Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov didn't play in his team's 4-3 shootout loss at the hands of t...

<p>Minnesota Wild star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a> didn't play in his team's 4-3 shootout loss at the hands of the Calgary Flames on Saturday.</p><p>Edmonton Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5568" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5568">Drake Caggiula</a> went knee-on-knee with Kaprizov on Thursday. The Russian briefly left but later returned.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kirill Kaprizov has gone to the dressing room following a collision with Drake Caggiula. <a href="https://t.co/pjVyofSQIt">pic.twitter.com/pjVyofSQIt</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1859804887300833530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Wild called Kaprizov's issue a lower-body injury before the contest. Head coach John Hynes didn't have a postgame update but said the 27-year-old will be evaluated Sunday, per <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/RussoHockey/status/1860475821279805779">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hynes said Friday that Kaprizov "for sure" avoided a major injury on the collision, according to the <a href="https://x.com/sarah__mclellan/status/1860062388512522723">Star Tribune's Sarah McLellan</a>.</p><p>Kaprizov has 13 goals and 34 points in 19 games this season. He paces the Wild by 12 points following his team's outing. The Hart Trophy front-runner entered Saturday's action tied for the league lead with Colorado Avalanche star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>.</p><p>Wild forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9290" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9290">Marat Khusnutdinov</a> also missed the defeat<strong> </strong>with what the club described as a lower-body injury.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 21: Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild in action during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on November 21, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Kaprizov misses loss to Flames due to injury

Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews isn't certain when he'll return to the lineup, but ...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> isn't certain when he'll return to the lineup, but he considers Wednesday's game against the Florida Panthers a possibility, according to <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1860367057952428095">TSN's Mark Masters</a>.</p><p>Matthews last played on Nov. 3 and has missed seven contests with an upper-body injury. He recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133555" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133555">traveled to Germany</a> to receive treatment.</p><p>"(The injury) flared up in the preseason," Matthews said, according to the <a href="https://x.com/sunhornby/status/1860365276992225334">Toronto Sun's Lance Hornby</a>. "Felt better and started getting worse. I just felt it was time to take a step back, re-evaluate. It hasn't necessarily gotten worse but wasn't getting better. I wanted to be proactive."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Matthews skated before his team's practice Saturday but didn't participate in the full session. It was the first time Toronto's captain hit the ice publicly since Nov. 10.</p><p>The Maple Leafs face the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday before heading to Florida to take on the Panthers on Wednesday and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday.</p><p>Toronto is currently without seven forwards due to injury and suspension: Matthews, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3007" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2576" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2576">Calle Jarnkrok</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6397" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6397">David Kampf</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a>. Reaves, who was suspended five games for his hit on Edmonton Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a>, is eligible to return for his team's Dec. 4 outing against the Nashville Predators.</p><p>Matthews has five goals and 11 points in 13 games this season. He led the NHL with 69 goals last year and recorded 107 points.</p>

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 26: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) during a NHL game between Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins on October 26, 2024, at TD Garden in Boston, MA.

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Matthews: Return Wednesday vs. Panthers is possible

The 2024-25 PWHL season is just eight days away as the puck drops Nov. 30.  The first season was ...

