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780926/w320xh180_GettyImages-2195648848.jpg?ts=1744831758 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780926/w640xh360_GettyImages-2195648848.jpg?ts=1744831758 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780926/w768xh432_GettyImages-2195648848.jpg?ts=1744831758 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780926/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2195648848.jpg?ts=1744831758 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Toronto Maple Leafs (A1) vs. Ottawa Senators (WC1)</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 20</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Maple Leafs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 22</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Maple Leafs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 24</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Senators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 26</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Senators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 29</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Maple Leafs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 1</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Senators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 3</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Maple Leafs</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Tampa Bay Lightning (A2) vs. Florida Panthers (A3)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 22</td>
<td>8:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Lightning</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 24</td>
<td>6:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Lightning</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 26</td>
<td>1 p.m.</td>
<td>Panthers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 28</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Panthers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 30</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Lightning</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 2</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Panthers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 4</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Lightning</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Metropolitan Division</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779989/cropped_GettyImages-2208962102.jpg?ts=1744337515" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779989/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208962102.jpg?ts=1744337515 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779989/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208962102.jpg?ts=1744337515 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779989/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208962102.jpg?ts=1744337515 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779989/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208962102.jpg?ts=1744337515 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779989/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208962102.jpg?ts=1744337515 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John McCreary / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Washington Capitals (M1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (WC2)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 21</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 23</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 25</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Canadiens</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 27</td>
<td>6:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Canadiens</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 30</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 2</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Canadiens</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 4</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Carolina Hurricanes (M2) vs. New Jersey Devils (M3)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 20</td>
<td>3 p.m.</td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 22</td>
<td>6 p.m.</td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 25</td>
<td>8 p.m.</td>
<td>Devils</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 27</td>
<td>3:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Devils</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 29</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 2</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Devils</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 4</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Central Division</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780487/cropped_GettyImages-2209604798.jpg?ts=1744591986" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780487/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209604798.jpg?ts=1744591986 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780487/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209604798.jpg?ts=1744591986 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780487/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209604798.jpg?ts=1744591986 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780487/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209604798.jpg?ts=1744591986 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780487/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209604798.jpg?ts=1744591986 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Winnipeg Jets (C1) vs. St. Louis Blues (WC2)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 19</td>
<td>6 p.m.</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 21</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 24</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Blues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 27</td>
<td>1 p.m.</td>
<td>Blues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 30</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 2</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Blues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 4</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Dallas Stars (C2) vs. Colorado Avalanche (C3)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 19</td>
<td>8:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 21</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 23</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Avalanche</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 26</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Avalanche</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 28</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 1</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Avalanche</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 3</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Pacific Division</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780324/cropped_GettyImages-2209990352.jpg?ts=1744515263" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780324/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209990352.jpg?ts=1744515263 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780324/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209990352.jpg?ts=1744515263 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780324/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209990352.jpg?ts=1744515263 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780324/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209990352.jpg?ts=1744515263 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780324/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209990352.jpg?ts=1744515263 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Becker / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Vegas Golden Knights (P1) vs. Minnesota Wild (WC1)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 20</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 22</td>
<td>11 p.m.</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 24</td>
<td>9 p.m.</td>
<td>Wild</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 26</td>
<td>4 p.m.</td>
<td>Wild</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 29</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 1</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Wild</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 3</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Los Angeles Kings (P2) vs. Edmonton Oilers (P3)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Home team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 21</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Kings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 23</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Kings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 25</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 27</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 29</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Kings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 1</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 3</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Kings</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

ST. LOUIS, MO - FEBRUARY 22: Alexey Toropchenko #13 of the St. Louis Blues checks Dylan DeMelo #2 of the Winnipeg Jets on February 22, 2025 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30998970/related

NHL announces Round 1 playoff schedule

One of the top pending unrestricted free-agent defensemen won't hit the open market.  The Winnipe...

