Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck candidly spoke about the relief he felt after the Winnipeg Jets' har...

Goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> candidly spoke about the relief he felt after the Winnipeg Jets' hard-fought Game 7 win over the St. Louis Blues on Sunday."I definitely felt a little something there," Hellebuyck said, according to <a href="https://x.com/mikemcintyrewpg/status/1919820665529762295">Winnipeg News' Mike McIntyre</a>. "At this point, the pressure has kind of fallen off. The weight of the world is off my shoulders."Hellebuyck was pulled three times in the first-round series versus the Blues and struggled with a .830 save percentage through seven games. However, the Vezina trophy favorite came through when it mattered most, stopping all nine shots he faced in overtime of Game 7 to keep the Jets' season alive.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Getting into that OT, it was, 'I'm not going to let these guys down,'" Hellebuyck said, per <a href="https://x.com/mikemcintyrewpg/status/1919820016788373847">McIntyre</a>. "They pulled through, and the rest is history."He added: "Seeing how many people believe in me and care about me in this room was a really good feeling. Talk about growth moments."Hellebuyck's issues have been a recurring theme in recent postseasons. He allowed 24 goals in five contests in Winnipeg's first-round exit against the Colorado Avalanche last year and 18 goals in a five-game series versus the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023."It's one of those things that had been building all those years, and I think it's just because I want it so bad," Hellebuyck said, according to <a href="https://x.com/mikemcintyrewpg/status/1919819479145672980">McIntyre</a>.Hellebuyck and the Jets are back in the second round for the first time since 2021, with their sights set on reaching the conference finals for the first time since 2018."We're in some new territory that we haven't been in in a little while," Hellebuyck said, per <a href="https://x.com/mikemcintyrewpg/status/1919820914880860390">McIntyre</a>. "I'm really excited. It's a restart for me. Who cares about what just happened? We got through it, and moving forward here, I'm really excited to put my best foot forward and do my job."The Jets host the Dallas Stars for Wednesday's Game 1.

WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 04: Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save during the second period of game 7 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues on May 04, 2025 at the Canada Life Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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St. Louis Blues defenseman Torey Krug's playing career is likely over, general manager Doug Armst...

St. Louis Blues defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2494" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2494">Torey Krug</a>'s playing career is likely over, general manager Doug Armstrong said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/lkorac10/status/1919813011356758212">NHL.com's Lou Korac</a>.Krug had subtalar fusion surgery on his ankle before the season. It was the same procedure that <a href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> had in 2023 to address post-traumatic arthritis in the wake of the golfer's 2021 car accident.Krug, 34, had attempted to rehabilitate the pre-arthritic changes in his ankle through nonsurgical conventions, which could've allowed him to return at some point during the campaign.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Krug previously <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3067888" href="https://thescore.com/news/3067888">explained</a> that his ankle issues stemmed from an injury sustained during the second round of the 2018 playoffs while he was playing for the Boston Bruins.The Michigan native has totaled 89 goals and 483 points in his 778-game NHL career with the Bruins and Blues.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 20: Torey Krug #47 of the St. Louis Blues skates on the ice during the first period of a game against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on December 20, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.

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Blues GM Armstrong: Krug unlikely to play again

Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen will start Game 1 of Carolina's second-round series versu...

Hurricanes goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> will start Game 1 of Carolina's second-round series versus the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, head coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed, according to team reporter <a href="https://x.com/WaltRuff/status/1919784044096536657">Walt Ruff</a>.Andersen didn't play in Carolina's Game 5 win against the New Jersey Devils after sustaining an injury in a Game 4 collision with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4725" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4725">Timo Meier</a>.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12697">Pyotr Kochetkov</a> made 31 saves on 35 shots in Andersen's place for the Hurricanes' double-overtime triumph in Game 5.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Andersen has a .936 save percentage and a 1.59 goals-against average in four playoff starts this year.The 35-year-old signed a one-year contract extension worth $2.75 million with the Hurricanes on Saturday.