<p>The 2024-25 PWHL season is just eight days away as the puck drops Nov. 30.</p><p>The first season was a hit as the league set women's hockey records and gained notable buzz despite being put together in just a handful of months. Teams now have names, logos, and distinctive jerseys, and a superb draft class increases the talent level even more. </p><p>With another great season of hockey ahead, here are nine compelling storylines for Year 2 of the PWHL.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>How does Spooner's injury impact Toronto? </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628297/cropped_GettyImages-2076281685.jpg?ts=1715357913" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628297/w220xh124_GettyImages-2076281685.jpg?ts=1715357913 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628297/w320xh180_GettyImages-2076281685.jpg?ts=1715357913 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628297/w640xh360_GettyImages-2076281685.jpg?ts=1715357913 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628297/w768xh432_GettyImages-2076281685.jpg?ts=1715357913 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628297/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2076281685.jpg?ts=1715357913 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Tanouye / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>League MVP Natalie Spooner starts the season on long-term injured reserve as she recovers from ACL surgery after injuring her left knee in the playoffs against Minnesota.</p><p>"It doesn't do us a lot of good to necessarily talk a whole lot about Natalie Spooner right now," Sceptres head coach Troy Ryan told theScore about the PWHL's reigning leader in goals (20) and points (27). "Natalie Spooner is doing everything she can do to get back in. She's gonna be a big part of our team. So whether we have success or not early on, Natalie's gonna be part of that."</p><p>Toronto signed marquee free agent forward Daryl Watts in the offseason, a move that mitigates the loss of Spooner out of the gate. Still, there's no replacing Spooner, and there's no timeline for her return either.</p><h3>Can Ottawa overcome losing Watts?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/cropped_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w220xh124_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w320xh180_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w640xh360_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w768xh432_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Watts delivered down the stretch for Ottawa. She registered 15 points in her last 15 games, showcasing the skill and offensive flair that made her one of the most prolific players in NCAA history.</p><p>Her selection in the sixth round of the 2023 draft turned into a steal by the end of last season as she transformed Ottawa's offense. But Watts' one-year deal let her test the market in the summer, and she opted to return home to Toronto.</p><p>The Charge added second overall pick Danielle Serdachny, who helps make up for Watts' departure, but every team drafted a top player. Whether Ottawa can remain a top-two offensive team without Watts will be key to watch in the early going.</p><h3>Will Minnesota go back-to-back?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630813/cropped_GettyImages-2154650258.jpg?ts=1717038694" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630813/w220xh124_GettyImages-2154650258.jpg?ts=1717038694 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630813/w320xh180_GettyImages-2154650258.jpg?ts=1717038694 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630813/w640xh360_GettyImages-2154650258.jpg?ts=1717038694 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630813/w768xh432_GettyImages-2154650258.jpg?ts=1717038694 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630813/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2154650258.jpg?ts=1717038694 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Minnesota slumped into<strong> </strong>the playoffs with five consecutive losses and benefited from Ottawa's loss on the final day of the regular season. Top-seeded Toronto then chose Minnesota as its semifinal opponent.</p><p>After upsetting Toronto, Minnesota defeated Boston to win the first Walter Cup. The stunning dismissal of general manager Natalie Darwitz followed the team's triumph - a decision the public still has little information about - and left Minnesota in a weird place.</p><p>The Frost moved forward with new general manager Melissa Caruso and look to defend the Walter Cup with a similar group as last season. Minnesota only added players through the draft and didn't sign any free agents from other PWHL teams.</p><p>It will be a tall task to repeat in such a competitive league. But as we saw in the playoffs, Minnesota has the players to go on a run and win a championship.</p><h3>Are the Sceptres the team to beat?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/621354/cropped_GettyImages-2100596382.jpg?ts=1710993065" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/621354/w220xh124_GettyImages-2100596382.jpg?ts=1710993065 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/621354/w320xh180_GettyImages-2100596382.jpg?ts=1710993065 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/621354/w640xh360_GettyImages-2100596382.jpg?ts=1710993065 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/621354/w768xh432_GettyImages-2100596382.jpg?ts=1710993065 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/621354/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2100596382.jpg?ts=1710993065 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Tanouye / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Toronto enjoyed an 11-game win streak in just a 24-game schedule and was the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, losing in the semifinals after star forward Spooner went down in Game 3 of the best-of-five series.</p><p>The Sceptres boast an array of Canadian national team players, coaches, and management. Toronto lured the top free agent, Watts, from Ottawa back to her hometown. As beloved as the Sceptres are in Toronto, they're as hated elsewhere.</p><p>Toronto became the team to beat last season. The Sceptres start the campaign with a target on their backs, but another team - say the defending-champion Frost or revamped Montreal Victoire - could easily step into the role.</p><h3>Will the 'No Escape Rule' be a success?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756275/cropped_GettyImages-2152312217.jpg?ts=1732050730" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756275/w220xh124_GettyImages-2152312217.jpg?ts=1732050730 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756275/w320xh180_GettyImages-2152312217.jpg?ts=1732050730 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756275/w640xh360_GettyImages-2152312217.jpg?ts=1732050730 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756275/w768xh432_GettyImages-2152312217.jpg?ts=1732050730 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756275/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2152312217.jpg?ts=1732050730 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://www.thescore.com/pwhl/news/3133616">PWHL introduced another innovative rule</a> ahead of the 2024-25 campaign Tuesday, nicknamed the "No Escape Rule." When a player takes a penalty, her teammates who are on the ice when play is stopped must remain on until after the ensuing faceoff. If that's confusing, it will look similar to what occurs after an icing.</p><p>The change could trap a tired quartet of players on the ice to commence a penalty kill. It could also create power plays that start by facing three forwards and one defender.</p><p>Power plays converted at 17.3% in the regular season and only 7.8% in the playoffs. NHL power plays, by comparison, clicked at 21% last year, and the rate remained nearly identical in the playoffs.</p><p>Some are fully in favor of the rule. Ryan "loves" the new rule. Others, such as New York Sirens forward Abby Roque, are intrigued by the potential offense it will generate but wonder how it will impact players.</p><p>"I'm excited to see it work. I get we're innovative, we wanna take the next step and see things," Roque said, adding there could be a downside for players with penalty-killing roles.</p><h3>Can Fillier help the Sirens take a significant step?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756186/cropped_GettyImages-2184805741.jpg?ts=1732026419" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756186/w220xh124_GettyImages-2184805741.jpg?ts=1732026419 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756186/w320xh180_GettyImages-2184805741.jpg?ts=1732026419 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756186/w640xh360_GettyImages-2184805741.jpg?ts=1732026419 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756186/w768xh432_GettyImages-2184805741.jpg?ts=1732026419 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756186/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2184805741.jpg?ts=1732026419 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Sarah Fillier is an MVP-level talent from Day 1. The first overall pick arrives in the PWHL with three World Championship gold medals, an Olympic gold, and an MVP title at the 2023 Worlds on her resume.</p><p>The 24-year-old joins a New York Sirens team that finished last but still boasts MVP finalist Alex Carpenter, Defender of the Year finalist Ella Shelton, and Goaltender of the Year finalist Corinne Schroeder.</p><p>New York has elite talent to surround Fillier. The Sirens also have a new coach, Greg Fargo from Colgate, and they supplemented drafting Fillier by adding Finnish national team forward Noora Tulus and top Swedish defender Maja Nylen Persson.</p><p>The Sirens have the pieces to not just compete for a playoff spot but legitimately contend for the Walter Cup.</p><h3>Does Knight's production bounce back?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627846/cropped_GettyImages-2150069646.jpg?ts=1715048365" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627846/w220xh124_GettyImages-2150069646.jpg?ts=1715048365 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627846/w320xh180_GettyImages-2150069646.jpg?ts=1715048365 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627846/w640xh360_GettyImages-2150069646.jpg?ts=1715048365 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627846/w768xh432_GettyImages-2150069646.jpg?ts=1715048365 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627846/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2150069646.jpg?ts=1715048365 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Troy Parla / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Hilary Knight is the face of U.S. women's hockey. There's no denying her immense impact on the game and her place among the all-time greats.</p><p>That's why her lack of scoring last season was so surprising. Knight led Boston in goals, but she only had six. She had 11 points in 24 regular-season games and then none in Boston's run to the Walter Cup Final.</p><p>Knight remained her typical self on the world stage with the United States, so there's a lot left untapped by the Fleet.</p><p>"Her leadership in our locker room was second to none," Boston head coach Courtney Kessel said. "I don't think we would've created the culture that we have without her in there, and I think her voice and just her presence alone shows these young players what it looks like to be a professional athlete, to be an Olympian, to be successful. Obviously, we wanna see her put a few more points on the board. But I couldn't be happier with her leadership for us last year, and (I'm) really looking forward to that this year."</p><h3>Do the Victoire believe in their depth?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610971/cropped_GettyImages-1923629910.jpg?ts=1704946575" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610971/w220xh124_GettyImages-1923629910.jpg?ts=1704946575 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610971/w320xh180_GettyImages-1923629910.jpg?ts=1704946575 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610971/w640xh360_GettyImages-1923629910.jpg?ts=1704946575 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610971/w768xh432_GettyImages-1923629910.jpg?ts=1704946575 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610971/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1923629910.jpg?ts=1704946575 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Montreal defender Erin Ambrose played more than an hour (61:33) of the 111:44 triple-overtime loss to Boston in Game 2 of the semifinals. Kristin O'Neill led Montreal forwards at 52:44. In total, five skaters played more than 50 minutes in the match.</p><p>On the flip side, defenders Madison Bizal and Brigitte Laganiere played less than one minute. Fourth-line center Jillian Dempsey was on the ice for a measly 1:37. Six of the team's 19 skaters played less than 10 minutes in a game that went more than five-and-a-half periods.</p><p>Needless to say, an overhaul of the team's depth was necessary as head coach Kori Cheverie didn't trust all the players Montreal had to actually play when it mattered most.</p><p>General manager Daniele Sauvageau got to work, and six forwards and four defenders are new to the Victoire's roster in camp. If Cheverie grows comfortable with her depth, it will allow her to better manage her top players and get the best out of the entire team.</p><h3>Expansion for 2025-26?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613000/cropped_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1706033496" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613000/w220xh124_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1706033496 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613000/w320xh180_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1706033496 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613000/w640xh360_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1706033496 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613000/w768xh432_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1706033496 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613000/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1906279043.jpg?ts=1706033496 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Amy Scheer, the PWHL's senior VP of business operations, announced earlier in November that the league has started the expansion process for as early as 2025-26.</p><p>Where new teams could be located is a wild card. The PWHL remains a single-entity league, owned and operated by the Mark Walter Group. You won't see NHL owners making plays to own a PWHL team, for example. Where the PWHL expands will be decided by the league, then owned and operated by the league.</p><p>After playing neutral-site games in Detroit and Pittsburgh last season, the PWHL is bringing its 2024-25 Takeover Tour to nine cities: Buffalo, Denver, Detroit, Edmonton, Quebec City, Raleigh, Seattle, St. Louis, and Vancouver. Expansion locations will likely come from these 10 cities.</p><p>"I think wherever women's hockey is gonna thrive and people are gonna respect our game and wanna come and watch, (I) don't care (where the league expands)," Minnesota Frost star Taylor Heise said. "And I will travel anywhere to do that."</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 16: Marie-Philip Poulin #29 of Montreal skates against Natalie Spooner #24 of Toronto during their PWHL hockey game at Scotiabank Arena on February 16, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