<p>One of the top pending unrestricted free-agent defensemen won't hit the open market.</p><p>The Winnipeg Jets signed blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6396" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6396">Neal Pionk</a> to a six-year extension carrying an average annual value of $7 million, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>The 29-year-old recorded 10 goals and 29 assists in 69 games with the Presidents' Trophy-winning Jets this season, averaging 22:04 per contest. He ranked second among Winnipeg blue-liners to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a> in all three statistics.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While Pionk didn't set career highs in any of those categories, this was arguably his best all-around season. His 2.2 defensive goals above replacement represented a new personal best, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>.</p><p>The Jets acquired Pionk and a first-round pick (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10038" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10038">Ville Heinola</a>) in a 2019 trade with the New York Rangers in exchange for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a>.</p><p>The 2025 UFA defense class currently projects to be headlined by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7291" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7291">Vladislav Gavrikov</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4577" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4577">Ivan Provorov</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1906" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1906">Dmitry Orlov</a>, among others.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 6: Neal Pionk #4 of the Winnipeg Jets controls the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 6, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Jets defeated the Flyers 4-1.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30998571/related

Jets sign Pionk to 6-year, $42M extension

Brady Tkachuk is ready to rock.  The Ottawa Senators captain will return to the lineup for Thursd...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> is ready to rock.</p><p>The Ottawa Senators captain will return to the lineup for Thursday's regular-season finale against the Carolina Hurricanes, the team announced.</p><p>Tkachuk has missed eight games since suffering an upper-body injury March 30.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 25-year-old played an instrumental role in snapping Ottawa's seven-year postseason drought, as he leads the team with 29 goals in 71 games this season.</p><p>The Senators are expected to open their Round 1 series Sunday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where Tkachuk will make his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 22: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators skates during warm up prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on March 22, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30997603/related

Tkachuk returning to Senators' lineup for regular-season finale

Artemi Panarin and Madison Square Garden Sports - the company that owns the NHL's New York Ranger...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4530" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a> and Madison Square Garden Sports - the company that owns the NHL's New York Rangers - paid financial settlements to a team employee in 2024 after she told the team the star forward sexually assaulted her, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6284856/2025/04/17/artemi-panarin-sexual-assault-settlement-ny-rangers/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=twhq&amp;source=twitterhq">The Athletic's Katie Strang</a>.</p><p>The alleged assault reportedly took place during a Rangers road trip in December 2023. Panarin and the woman were at a postgame gathering at a hotel with several other players and staff members. Panarin allegedly took the woman's phone and told her he would only give it back if she picked it up from his hotel room, sources told Strang. The woman reportedly said that when she went to his room to retrieve her phone, Panarin pinned her down on the bed. According to her account, she reportedly pushed him off, recovered the phone, and left.</p><p>The woman reportedly left her position with the team in August 2024 after reaching two separate settlements: one with Panarin and another with MSG Sports. The settlements included non-disclosure and no admission of wrongdoing clauses.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>No records indicate the woman reported the incident to law enforcement, per Strang. The woman informed the team of the alleged assault three months later during an investigation into a separate incident, sources told Strang. The team reportedly discovered that the woman, who was anxious about traveling on airplanes, shared her anti-anxiety medication with a player who was also anxious about airplane travel. She was placed on paid leave pending the outcome of that investigation.</p><p>The woman felt her treatment was unfair, sources told Strang, and then told the Rangers about the alleged assault.</p><p>MSG Sports and the woman both said "the matter has been resolved" when Strang reached out for comment. Neither Panarin nor his agent responded to Strang.</p><p>The NHL and the Rangers wouldn't say whether Panarin was subject to any discipline. The NHL wrote in an email: "The club retained an outside law firm to conduct an independent investigation, which the league was fully apprised of. We consider the matter closed." </p><p>Panarin has led the Rangers in scoring every season since signing a seven-year, $81.5-million contract with the club as a free agent in 2019. He finished fifth in Hart Trophy voting a year ago.</p>

MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 19: Artemi Panarin (10) of the New York Rangers waits for play to begin during the first period of the NHL game between the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens on Jan 19 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30996742/related

Report: Panarin, MSG paid settlements to Rangers employee after alleged sexual assault

The New Jersey Devils got a big boost ahead of the postseason.  Dougie Hamilton returned to the l...

<p>The New Jersey Devils got a big boost ahead of the postseason.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2155" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2155">Dougie Hamilton</a> returned to the lineup for Wednesday's regular-season finale against the Detroit Red Wings. </p><p>The defenseman hadn't played since suffering a lower-body injury March 4. He's back ahead of schedule, as the club initially expected him to miss all of Round 1.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hamilton has recorded 40 points in 63 games this season, second to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10579" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10579">Luke Hughes</a> (44) among Devils blue-liners.</p><p>The 6-foot-6, 230-pounder has tallied nine goals and 20 assists in 66 career playoff appearances. The Devils will play the Carolina Hurricanes, Hamilton's former team, in Round 1.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 08: Dougie Hamilton #7 of the New Jersey Devils skates during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on February 8, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-0.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30991235/related