EDMONTON, CANADA - OCTOBER 22: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes takes a drink during a stoppage in play in the second period of the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on October 22, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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The New Jersey Devils signed forward Arseniy Gritsyuk to a one-year, entry-level contract startin...

The New Jersey Devils signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14259" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14259">Arseniy Gritsyuk</a> to a one-year, entry-level contract starting next season, the team announced Tuesday.Gritsyuk tallied 17 goals and 44 points in 49 games with SKA Saint Petersburg this season, finishing 12th in the KHL in points per game and posting a plus-22.The 24-year-old has racked up 67 goals and 150 points in 204 KHL contests since becoming a regular in the league in 2021. He won the KHL Rookie of the Year in 2022.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Gritsyuk played at the 2022 Olympics for the Russian Olympic Committee, recording one goal and three points in six games en route to a silver medal. He also represented Russia at the 2021 world juniors.The 6-foot-0, 194-pound winger can play both sides but shoots left-handed.The Devils drafted Gritsyuk in the fifth round, 129th overall, in 2019. He'll be a restricted free agent next summer.

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - 2025/03/11: Arseny Gritsyuk (81) of SKA Hockey Club seen in action during the Hockey match, Kontinental Hockey League 2024/2025 between SKA Saint Petersburg and Dinamo Minsk at the SKA Arena. (Final score; SKA Saint Petersburg 3:1 Dinamo Minsk).

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Billy Horschel will undergo right hip surgery and will be sidelined for months, he announced Tues...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1771" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1771">Billy Horschel</a> will undergo right hip surgery and will be sidelined for months, he announced Tuesday on social media."It's an unfortunate situation with so many great events left on the calendar, but this is a preventative measure," the 38-year-old <a href="https://x.com/BillyHo_Golf/status/1919742052163567708">said</a>. "I'm already looking forward to getting the rehab started, getting back to practicing, and hopefully returning to the golf course in late summer, early fall."Horschel withdrew from the Zurich Classic in April, citing a lower-body injury.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The eight-time PGA TOUR winner finished tied for fourth at the Valspar Championship in March before missing the cut at the Masters and finishing T27 at the RBC Heritage in April.Horschel won the inaugural SoFi Cup as TGL champions with the Atlanta Drive GC in March. He was a star for his team, making multiple clutch shots en route to victory.The PGA Championship is in nine days.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA - APRIL 19: Billy Horschel of the United States looks on from the sixth tee during the third round of the RBC Heritage 2025 at Harbour Town Golf Links on April 19, 2025 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

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Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett isn't expected to face supplemental discipline for contact w...

Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> isn't expected to face supplemental discipline for contact with Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a>'s head in Monday night's Game 1, <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1919746836274786685">TSN's Chris Johnston</a> reports.Stolarz exited the game minutes after the collision and didn't return.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sam Bennett makes contact with the head of Anthony Stolarz who is slow to get up 🫣 <a href="https://t.co/BjnhbA4Ysm">pic.twitter.com/BjnhbA4Ysm</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1919563552278405411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The netminder also had been hit in the mask by a shot earlier in the game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Stolarz appeared to <a href="https://x.com/GinoHard_/status/1919572729206133222">vomit</a> over the Toronto bench during a TV timeout before exiting the game. He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281350" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281350">reportedly</a> left Scotiabank Arena on a stretcher during the third period and was taken to a hospital for further evaluation.Stolarz is out of hospital, <a href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1919749205150617797">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a> reported. The Leafs want to focus on the series and don't want to waste energy on Bennett's situation in the coming days, LeBrun added.Bennett wasn't given a penalty on the play."Elbow to the head, clearly. Clear as day," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1919594102686896550">said</a> postgame.Berube added: "I'm not sure why there's not a call on it. I get it, they miss calls, but it's clearly a penalty."Bennett has been suspended twice in his NHL career for boarding and an illegal check to the head, but he hasn't been banned since January 2022. Bennett has been fined twice, most recently in January for roughing."Hopefully the league will handle it and protect our players," Maple Leafs forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1919591430583996564">added</a>.Goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> made 17 saves on 20 shots in relief as Toronto took Game 1 over Florida 5-4. Game 2 goes at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday.