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9 compelling storylines entering the 2024-25 PWHL season

The PWHL introduced a new rule Tuesday, requiring players on a team that takes a penalty to remai...

<p>The PWHL introduced a new rule Tuesday, requiring players on a team that takes a penalty to remain on the ice until after the ensuing faceoff.</p><p>The league is calling the change the "no escape rule." It's the same premise as when a team ices the puck and must keep the same players on the ice for the next faceoff.</p><p>The rule could see three forwards and one defender start a penalty kill if a defender was the player who took a penalty, for example. It could also result in a tired group being forced to stay on the ice, similar to after an icing.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Other rule changes made by the PWHL before the 2024-25 campaign include:</p><ul>
<li>A major penalty and game misconduct become the default penalty for all illegal checks to the head. The PWHL is the first professional hockey league to implement this change.</li>
<li>Hair pulling and grabbing an opponent's chin strap, facial protection, or throat protection results in a major penalty and game misconduct.</li>
</ul><p>"We're always looking to make the game safer for our players and more fun for our fans," PWHL senior VP of hockey operations Jayna Hefford said in a statement. "We believe these rule innovations take strides toward both objectives."</p><p>The PWHL also announced key dates for the season. The trade deadline is March 2 at noon ET, and the 2025 playoffs begin May 6.</p>

ST. PAUL, MN - MAY 13: Toronto forward Emma Maltais (27) and Minnesota forward Michela Cava (86) face-off during the second period of game three of a PWHL semifinal between Minnesota and Toronto on May 13th, 2024 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul,MN.