Hamilton returns to Devils' lineup ahead of playoffs

Tyler Seguin is back just before the playoffs get underway.  The Dallas Stars forward was activat...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1693" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1693">Tyler Seguin</a> is back just before the playoffs get underway.</p><p>The Dallas Stars forward was activated off long-term injured reserve and returned to the lineup for Wednesday's regular-season finale against the Nashville Predators.</p><p>Seguin underwent hip surgery in December and missed the previous 58 games. He last suited up Dec. 1.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 33-year-old veteran tallied nine goals and 11 assists in 19 contests before the injury. He offers the Stars another option in one of the NHL's deepest forward groups.</p><p>Seguin has 49 points in 42 career games against the Colorado Avalanche - Dallas' Round 1 opponent.</p>

RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Dallas Stars right wing Tyler Seguin (91) prepares to fist bump teammates after scorign during the NHL game between the Dallas Stars and the Carolina Hurricanes on November 25, 2024 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30989933/related

Seguin returns to Stars' lineup for regular-season finale

The Washington Capitals signed center Nic Dowd to a two-year contract extension with a $3-million...

<p>The Washington Capitals signed center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3873" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3873">Nic Dowd</a> to a two-year contract extension with a $3-million average annual value, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>The 34-year-old has set career highs in goals (14) and points (27) in 81 games this season while averaging 15:10 per contest.</p><p>Dowd has posted strong defensive metrics for the fourth consecutive season. He ranks first among Capitals forwards and seventh among all NHL centers with 4.5 defensive goals above replacement, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>. He finished 30th in Selke Trophy voting last year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Huntsville, Alabama, native was a seventh-round pick by the Los Angeles Kings in 2009. He's recorded 176 points in 581 games across his 10-year career.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 13: Nic Dowd #26 of the Washington Capitals makes a pass during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Capital One Arena on April 13, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30988087/related

Capitals ink Dowd to 2-year, $6M extension

The Winnipeg Jets signed winger Alex Iafallo to a three-year contract extension carrying an avera...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets signed winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6386" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6386">Alex Iafallo</a> to a three-year contract extension carrying an average annual value of $3.67 million, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>Iafallo has 15 goals and 16 assists in 81 games with the Jets this season, averaging 13:13 per contest. The 31-year-old has shown an ability to play up and down the lineup for the Presidents' Trophy winners.</p><p>Winnipeg acquired Iafallo from the Los Angeles Kings in 2023 as part of the trade that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5588" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5588">Pierre-Luc Dubois</a> to L.A.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Kings signed Iafallo as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He's averaged 16 goals and 21 assists per 82 games across his eight-year career.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 13: Alex Iafallo #9 of the Winnipeg Jets plays the puck down the ice during third period action against the Edmonton Oilers at the Canada Life Centre on April 13, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Oilers defeated the Jets 4-1.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30986749/related

Jets sign Iafallo to 3-year extension

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is confident in his team entering the postseason even thou...

<p>Edmonton Oilers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> is confident in his team entering the postseason even though several players have been banged up down the stretch.</p><p>"I don't like this whole notion that we're the walking wounded here," McDavid told reporters Tuesday. "We're ready to roll."</p><p>The Oilers iced a significantly undermanned lineup in Monday's 5-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. Edmonton was without McDavid, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5614" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5614">Trent Frederic</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1993" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1993">Mattias Ekholm</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6367" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6367">Jake Walman</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5551" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5551">Troy Stecher</a>, among others.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>McDavid skated in three games following his eight-game absence due to a lower-body injury but sat out Monday for rest.</p><p>"I've felt, personally, night and day from before the injury," McDavid said.</p><p>McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, Walman, and Stecher are all expected to be available for Game 1 of the postseason. Frederic is considered questionable. Ekholm, though, is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267161" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267161">out</a> through the opening round against the Kings.</p><p>There's also a chance the Oilers could be without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> to begin the playoffs. The defenseman has a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267610" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267610">hearing</a> with the Department of Player Safety on Tuesday night for cross-checking Kings forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9210" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9210">Quinton Byfield</a> on Monday.</p><p>Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch added Monday that winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/56" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/56">Evander Kane</a>, who's missed the entire season, is "looking good," according to <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1911850663383810481">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>. However, it's up to team medical staff to clear Kane.</p><p>"I just don't like the theory that people are counting us out," McDavid said. "We're a great team here. Bumps and bruises along the way, obviously. But we're a dangerous team when we're rolling and healthy. And we are healthy."</p><p>The Oilers, reigning Western Conference champions, are aiming to defeat the Kings in Round 1 for the fourth consecutive year.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - APRIL 11: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up prior to during the game against the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Place on April 11, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30978065/related

