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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Brady Tkachuk sidelined before Senators loss to Canadiens

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

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

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

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Seamless fits for 5 playoff teams ahead of trade deadline

Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner thinks he can glean plenty of positives from his strong per...

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

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

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Marner hoping to take 'confidence' from 4 Nations performance

The 4 Nations Face-Off championship clash between Canada and the United States on Thursday night ...

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

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

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4 Nations final draws 16.1M viewers in North America

Multiple members of Team Canada acknowledged that they felt the energy of millions of fans during...

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

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

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Stone: We felt the energy from '40 million Canadians'

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

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

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

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Team USA scratches Kyle Connor for final vs. Canada

Pittsburgh Penguins veteran Evgeni Malkin once again made it clear that he doesn't want to play a...

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

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

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Malkin reaffirms dedication to Penguins: 'When I retire, it's here'

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones hasn't formally requested a trade, but he and agent Pat ...

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

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

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Blackhawks, Jones have discussed possibility of trade

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

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

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

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Report: Thompson, Pesce on standby for Team USA 

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

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

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

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Aberg takes Genesis Invitational by 1 stroke over McNealy

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

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

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

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Stars' Harley cleared to join Team Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cooper: Crosby will go down as 'greatest player' ever for Canada

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand knows his name has popped up in plenty of trade rumors, but h...

Boston Bruins captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> knows his name has popped up in plenty of trade rumors, but he isn't worried about the speculation."That's just fans having fun with it all," he told DJ Bean and Pete Blackburn during an appearance on the "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/FsHRNeJD6WM">What Chaos!</a>" podcast.But Marchand conceded that he could understand why outsiders would suggest he could be a potential trade target.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He's playing out the final season of an eight-year, $49-million deal and can become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Marchand signed that pact in 2016 when he had one year remaining on his previous deal, and it includes some protection in the form of an eight-team no-trade list.The Bruins also entered the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off one point out of a wild-card spot. Boston president Cam Neely <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3191153" href="https://thescore.com/news/3191153">said</a> in January that, though he had no appetite for a rebuild, he'd have to consider two paths ahead of the March 7 trade deadline. "When things aren't going well with your group, or going the way that I think it was expected to go, that's what happens, right?" Marchand said. "These conversations start to come up more and more in the media, articles come out. "All it takes is one article or one person making a comment on TV or the radio or a podcast and it kind of takes off from there. ... I try not to get caught up in it. You can't worry about things you can't control and that you don't have a part in."The 36-year-old has recorded 20 goals and 44 points in 57 outings this season, his 16th in the league. Boston selected Marchand in the third round of the 2006 draft.The Bruins have been competitive for most of Marchand's tenure, only missing the playoffs twice in 2015 and 2016. According to <a href="https://moneypuck.com/predictions.htm">MoneyPuck</a>, Boston currently has a 14.9% chance of making the postseason this spring, but Marchand seems to believe those unfavorable odds can build character. "We've had years where we've missed the playoffs and we're fighting for our lives going down the stretch and in the playoff race like we are now, and those are some of the best years that you have because every game is meaningful," he explained. "It's like playoff hockey for a long stretch. A little adversity is good for a group." Reports <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3109467" href="https://thescore.com/news/3109467">emerged</a> in late October suggesting that Marchand and the Bruins were making progress on a three-year extension, but the veteran forward swiftly denied it before adding that he wouldn't discuss his contract talks with the media.Marchand reaffirmed his desire to be a Bruin for life on Tuesday. "That's always been my goal, is to play here forever," he said. "I love it here. ... It's all I know."Marchand ranks fourth in franchise history in goals (421) and games played (1,086), as well as fifth in points (973).

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 08: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins adjusts his stick before a face-off against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period at the TD Garden on February 08, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Bruins' Marchand shrugs off trade speculation: 'Just fans having fun'

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty may have been a late addition to Team Canada, but he's ...