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PWHL introduces 'no escape rule' preventing line change after penalty

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin is considered week-to-week with a lower leg injury, t...

<p>Washington Capitals superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> is considered week-to-week with a lower leg injury, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>The club added that Ovechkin will be further evaluated Wednesday. </p><p>Ovechkin didn't return to Monday's 6-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club after a knee-on-knee collision with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11032" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11032">Jack McBain</a> in the third period. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alex Ovechkin is slow to get up after colliding knee-to-knee with Jack McBain. <a href="https://t.co/gQNOiDMcPR">pic.twitter.com/gQNOiDMcPR</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1858728676650614876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The sniper briefly took the ice during a game break before going to the locker room. He scored two goals in the contest.</p><p>Ovechkin leads the NHL with 15 goals this season and is 27 away from passing Wayne Gretzky for the all-time mark.</p><p>Capitals forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> fought McBain later in the third period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tom Wilson drops the gloves with Jack McBain after he injured Ovi 👊 <a href="https://t.co/XhnaRnohV1">pic.twitter.com/XhnaRnohV1</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1858733061296230745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Washington next plays Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 18: Washington Capitals Left Wing Alex Ovechkin (8) as seen during an NHL game between the Washington Capitals and the Utah Hockey Club on November 18, 2024 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT.

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Ovechkin week-to-week following knee-on-knee collision

Natalie Spooner won the inaugural PWHL scoring title after an outrageous 20-goal campaign. That s...

<p>Natalie Spooner won the inaugural PWHL scoring title after an outrageous 20-goal campaign. That should make the Toronto Sceptres star the favorite to lead the league again, right?</p><p>Not quite. Spooner unfortunately won't be ready to start the season as she continues to recover from ACL surgery, so we're likely to see a new scoring champ in season No. 2.</p><p>Here are our predictions for the PWHL's top-five scorers this season as the league increases its schedule from 24 to 30 games:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>5. Sarah Fillier, New York Sirens</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632171/cropped_GettyImages-1963646463.jpg?ts=1717963489" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632171/w220xh124_GettyImages-1963646463.jpg?ts=1717963489 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632171/w320xh180_GettyImages-1963646463.jpg?ts=1717963489 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632171/w640xh360_GettyImages-1963646463.jpg?ts=1717963489 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632171/w768xh432_GettyImages-1963646463.jpg?ts=1717963489 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/632171/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1963646463.jpg?ts=1717963489 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2024 stats (NCAA)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>P/GP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>1.48</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A rookie in the top five? If there's a player who can do it, it's Fillier, the first overall pick this summer.</p><p>Fillier is 24 years old, has a World Championship MVP under her belt, and has featured in Canada's top six for multiple years. This isn't like a teenaged Macklin Celebrini stepping into the NHL and immediately being a top-five scorer; Fillier's an established, elite commodity in the women's game.</p><p>Despite finishing last, New York scored the most goals on the player advantage (19) and had the second-most efficient power play (24.4%) last season. Adding an offensive talent like Fillier should see the Sirens' special teams remain a legitimate threat.</p><p>Fillier was Princeton's best player by a notable margin last season. She'll have significantly more help on a Sirens team boasting Alex Carpenter, Jessie Eldridge, and Ella Shelton, the league's top-scoring defender. We're in store for a statement rookie campaign from the Georgetown, Ontario, native.</p><p><strong>Fillier's 30-game projection: </strong>15 goals, 13 assists, 28 points</p><h3>4. Daryl Watts, Toronto Sceptres</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/cropped_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w220xh124_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w320xh180_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w640xh360_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w768xh432_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/628611/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2100338218.jpg?ts=1715629267 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2024 stats</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>P/GP</th>
<th>PPP</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>0.71</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>17:23</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Watts moved from Ottawa to Toronto in free agency and is poised to take a step toward stardom.</p><p>The 25-year-old was one of the PWHL's top scorers from the middle of February through to the end of the campaign. Watts registered nine goals and 15 points in her last 15 games after tallying only one goal and two points in her first nine.</p><p>Watts was one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history, recording 136 goals and 297 points in 172 career games at Boston College and Wisconsin from 2017-22. She briefly retired after her collegiate career and made a comeback a few months later with the PHF's Toronto Six in 2022-23, but she didn't have the immediate offensive impact some expected of her.</p><p>The rust from her retirement is long gone, and Watts now joins a Sceptres team that already led the PWHL in goals (69). She'll be deployed alongside other elite offensive talent, and with Spooner out to start the campaign, she'll be leaned on heavily offensively early on. Look for Watts to continue to prove her doubters wrong in Toronto.</p><p><strong>Watts' 30-game projection: </strong>17 goals, 13 assists, 30 points</p><h3>3. Alex Carpenter, New York Sirens</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/618467/cropped_GettyImages-1935915335.jpg?ts=1709179123" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/618467/w220xh124_GettyImages-1935915335.jpg?ts=1709179123 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/618467/w320xh180_GettyImages-1935915335.jpg?ts=1709179123 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/618467/w640xh360_GettyImages-1935915335.jpg?ts=1709179123 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/618467/w768xh432_GettyImages-1935915335.jpg?ts=1709179123 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/618467/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1935915335.jpg?ts=1709179123 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2024 stats</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>P/GP</th>
<th>PPP</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>0.96</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>21:45</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Carpenter was a finalist for PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year despite playing for New York, which finished last.</p><p>It was a stellar campaign from the veteran American. Carpenter was tied for second in league scoring and had nine more points than the second-highest-scoring New York forward.</p><p>Help is on the way: the Sirens added Fillier and also Finnish standout Noora Tulus through the draft. Both could find themselves on Carpenter's wings this year. If Carpenter racked up the numbers she did last season and now gets to play with Fillier, what kind of campaign could she produce now?</p><p>It'll be a treat to see two of the top offensive talents from the American and Canadian national teams cook together in New York. Expect even bigger things from Carpenter in the PWHL's second season. </p><p><strong>Carpenter's 30-game projection: </strong>11 goals, 21 assists, 32 points</p><h3>2. Marie-Philip Poulin, Montreal Victoire</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611693/cropped_GettyImages-1933907537.jpg?ts=1705354928" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611693/w220xh124_GettyImages-1933907537.jpg?ts=1705354928 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611693/w320xh180_GettyImages-1933907537.jpg?ts=1705354928 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611693/w640xh360_GettyImages-1933907537.jpg?ts=1705354928 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611693/w768xh432_GettyImages-1933907537.jpg?ts=1705354928 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611693/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1933907537.jpg?ts=1705354928 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2024 stats</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>P/GP</th>
<th>PPP</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>1.10</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>21:24</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The undeniable queen of Canadian hockey is a surefire challenger to lead the league in scoring if she's healthy.</p><p>Poulin was one of two players to eclipse the point-per-game mark (alongside Spooner), though she missed three games due to injury.</p><p>Montreal's power play was inexplicably dormant for much of last season. Poulin's five power-play points were the fewest among the PWHL's top six scorers, and she had only one goal on the advantage. An improved Victoire power play would see Poulin's production soar.</p><p>There are few more dangerous than a motivated Poulin - just look at her performances in gold-medal games. A difficult semifinal exit against Boston will surely fuel the Victoire captain, and a charge toward an MVP is the expectation for the 33-year-old.</p><p><strong>Poulin's 30-game projection: </strong>16 goals, 19 assists, 35 points</p><h3>1. Sarah Nurse, Toronto Sceptres</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/cropped_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w220xh124_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w320xh180_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w640xh360_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w768xh432_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2024 stats</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
<th>P/GP</th>
<th>PPP</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>0.96</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>18:50</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Nurse was lights out after Toronto's surprisingly poor January, showcasing the offensive prowess that could see her lead the league in scoring this year. The 29-year-old had 10 goals and 20 points in her last 16 regular-season games.</p><p>A broken finger sustained late in the regular season limited Nurse's effectiveness in the playoffs. She managed only one assist in Toronto's five-game series against Minnesota, a disappointing outcome that left a bitter taste for the Sceptres.</p><p>Nurse and Watts seem like a perfect match and could form one of the premier duos in the league. Sceptres and Canadian head coach Troy Ryan put Watts on Nurse's wing at the Rivalry Series earlier in November, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see that continue into the PWHL campaign.</p><p>Watts brings immense skill and offensive talent that could bring the best out of Nurse in the attacking zone, a terrifying prospect for the PWHL's other five teams.</p><p><strong>Nurse's 30-game projection: </strong>15 goals, 21 assists, 36 points</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 16: Sarah Nurse #20 of Toronto faces off against Marie-Philip Poulin #29 of Montreal during their PWHL hockey game at Scotiabank Arena on February 16, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