McDavid: Oilers 'ready to roll' for playoffs despite injuries

The Winnipeg Jets will likely begin their postseason run without Nikolaj Ehlers.  The speedy wing...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets will likely begin their postseason run without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3995" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3995">Nikolaj Ehlers</a>.</p><p>The speedy winger is out week-to-week with a foot injury, head coach Scott Arniel announced Tuesday, per <a href="https://x.com/JohnLuTSNWpg/status/1912192633570750766">TSN's John Lu</a>.</p><p>Ehlers had to be helped off the ice after an <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1911218090295107984">awkward collision</a> with an official during Saturday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks that aggravated a previous foot injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 29-year-old recorded 63 points in 69 games this season - good for third on the Jets and one shy of matching his career high. He's set to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.</p><p>On the bright side, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6466" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6466">Gabriel Vilardi</a> is nearing a return for the Jets. The forward hasn't played since March 23 due to an upper-body injury, but his status has improved to day-to-day. Vilardi's tallied a personal-best 61 points in 71 games this season.</p><p>The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday. Winnipeg's Round 1 opponent is to be determined. </p>

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 12: Mason Appleton #22 of the Winnipeg Jets helps Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets to the bench during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 12. 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30976884/related

Jets' Ehlers expected to miss start of playoffs with week-to-week timeline

Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters Tuesday that defenseman Owen Power appears to...

<p>Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff <a href="https://x.com/BuffaloSabres/status/1912176793080955009">told reporters</a> Tuesday that defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10545">Owen Power</a> appears to have a serious injury.</p><p>Ruff couldn't provide specifics about the injury or a possible recovery timeline but said he'd know more in the coming days.</p><p>Power was <a href="https://x.com/SabresPlays/status/1911211699140460968">hurt</a> during Saturday's game against the Florida Panthers when his right knee and left ankle bent awkwardly as he defended a falling <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3208" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3208">Carter Verhaeghe</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Buffalo's season will end Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers, but Power is undoubtedly a key cog moving forward. The Mississauga, Ontario, native would've been a candidate to represent Canada at the upcoming World Championship for the third time, though any serious injury will likely keep him out of the tournament.</p><p>Power registered a career-high 40 points in 79 games this season. The Sabres selected the 6-foot-6 defenseman first overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - APRIL 6: Owen Power #25 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the Boston Bruins during an NHL game on April 6, 2025 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30976453/related

Sabres' Ruff says Power likely facing serious injury

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse will have a hearing Tuesday night for cross-checking Los...

<p>Edmonton Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> will have a hearing Tuesday night for cross-checking Los Angeles Kings forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9210" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9210">Quinton Byfield</a> during Monday's meeting between Pacific Division rivals, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced.</p><p>Nurse was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct for hitting Byfield in the back of the head and neck while he was down on the ice. Byfield was not on the bench to start the third frame and was later ruled out with an upper-body injury.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Darnell Nurse receives a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for this shot on Quinton Byfield 😬🤕 <a href="https://t.co/6Tz7mHveQY">pic.twitter.com/6Tz7mHveQY</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1911991397781029081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The incident occurred with Edmonton down 4-0 in the game. It was a chippy clash between the Round 1 opponents, with the Oilers being assessed 53 penalty minutes and the Kings getting handed 16 through the first two periods.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Los Angeles pulled netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2003">Darcy Kuemper</a> after forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4520">Adrian Kempe</a> put the game further out of reach with the club's final goal in the 5-0 victory.</p><p>Edmonton was down several key players in the matchup, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1993" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1993">Mattias Ekholm</a>.</p><p>"I think they just have their 'B squad' in trying to hurt us," Kings center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2083" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2083">Phillip Danault</a> said during the second intermission, per <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/perry-on-danault-accusing-oilers-of-running-b-squad-to-injure-kings-what-the-f~3115299">TSN</a>.</p><p>"What the f----?" Oilers winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> responded postgame. "What do you want us to do? Did he not look at what's happened to us the last couple weeks? We're not out there to hurt anybody."</p><p>The Oilers and Kings are locked into a first-round matchup for the fourth straight year. Edmonton has one more game left in the regular season, while Los Angeles has two more contests remaining.</p><p>The Kings secured home-ice advantage with Monday's win. </p><p>Nurse has been suspended three times in his 11-year NHL career, including a one-game ban for headbutting Danault during the 2022 playoffs. He also sat out one contest in the 2023 postseason after taking a late instigator penalty against the Vegas Golden Knights.</p><p>The blue-liner's first suspension was for three games for acting as an aggressor during an altercation with then-San Jose Sharks blue-liner Roman Polak in 2016.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - APRIL 14: Darnell Nurse #25 of the Edmonton Oilers skates during the second period of the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Place on April 14, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30973489/related