Los Angeles Kings defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/560">Drew Doughty</a> may have been a late addition to Team Canada, but he's already bringing the right attitude to the 4 Nations Face-Off. "Obviously, as Canadians, the players feel the same way as the fans," he said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/4-nations-face-off/canada-embracing-pressure-at-4-nations-face-off">NHL.com's Nicholas J. Cotsonika</a>. "We expect to win, and we're not going to be satisfied with anything but a championship. I think a lot of the guys in here, we feel that pressure, obviously. But that's what we thrive under. "That's why (we're) all superstars in this league, is because we thrive under that pressure, and it doesn't affect our game."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Colorado Avalanche star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> similarly welcomed the spotlight. "Definitely feel a lot of pressure," he said. "Absolutely. I think pressure is a privilege, and I'm glad there's pressure. It means people expect a lot of us. "We're maybe (an) inspiration to some young kids around the country. If I was 10 years old right now, I'd be tuned in to this tournament. So, definitely excited."Doughty made his season debut on Jan. 29 after recovering from a fractured ankle and was swiftly named to Team Canada's blue line as a replacement for the injured <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a>. The veteran rearguard helped his country win gold at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. NHL players didn't participate in the past two Games, so the last taste of best-on-best action in men's hockey came at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where Doughty and Team Canada beat Team Europe to finish atop the podium.The Canadians held their first 4 Nations practice on Monday, where head coach Jon Cooper got his first on-ice look at his stacked roster:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
TEAM CANADA PRACTICE: Stone-Crosby-MacKinnon Reinhart-McDavid-Marner Marchand-Point-Jarvis (Konecny sick) Hagel-Cirelli-Bennett Toews-Makar (Sanheim) Morrissey-Parayko Theodore-Doughty Hill Binnington Montembeault— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricEngels/status/1888979586542698925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Despite Canada's pedigree and its long list of superstars, Team USA is largely considered the favorite to win the 4 Nations Face-Off, thanks to its elite group of goaltenders and star-studded blue line. The U.S. program as a whole is also carrying some momentum after winning the past two World Juniors Championships, while Canada failed to medal at both.Captain Canada <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> - also a two-time Olympic gold medalist - didn't sound too worried about how outsiders are viewing his team's chances at the 4 Nations. "That's OK," he said. "There's always going to be certain narratives. I think really it's just about our group and making sure that we do everything we can to be at our best. "Whether it's the U.S. or Sweden or Finland, (these are) some good teams, so we've just got to worry about what we need to do to be the best team we can."The tournament kicks off Wednesday with Canada's clash against Sweden at 8 p.m. ET. The final is scheduled for Feb. 20.

BROSSARD, QUEBEC - FEBRUARY 10: Sidney Crosby #87 of Team Canada skates with teammate Drew Doughty #87 during practice for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at CN Sports Complex on February 10, 2025 in Brossard, Quebec.

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Doughty: Canada won't be 'satisfied with anything' but 4 Nations victory

The Toronto Sceptres placed star forward Sarah Nurse on long-term injured reserve with a lower-bo...

The Toronto Sceptres placed star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhw/players/11633" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhw/players/11633">Sarah Nurse</a> on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury, the team announced Monday. Nurse will be out of the lineup indefinitely. Per the PWHL rules, players on LTIR must miss a minimum of 21 days, meaning Nurse will first be eligible to return on March 6 against the Montreal Victoire after missing six games.The Sceptres signed forward Laura Kluge to a standard player agreement for the remainder of the season in a corresponding move. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nurse got hurt Thursday in Game 4 of the Rivalry Series against the United States and did not play in Game 5 on Saturday.The 30-year-old has scored five goals and 12 points in 15 contests with the Sceptres so far this season. She ranked second in the league behind only PWHL MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhw/players/11638" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhw/players/11638">Natalie Spooner</a> with 11 tallies and 23 points in 24 outings last campaign.Spooner hasn't played a game so far this season after tearing her ACL in the playoffs. Toronto is currently in fourth place with a 5-0-4-6 record. The Sceptres will return from the international break on Tuesday against the Minnesota Frost.

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 25: Sarah Nurse #20 of Toronto Sceptres looks on before a face-off against the New York Sirens during the second period at Scotiabank Arena on January 25, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Sceptres' Nurse placed on LTIR with lower-body injury

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is unable to represent Finland at the 4 Nations...

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3173" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3173">Rasmus Ristolainen</a> is unable to represent Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off due to an upper-body injury, the national team announced Sunday. Ottawa Senators rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13815" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13815">Nikolas Matinpalo</a> will replace him in the lineup. Ristolainen missed the third period of Philadelphia's 2-0 loss to the Colorado Avalanche last Sunday and was sidelined for the last three games. He was considered a game-time decision for the past two contests.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 30-year-old has recorded two goals, 15 points, 83 hits, and 85 blocks in 54 outings so far this campaign. He's averaging 20:31 minutes of ice time per contest, his highest total under head coach John Tortorella.Matinpalo, meanwhile, has appeared in 22 career NHL games, including 18 this season. He's logged eight hits and 10 blocks while seeing 12 minutes of playing time per game for the Senators in 2024-25. The 26-year-old participated at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, chipping in with one goal and two assists in eight games as Finland finished seventh.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3173" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3173">Ristolainen</a> is the third Finnish defenseman who needed to be replaced due to injury. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6450" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6450">Henri Jokiharju</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7730" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7730">Urho Vaakanainen</a> were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3207760" href="https://thescore.com/news/3207760">added</a> to the lineup in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a>'s and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2566" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2566">Jani Hakanpaa</a>'s steads. Only 11 Finnish blue-liners have played in the NHL this season. Winnipeg Jets rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10038" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10038">Ville Heinola</a> is the only one who wasn't named to the tournament's roster at some point. The 4 Nations Face-Off kicks off on Wednesday.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 30: Rasmus Ristolainen #55 of the Philadelphia Flyers looks on during warm-ups prior to his game against the New York Islanders at the Wells Fargo Center on January 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Matinpalo replaces Ristolainen for Finland at 4 Nations

We're about to get a taste of best-on-best men's hockey action for the first time since 2016, so ...

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 19: Adin Hill #33 of the Vegas Golden Knights stops an attempt by Brandon Hagel #38 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at T-Mobile Arena on March 19, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Kayla Douglas

News Editor

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