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Predicting top 5 scorers of 2024-25 PWHL season

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin netted his first hat trick Sunday night since Dec. 31, 202...

<p>Washington Capitals star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> netted his first hat trick Sunday night since Dec. 31, 2022, putting him 29 markers shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record.</p><p>Ovechkin's latest heroics marks the 31st hat trick of his career, the sixth most all-time. He's now tied for the league lead in goals with 13, alongside Edmonton Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> and Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a>.</p><p>"It's fun to be a part of," <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/logan-thompson-postgame-6364845553112">said</a> Capitals goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10003">Logan Thompson</a>, who made 40 saves in the 4-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. "I love being his teammate. He's the face of this franchise, the face of our dressing room. The guy keeps it loose every time, and he's a lot of fun. It's very special to be just on his team and him knowing my name."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ovechkin's first of the night came early on the power play when his pass deflected off Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a> and into the back of the net.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Couldn't have asked for a better start<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALLCAPS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALLCAPS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueHalo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlueHalo</a> <a href="https://t.co/R9YSToHXbb">pic.twitter.com/R9YSToHXbb</a></p>— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Capitals/status/1858320650546409809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"He's just finding ways to score," <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/dylan-strome-postgame-6364847104112">said</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4562" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4562">Dylan Strome</a>, picking up an assist on Ovechkin's opening tally. "First one's obviously lucky. When you get that many goals, sometimes luck goes your way."</p><p>Ovechkin's second came off the rush, beating former teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7675" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7675">Ilya Samsonov</a> on the blocker side.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gr8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gr8</a>'s got ✌️ tonight! <a href="https://t.co/z67VbPke2k">pic.twitter.com/z67VbPke2k</a></p>— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Capitals/status/1858341303852957734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ovechkin added his 59th career empty-netter to complete the hat trick.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">OH MY OVI HAT TRICK SCOARRRRRRRRRRR <a href="https://t.co/WNxyeQh3Lx">pic.twitter.com/WNxyeQh3Lx</a></p>— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Capitals/status/1858357977834807320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ovechkin and the Capitals next play Monday on the road against the Utah Hockey Club.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 17: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates his goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period at T-Mobile Arena on November 17, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Ovechkin continues Gretzky chase with 1st hat trick since 2022

The NHL and NHLPA will discuss the possibility of increasing the salary cap by between $7 million...