Nurse to have hearing for cross-checking Byfield

Kenny Albert will succeed Sam Rosen.  MSG Networks announced Tuesday that it named Albert the lea...

<p>Kenny Albert will succeed Sam Rosen.</p><p>MSG Networks <a href="http://780698">announced</a> Tuesday that it named Albert the lead TV play-by-play announcer for its coverage of the New York Rangers.</p><p>Rosen, who's been calling Rangers games since 1984, announced prior to the start of the 2024-25 campaign that he would retire after the season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Albert, the son of legendary broadcaster Marv Albert, is currently the play-by-play lead for the NHL on TNT. He's also previously called NFL, MLB, and NBA games.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 18: NHL on TNT sportscaster, Kenny Albert, speaks at the podium during NHL Foundation/Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation VIP Reception at The Newbury Hotel on February 18, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30975774/related

Kenny Albert named Rangers' play-by-play announcer

Sidney Crosby is aging like fine wine, and his peers have taken notice.   The Pittsburgh Penguins...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> is aging like fine wine, and his peers have taken notice. </p><p>The Pittsburgh Penguins captain, who's put together an 89-point campaign at age 37, was voted the league's smartest and most complete player in the 2024-25 player poll, <a href="https://www.nhlpa.com/player-poll/2024-25">published</a> Tuesday by the NHLPA.</p><p>Here are the full results:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Who is the best overall goalie?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774360/cropped_GettyImages-2202410926.jpg?ts=1741572673" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774360/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202410926.jpg?ts=1741572673 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774360/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202410926.jpg?ts=1741572673 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774360/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202410926.jpg?ts=1741572673 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774360/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202410926.jpg?ts=1741572673 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774360/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202410926.jpg?ts=1741572673 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Carlson / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Vote %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Andrei Vasilevskiy (TB)</td>
<td>31.13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Igor Shesterkin (NYR)</td>
<td>23.58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Connor Hellebuyck (WPG)</td>
<td>15.57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sergei Bobrovsky (FLA)</td>
<td>8.18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Juuse Saros (NSH)</td>
<td>4.40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Other</td>
<td>17.14</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Hellebuyck finished third despite being a near lock to take home his second straight Vezina Trophy. Vasilevskiy's superior playoff resume might have something to do with it.</p><p><strong>Who is the best overall forward?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Vote %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Connor McDavid (EDM)</td>
<td>73.89</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nathan MacKinnon (COL)</td>
<td>9.62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikita Kucherov (TB)</td>
<td>6.41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sidney Crosby (PIT)</td>
<td>1.53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kirill Kaprizov (MIN)</td>
<td>1.53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Other</td>
<td>7.02</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>McDavid has been the answer to this question every year it's been asked since the NHLPA player poll began in 2017-18.</p><p><strong>Who is the best overall defenseman?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780104/cropped_GettyImages-2208974365.jpg?ts=1744396834" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780104/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208974365.jpg?ts=1744396834 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780104/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208974365.jpg?ts=1744396834 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780104/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208974365.jpg?ts=1744396834 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780104/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208974365.jpg?ts=1744396834 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780104/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208974365.jpg?ts=1744396834 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">C. Morgan Engel / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Vote %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cale Makar (COL)</td>
<td>71.78</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quinn Hughes (VAN)</td>
<td>7.44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Victor Hedman (TB)</td>
<td>5.74</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roman Josi (NSH)</td>
<td>3.26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Fox (NYR)</td>
<td>1.71</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Other</td>
<td>10.08</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Makar - likely to capture his second career Norris Trophy this season - wins in a landslide.</p><p><strong>Who is the most complete player?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Vote %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sidney Crosby (PIT)</td>
<td>33.81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aleksander Barkov (FLA)</td>
<td>30.95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nathan MacKinnon (COL)</td>
<td>7.14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Connor McDavid (EDM)</td>
<td>6.98</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auston Matthews (TOR)</td>
<td>3.17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anze Kopitar (LA)</td>
<td>3.17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Other</td>
<td>14.76</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Barkov is the reigning Selke Trophy winner, but the players still swayed toward Crosby's all-around game.</p><p><strong>Who is the best playmaker?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767130/cropped_GettyImages-2195158581.jpg?ts=1737779275" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767130/w220xh124_GettyImages-2195158581.jpg?ts=1737779275 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767130/w320xh180_GettyImages-2195158581.jpg?ts=1737779275 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767130/w640xh360_GettyImages-2195158581.jpg?ts=1737779275 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767130/w768xh432_GettyImages-2195158581.jpg?ts=1737779275 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767130/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2195158581.jpg?ts=1737779275 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Vote %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Nikita Kucherov (TB)</td>
<td>48.25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Connor McDavid (EDM)</td>
<td>20.16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leon Draisaitl (EDM)</td>
<td>6.83</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Artemi Panarin (NYR)</td>
<td>5.08</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sidney Crosby (PIT)</td>
<td>2.70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Other</td>
<td>16.98</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Kucherov led the NHL with 100 assists last season and is one shy of MacKinnon for the lead this year.</p><p><strong>If you need to win a faceoff, who would you pick?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Vote %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sidney Crosby (PIT)</td>
<td>20.39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan O'Reilly (NSH)</td>
<td>9.95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anze Kopitar (LA)</td>
<td>9.62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jordan Staal (CAR)</td>
<td>7.83</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aleksander Barkov (FLA)</td>
<td>7.83</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Other</td>
<td>44.37</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Crosby has taken the most faceoffs in the NHL this season (1,759), but it's Ottawa Senators veteran Claude Giroux who leads the NHL in percentage (61.4%) among players with at least 500 faceoffs.</p><p><strong>Who is the smartest overall player?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775913/cropped_GettyImages-2205243990.jpg?ts=1742342844" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775913/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205243990.jpg?ts=1742342844 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775913/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205243990.jpg?ts=1742342844 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775913/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205243990.jpg?ts=1742342844 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775913/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205243990.jpg?ts=1742342844 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775913/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205243990.jpg?ts=1742342844 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Sargent / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Vote %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sidney Crosby (PIT)</td>
<td>27.02</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikita Kucherov (TB)</td>
<td>24.71</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Connor McDavid (EDM)</td>
<td>11.53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aleksander Barkov (FLA)</td>
<td>6.43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Fox (NYR)</td>
<td>3.62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Other</td>
<td>26.69</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>More love for Crosby, who narrowly beat out Kucherov.</p><p><strong>Who is the best overall skater?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Vote %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Connor McDavid (EDM)</td>
<td>66.41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cale Makar (COL)</td>
<td>11.41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nathan MacKinnon (COL)</td>
<td>8.91</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quinn Hughes (VAN)</td>
<td>2.19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jesper Bratt (NJ)</td>
<td>1.88</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Was there ever any doubt? McDavid might be the best skater the game has ever seen, though Avalanche teammates Makar and MacKinnon are worthy of honorable mentions.</p><p><strong>Which player has the best fashion sense?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780674/cropped_GettyImages-1005907812.jpg?ts=1744726985" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780674/w220xh124_GettyImages-1005907812.jpg?ts=1744726985 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780674/w320xh180_GettyImages-1005907812.jpg?ts=1744726985 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780674/w640xh360_GettyImages-1005907812.jpg?ts=1744726985 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780674/w768xh432_GettyImages-1005907812.jpg?ts=1744726985 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780674/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1005907812.jpg?ts=1744726985 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">GP Images / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Vote %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>David Pastrnak (BOS)</td>
<td>15.75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auston Matthews (TOR)</td>
<td>15.75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Nylander (TOR)</td>
<td>12.90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrik Laine (MTL)</td>
<td>3.80</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roope Hintz (DAL)</td>
<td>2.09</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Other</td>
<td>49.72</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>There's only one way to settle the tie between Pastrnak and Matthews: a fashion show. It would probably go something like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7Q5FEjDWB4&amp;ab_channel=-TiGDeY-">this</a> between the division rivals.</p><p><strong>Who would be a good broadcaster once they retire?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Vote %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Hayes (PIT)</td>
<td>4.85</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Strome (ANA)</td>
<td>3.88</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brad Marchand (FLA)</td>
<td>3.50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pat Maroon (CHI)</td>
<td>3.50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eric Comrie (WPG)</td>
<td>3.11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Erik Johnson (COL)</td>
<td>2.52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marcus Foligno (MIN)</td>
<td>2.52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Other</td>
<td>76.12</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>While Hayes received the top spot, it's Maroon - retiring after the season - who could get first crack in front of a camera.</p><p><strong>Which PWHL rulebook change would you like to see in the NHL?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758762/cropped_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1733287812" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758762/w220xh124_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1733287812 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758762/w320xh180_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1733287812 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758762/w640xh360_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1733287812 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758762/w768xh432_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1733287812 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758762/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1733287812 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rule</th>
<th>Vote %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jailbreak goal</td>
<td>29.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3-2-1-0 point system</td>
<td>24.36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1st place chooses playoff opponent</td>
<td>16.83</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Unlimited individual shootout attempts</td>
<td>15.64</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trapezoid removal</td>
<td>13.47</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Jailbreak goal, in which a player is freed from the box if their team scores shorthanded, was deemed most popular by NHL players. But higher seeds choosing their Round 1 opponent, which finished third, could be a brilliant, made-for-TV event.</p><p><strong>Which NHL arena has the best ice?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Arena</th>
<th>Vote %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bell Centre (MTL)</td>
<td>44.96</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rogers Place (EDM)</td>
<td>14.87</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canada Life Centre (WPG)</td>
<td>10.77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xcel Energy Center (MIN)</td>
<td>7.52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-Mobile Arena (VGK)</td>
<td>4.62</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Bell Centre takes this honor for a seventh season.</p>