<p>The NHL and NHLPA will discuss the possibility of increasing the salary cap by between $7 million and $9 million for the 2025-26 season, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Hockey Night in Canada's "<a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1857967658475348472">Saturday Headlines</a>."</p><p>The salary cap can rise a maximum of 5% each year under current CBA rules but can increase by a larger margin if agreed upon by both parties. A $95-million to $97-million salary cap would represent an 8% to 10.2% jump.</p><p>League revenue has outpaced guardrails put in place as part of the NHL and NHLPA's salary cap agreement during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Friedman.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The NHL and NHLPA agreed to raise the cap by 5.4% last summer when the cap rose $4.5 million from $83.5 million to $88 million.</p><p>If the sides opt not to go past the 5% mark for next season, the salary cap is expected to be around $92.5 million. It would be a $4.5-million increase from the current $88-million salary cap. The league would then see a larger jump to the salary cap for the 2026-27 campaign.</p><p>The current CBA expires in September 2026.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 10: A general view of the NHL Logo on the back of the goal prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators on November 10, 2022 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Report: NHL salary cap could increase up to $9M for 2025-26

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Saf...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety for an illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> on Saturday.</p><p>Reaves caught Nurse with the high hit early in the second period. The Oilers blue-liner was bloodied on the play and ruled out for the rest of the contest with an upper-body injury.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ryan Reaves receives a 5-minute match penalty for this hit on Darnell Nurse. <a href="https://t.co/hVZN9FJpRY">pic.twitter.com/hVZN9FJpRY</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1857956894414885353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The veteran enforcer was assessed a match penalty. The Maple Leafs killed Edmonton's ensuing five-minute power play.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think it's a dangerous play," Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2031" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2031">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</a> <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1857990015780839457">said</a> postgame. "He's gotta know that (Nurse) doesn't see him coming and choose the right path there. He doesn't. It's tough to see one of your teammates on the ice like that. Dangerous play. You don't ever wanna see something like that."</p><p>Reaves has been suspended three times in his 893-game NHL career. He was most recently banned for two games during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs while with the Vegas Golden Knights for roughing.</p><p>The 37-year-old has zero goals, one assist, and 23 penalty minutes this season.</p><p>Nurse has two goals and nine points in 17 contests, playing over 21 minutes per game.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 16: Darnell Nurse #25 of the Edmonton Oilers is knocked to the ice by Ryan Reaves #75 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on November 16, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Leafs' Reaves faces hearing for hit to head of Oilers' Nurse

EA Sports will add Professional Women's Hockey League teams to its NHL 25 video game in an update...

<p>EA Sports will add Professional Women's Hockey League teams to its NHL 25 video game in an update on Dec. 5, the company announced Wednesday.</p><p>"Our partnership with EA Sports opens new doors to elevate women's hockey across all levels," PWHL senior vice president of business operations Amy Scheer said. "Through this alliance, we'll develop in-game and out-of-game experiences that strengthen the bond between our teams, players, and fans, bringing the PWHL closer to the global hockey community."</p><p>The league's six teams - Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montreal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres - will be available in play now, online versus, shootout, and season modes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Additionally, EA Sports is adding PWHL players, jerseys, and logos to Hockey Ultimate Team. Users can also use the league's jerseys in World of Chel.</p><p>"EA Sports continues to drive inclusivity and authenticity through its game, and in partnership with the PWHL, we will amplify the excitement of the women's game for all fans," EA Sports NHL executive producer Bill Dollar said.</p><p>Sceptres forward Sarah Nurse appeared on the cover of NHL 23 as a member of Team Canada alongside Anaheim Ducks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9757" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9757">Trevor Zegras</a>.</p>

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EA Sports adding PWHL into NHL 25 in December update

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly reminded general managers of the league's tampering rules at th...

<p>NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly reminded general managers of the league's tampering rules at the league's GM meetings, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on Tuesday's "<a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/~3028238">Early Trading</a>."</p><p>Tampering was a scheduled part of the agenda for the meetings. Daly also reminded GMs of the penalties for tampering, including fines and the loss of draft picks.</p><p>Daly was "uncomfortable" with reports about teams agreeing to contracts with free agents before free agency officially opened, he told LeBrun.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Teams can't talk to free agents before noon ET on July 1 unless given permission by the team that owns the player's rights. An agent can also ask permission to speak to other teams on behalf of their player.</p><p>Players who reportedly signed contracts before free agency opened this summer include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3250" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3250">Tyler Bertuzzi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4487" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4487">Brandon Montour</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1737" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1737">Tyler Toffoli</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4501" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4501">Brett Pesce</a>.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: Bill Daly attends the NHL Draft at Sphere on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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NHL deputy commissioner reminds GMs of tampering rules

Chicago Blackhawks forward Andreas Athanasiou cleared waivers Tuesday.  Athanasiou has zero point...