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 11: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 11, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30975355/related

Crosby voted smartest, most complete player in NHLPA poll

Rory McIlroy admits he felt just about every emotion possible during a roller-coaster Sunday at A...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> admits he felt just about every emotion possible during a roller-coaster Sunday at Augusta National, which culminated with the Northern Irishman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3257683" href="https://thescore.com/news/3257683">winning</a> the Masters to complete the elusive career grand slam.</p><p>"There were points in my career where I didn't know if I would have (the green jacket) over my shoulders," McIlroy <a href="https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1MnxnwzDedeKO">said</a> following the victory.</p><p>He later added: "There was points on the back nine today I thought, 'How did I let this slip again?' But I responded with some clutch shots when I needed to. Really proud of myself for that. It's been an emotionally draining week."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>McIlroy squandered a four-shot lead after a four-hole stretch in which he went 4-over par. He made bogeys on 11 and 14 and a disastrous double-bogey on 13 in which he splashed a 90-yard approach into Rae's Creek.</p><p>Epic birdies on 15 and 17 gave McIlroy a chance to close out the Masters with a par on the 72nd hole, but he missed a five-foot par putt after his approach found the sand. He won on the first playoff hole with a birdie after stuffing his approach within two feet.</p><p>"I didn't make it easy today. I was nervous. It was one of the toughest days I've ever had on the golf course," he said. "In a funny way, I feel like the double-bogey at the first (hole) sort of settled my nerves."</p><p>The victory marks McIlroy's first major championship since the 2014 PGA Championship. He heard all the noise and felt all the pressure about whether he'd be able to become the sixth man ever to win all four majors.</p><p>"I've carried that burden since August 2014," McIlroy said. "It's been nearly 11 years. I'm not just about winning my next major, but the career grand slam, trying to join a group of five players to do it, watching a lot of my peers get green jackets in the process, it's been difficult."</p><p>Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, and Gene Sarazen are the only other players to accomplish the feat.</p><p>McIlroy came within striking distance of capturing the green jacket on numerous occasions, garnering top-five finishes at Augusta in 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2022.</p><p>Several heartbreaking finishes at other majors - including the 2024 U.S. Open - make this victory extra sweet for Rory.</p><p>"It's a dream come true," McIlroy said. "I've dreamt about that moment for as long as I could remember." </p>

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 13: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland smiles with the Green Jacket and tournament trophy following his playoff victory during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30963312/related