<p>Chicago Blackhawks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3254" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3254">Andreas Athanasiou</a> cleared waivers Tuesday.</p><p>Athanasiou has zero points in five games this season. He carries a $4.25-million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.</p><p>The 30-year-old has been a healthy scratch for nine consecutive contests and has played less than 10 minutes in four of his five games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Athanasiou tallied two goals and nine points last season when he was limited to 28 games because of a groin injury.</p><p>"He missed a lot of hockey (last season) and, unfortunately, just not clicking on all cylinders yet this year," Chicago head coach Luke Richardson said, according to <a href="https://x.com/CRoumeliotis/status/1856021935160803462">WGN Radio's Charlie Roumeliotis</a>. "He hasn't really played a lot of games. So that was the message; if you get picked up, that's probably good for you. ... But if not, we need him to just go play some games and get his skill matched up with his confidence. (The NHL) is really not for that."</p><p>Athanasiou signed a two-year, $8.5-million contract extension with the Blackhawks in June 2023 after he registered 20 goals and 40 points in his first season with the team.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - OCTOBER 11: Andreas Athanasiou #89 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on from the bench prior to puck drop against the Winnipeg Jets at the Canada Life Centre on October 11, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Blackhawks' Athanasiou clears waivers

Former Edmonton Oilers general manager and president of hockey operations Ken Holland joined the ...

<p>Former Edmonton Oilers general manager and president of hockey operations Ken Holland joined the NHL as a hockey operations consultant, the league announced Tuesday.</p><p>Holland mutually parted ways with the Oilers in June after Edmonton lost in the Stanley Cup Final. He had been with the team for five seasons.</p><p>"We are delighted to welcome Ken to NHL hockey operations, where he will provide invaluable insight from his decades in the game as a player, scout, and executive," NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell said in a <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/ken-holland-named-nhl-hockey-operations-consultant">statement</a>. "He offers unmatched expertise in a wide range of areas."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 69-year-old has 27 years of experience as an NHL general manager, 22 of which came with the Detroit Red Wings. He won four Stanley Cups with the Red Wings - three as the team's GM - and captured Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014 as part of Canada's management team.</p><p>Holland was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020 as a builder.</p>

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 07: General manager Ken Holland of the Edmonton Oilers speaks to the media during Media Day ahead of Game One of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 07, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Ex-Oilers GM Holland joins NHL as hockey operations consultant

Toronto Sceptres forward Natalie Spooner won't be in the lineup to start the season as she contin...

<p>Toronto Sceptres forward Natalie Spooner won't be in the lineup to start the season as she continues to recover from ACL surgery, general manager Gina Kingsbury told reporters Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/CMartin387/status/1856354595632730408">The Hockey News' Curtis Martin</a>.</p><p>Spooner won PWHL MVP in the league's first season after tallying 20 goals and 27 points in 24 games. She led the league in goals by nine.</p><p>The 34-year-old required surgery after sustaining a torn ACL during Game 3 of Toronto's first-round series against the now-Minnesota Frost in May.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Toronto's Natalie Spooner heads to the locker room after receiving a big hit. <br><br>Thoughts on the no call? <a href="https://t.co/lBekJxSKkM">pic.twitter.com/lBekJxSKkM</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1790203908629189118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Spooner had hoped to be available for the Sceptres' opener on Nov. 30.</p><p>"(The start of the season) is circled in red pen because that's what I want to happen," Spooner told <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/natalie-spooner-injury-return-target-pwhl-opener-sceptres-1.7353447">The Canadian Press' Donna Spencer</a> in October.</p><p>Spooner is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and has won three IIHF World Championships with Canada.</p>

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - MAY 13: Natalie Spooner #24 of Toronto reacts against Minnesota in the second period in Game Three of the Semi-Finals of the PWHL Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center on May 13, 2024 in St Paul, Minnesota.

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Sceptres' Spooner not ready to start season after ACL surgery

Jarome Iginla and Ed Olczyk were appointed to the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee, chairm...

<p>Jarome Iginla and Ed Olczyk were appointed to the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee, chairman Lanny McDonald announced Tuesday.</p><p>Iginla and Olczyk replace David Branch and Mike Gartner, who had served their full 15-year terms. Gartner will remain part of the Hockey Hall of Fame board as he transitions into McDonald's role in June 2025.</p><p>Iginla, 47, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. A longtime member of the Calgary Flames, Iginla scored 625 goals and 1,300 points in 1,554 career games that included stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings. He led the NHL in goals twice and finished second in Hart Trophy voting in 2002 and 2004. Iginla won Olympic gold medals with Canada in 2002 and 2010.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Alberta native is currently a special assistant to the general manager with the Flames.</p><p>Olczyk, 58, tallied 342 goals and 794 points in 1,031 NHL games. He spent most of his career with the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets, and he won the Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1994. Olczyk was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.</p><p>Olczyk now works as a color commentator on Seattle Kraken broadcasts. He has won two Emmy awards for his broadcasting.</p><p>Pavel Datsyuk, Jeremy Roenick, Shea Weber, Krissy Wendell-Pohl, Natalie Darwitz, Colin Campbell, and David Poile were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125791" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125791">inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame</a> on Monday.</p><p> </p>

TORONTO, ONTARIO - NOVEMBER 12: Jerome Iginla takes part in a press opportunity prior to his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame at the Hockey Hall Of Fame on November 12, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Iginla, Olczyk join Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee

Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson left Monday's 7-5 loss against the Montreal Canadiens with a...