McIlroy: There were points where I didn't know if I'd complete career slam

The Winnipeg Jets are the NHL's best team of the 2024-25 regular season.  The 55-24-2 Jets clinch...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets are the NHL's best team of the 2024-25 regular season.</p><p>The 55-24-2 Jets clinched their first Presidents' Trophy in club history following the Washington Capitals' 4-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday.</p><p>Winnipeg now secures home-ice advantage through the entirety of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Jets clinched first place in the Central Division and Western Conference on Saturday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Jets have benefited from superb seasons from multiple players, but none more so than <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a>. The netminder is a near lock for his third career and second straight Vezina Trophy and will likely receive Hart Trophy consideration, too. He owns a 46-12-3 record with a .924 save percentage, a 2.02 goals-against average, and eight shutouts this season.</p><p>The 2013 Chicago Blackhawks are the last team to the win the Presidents' Trophy and Stanley Cup in the same season.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 13: Cole Perfetti #91, Mark Scheifele #55, Kyle Connor #81 and Alex Iafallo #9 of the Winnipeg Jets celebrate a second period goal against the Edmonton Oilers at the Canada Life Centre on April 13, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30963046/related

Jets win Presidents' Trophy for 1st time in franchise history

Zeev Buium is turning pro.  The Minnesota Wild signed their top prospect to a three-year, entry-l...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15175" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15175">Zeev Buium</a> is turning pro.</p><p>The Minnesota Wild signed their top prospect to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Sunday.</p><p>Buium's NCAA season ended Thursday when Denver lost to eventual Frozen Four <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3265636" href="https://thescore.com/news/3265636">champion</a> Western Michigan in the semifinals.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Wild selected the defenseman 12th overall in the 2024 draft. Buium is coming off an impressive college career in which he tallied 98 points in 83 games across two seasons with the Pioneers. He helped Denver win the 2024 national championship and was a 2025 Hobey Baker Award finalist.</p><p>Buium also helped the United States capture back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championship in 2024 and 2025, recording five goals and six assists in 14 games across the two tournaments.</p><p>The 19-year-old could be in Minnesota's lineup as early as Tuesday's season finale against the Anaheim Ducks.</p>

Zeev Buium #28 of the Denver Pioneers looks on during a semifinals hockey game between Denver and Arizona State during the 2025 NCHC Frozen Faceoff at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, on March 21, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30950747/related

Wild sign Hobey Baker finalist Buium to entry-level contract

The Vegas Golden Knights are Pacific Division champions for the fourth time in their eight-year h...

<p>The Vegas Golden Knights are Pacific Division champions for the fourth time in their eight-year history.</p><p>The Golden Knights clinched top spot in the division Saturday night with a 5-3 victory over the Nashville Predators. The Winnipeg Jets already <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3265602" href="https://thescore.com/news/3265602">secured</a> first place in the West, so Vegas will face the conference's top wild-card team in Round 1.</p><p>Vegas' division title also means the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers will face each other in Round 1 for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3257556" href="https://thescore.com/news/3257556">fourth year</a> in a row as the Pacific Division's second and third seeds. Home-ice advantage is still to be determined, though L.A. currently holds a four-point lead in the standings. Edmonton won each of the past three Round 1 meetings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The battle between and Kings and Oilers is the third Round 1 matchup to be confirmed across the league. The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche will meet as the Central Division's second and third seeds. Out East, the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils are <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3263134" href="https://thescore.com/news/3263134">locked in</a> as the second and third seeds in the Metropolitan Division.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 12: Brett Howden #21 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates with teammates after a goal during the second period against the Nashville Predators at T-Mobile Arena on April 12, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30950986/related

Golden Knights claim 4th Pacific Division title in 8 years

The Edmonton Oilers are signing undrafted college free-agent forward Quinn Hutson to an entry-lev...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers are signing undrafted college free-agent forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14663" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14663">Quinn Hutson</a> to an entry-level contract, <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1911267114431766673">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reports.</p><p>The 23-year-old is the older brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12709" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12709">Lane Hutson</a> and Washington Capitals prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/15076" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/15076">Cole Hutson</a>.</p><p>Quinn Hutson, a right winger, spent the past three seasons at Boston University, registering 50 points in 38 games in 2024-25.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Terriers lost to Western Michigan in Saturday's Frozen Four <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3265636" href="https://thescore.com/news/3265636">championship game</a>.</p>

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 20: Boston University Terriers forward Quinn Hutson (17) skates during the Hockey East semifinal game between the Boston University Terriers and the UConn Huskies on March 20, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston, MA.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30950835/related

Report: Oilers adding undrafted free agent Quinn Hutson

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/josh-wegman/content_cards

Josh Wegman

News Editor

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/thescore-staff/content_cards

theScore Staff

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/kayla-douglas/content_cards

Kayla Douglas

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/kyle-cushman/content_cards