<p>Buffalo Sabres forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5611">Tage Thompson</a> left Monday's 7-5 loss against the Montreal Canadiens with a lower-body injury and didn't return.</p><p>Thompson played one shift in the second period before exiting the contest. Head coach Lindy Ruff didn't have an update on his status postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/LLysowski/status/1856072801133920418">The Buffalo News' Lance Lysowski</a>.</p><p>The 27-year-old had 10 goals and 17 points in 15 games entering play. Thompson scored his 11th goal of the campaign in the first period.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tage Thompson ties it up with a beauty! 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/Xl280pghwi">pic.twitter.com/Xl280pghwi</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1856032827982410037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Thompson tallied 29 goals and 56 points in 71 games last season. The best campaign of his career came in 2022-23 when he registered 47 goals and 94 points.</p><p>Sabres defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9735" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9735">Mattias Samuelsson</a> also left the game due to a lower-body injury. The 24-year-old has one goal in 12 contests this season.</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 9: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres looks on before a face-off during the second period against the Calgary Flames on November 9, 2024 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Sabres' Thompson exits with lower-body injury vs. Canadiens

Calgary Flames forward Anthony Mantha will miss the rest of the season due to an ACL injury, the ...

<p>Calgary Flames forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3248" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3248">Anthony Mantha</a> will miss the rest of the season due to an ACL injury, the team announced Monday.</p><p>Mantha, 30, was hurt in last Tuesday's game against the Montreal Canadiens. He managed four goals and seven points in 13 games.</p><p>The Flames signed Mantha to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million on July 1. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Mantha tallied 23 goals and 44 points in 74 games last season with the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - NOVEMBER 05: Anthony Mantha #39 of the Calgary Flames skates during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on November 5, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Calgary Flames defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime.

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Flames' Mantha done for season with ACL injury

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty is week-to-week with a lower-body injury and was place...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a> is week-to-week with a lower-body injury and was placed on injured reserve Monday, the team announced.</p><p>Pacioretty, 35, exited Saturday's victory over the Montreal Canadiens clutching his left leg.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"That obviously doesn't look good at all."<a href="https://twitter.com/kbieksa3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kbieksa3</a> breaks down Pacioretty's potential injury. <a href="https://t.co/onsKn3qHX9">pic.twitter.com/onsKn3qHX9</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1855417050849534073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Pacioretty has two goals and six points in 13 games this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Leafs signed Pacioretty to a one-year contract with a $873,770 cap hit after he attended Toronto's training camp on a professional tryout. Pacioretty earned a $313,115 performance bonus for hitting the 10-game mark. He has another at the same amount if he reaches 35 contests.</p><p>Pacioretty tallied four goals and 23 points in 47 games last season with the Washington Capitals after recovering from his second Achilles tear.</p><p>Maple Leafs captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> remains on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 21: Max Pacioretty #67 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Scotiabank Arena on October 21, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Leafs' Pacioretty week-to-week with lower-body injury

The Vancouver Canucks recalled forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki, the team announced Sunday.  Lekkerim...

<p>The Vancouver Canucks recalled forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12758" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12758">Jonathan Lekkerimaki</a>, the team announced Sunday.</p><p>Lekkerimaki has five goals and seven points in seven AHL games this season. He's a minus-8 on the campaign and has averaged 5.6 shots per contest.</p><p>The 20-year-old was the Rookie of the Year in the Swedish league last year, collecting 19 goals and 31 points in 46 contests. He also was named the MVP at the world juniors in January with seven goals and 10 points en route to winning silver with Sweden.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Lekkerimaki practiced on the top line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9957" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9957">Pius Suter</a> on Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/BatchHockey/status/1855707041966547261">Sportsnet's Brendan Batchelor</a>.</p><p>The Canucks drafted Lekkerimaki 15th overall in 2022. He ranked 29th on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3042997" href="https://thescore.com/news/3042997">theScore's top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects</a> before the season began.</p>

PENTICTON, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 21: Jonathan Lekkerimaki #23 of the Vancouver Canucks skates during the Vancouver Canucks Training Camp at South Okanagan Events Centre on September 21, 2024 in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada.

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Canucks recall top prospect Lekkerimaki

The Columbus Blue Jackets claimed defenseman Dante Fabbro off waivers from the Nashville Predator...

<p>The Columbus Blue Jackets claimed defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5602" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5602">Dante Fabbro</a> off waivers from the Nashville Predators on Sunday.</p><p>Fabbro has no points and is a minus-3 in six games this season. He's been scratched for five straight contests.</p><p>The 26-year-old has a $2.5-million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Fabbro signed his current deal in March before the trade deadline.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Fabbro's average ice time has decreased each season since he played a career-high 19:19 in 2020-21. The right-handed blue-liner played 16:21 last year and is down to just 13:06 when in action this campaign.</p><p>The 2016 first-round pick tallied three goals and 13 points in 56 contests last season. He recorded a career-best 24 points in 66 games in 2021-22.</p><p>Columbus had two right-handed defenders available before claiming Fabbro, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1703" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1703">Erik Gudbranson</a> sidelined. The Blue Jackets now have eight blue-liners on their active roster.</p><p>The Predators have $7.3 million of cap space after clearing Fabbro's salary, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/nashville-predators">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p>Fabbro has 16 goals and 72 points in 315 career games, all with Nashville. He's never played in the minors.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 12: Dante Fabbro #57 of the Nashville Predators plays against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on October 12, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Blue Jackets claim Fabbro off waivers from Predators

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