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 5: Anthony Stolarz #41 of the Toronto Maple Leafs makes a save against Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers during the second period of Game One of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 5, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Andrew Brunette will return as head coach of the Nashville Predators, general manager Barry Trotz...

Andrew Brunette will return as head coach of the Nashville Predators, general manager Barry Trotz confirmed Monday, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/andrew-brunette-to-remain-nashville-predators-coach?utm_source=nhldotcom&amp;utm_medium=social">NHL.com's Robby Stanley</a>.The Predators finished third last in the league this season with a 30-44-8 record. They reached the playoffs the prior campaign and made significant splashes in the offseason, signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1152">Steven Stamkos</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2870" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2870">Jonathan Marchessault</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4511" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4511">Brady Skjei</a> to multi-year contracts."(Brunette) is a good young coach," Trotz said, according to <a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nhl/predators/2025/05/05/andrew-brunette-barry-trotz-nashville-predators-coach/83407297007/">The Tennessean's Alex Daugherty</a>. "He had a tough situation this year. But like a good young player, you have to stick with a good young coach."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Predators hired Brunette before the 2023-24 campaign. He's 77-74-13 behind Nashville's bench."(Brunette) will make some adjustments, I'm sure, in terms of how we play," Trotz said. "Obviously, talking with the players and getting some of their input is always critical. I think the one thing that (Brunette) is very clear on, and I think it's clear around the league, is that you're in a partnership with your players."It's not a dictatorship. You're in a partnership. The partnership is that every coach has to make every player better, but the player has a responsibility to make himself better as well with the advice that he's gotten and grow his game within the framework of our game."Brunette finished as runner-up in Jack Adams Trophy voting in 2022 after guiding the Florida Panthers to the Presidents' Trophy. He was replaced by Paul Maurice after the campaign.Trotz believes firing Brunette was the easier path but retaining him is the best long-term decision."We could have done the easy thing and made a change and see if we get a bump," Trotz said, according to <a href="https://x.com/KieserNick/status/1919446104782889364">Lower Broad Hockey's Nick Kieser</a>. "Andrew is going to work hard to find the solution."

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 10: Head Coach Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Predators follows gameplay during the first period of a game against the Utah Hockey Club on April 10, 2025 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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The Ottawa Senators signed defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo to a two-year contract extension with a $...

The Ottawa Senators signed defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13815" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13815">Nikolas Matinpalo</a> to a two-year contract extension with a $875,000 cap hit, the team announced Monday.Matinpalo recorded one goal and four points in 41 NHL games this season. The 6-foot-3 rearguard played in all six of Ottawa's first-round playoff games versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he didn't register a point while playing 13:04 per game.The 26-year-old was set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Nik took a significant step this season and proved he could be a valuable contributor at the NHL level," general manager Steve Staios said in a statement. "We look forward to his continued growth."Matinpalo represented Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off as an injury replacement for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3173" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3173">Rasmus Ristolainen</a>. After Ottawa was eliminated from the playoffs, he was also tapped to play for his country at the upcoming World Championship.Ottawa signed Matinpalo as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

OTTAWA, ON - MAY 01: Ottawa Senators defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo (33) before a face-off during the first period of Game Six of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators on May 1, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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David Carle is staying put.  The coveted head coach signed a multi-year contract extension to rem...

David Carle is staying put.The coveted head coach signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the University of Denver, the school announced Monday.Carle captured the 2022 and 2024 national championships with the Pioneers. He guided the United States to its first back-to-back world junior titles in 2024 and 2025.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Carle fielded interest from "multiple NHL teams," reports <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1919476231004622915">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>. The 35-year-old has been at the helm for Denver for the past seven seasons. He owns a 179-74-17 career record, and his .694 winning percentage is the best ever among Denver head coaches.Carle was forced to retire from playing hockey before the 2008 NHL Draft after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He immediately joined Denver's staff as a graduate assistant coach for the 2008-09 season.After two seasons with the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers from 2012-14, Carle returned to Denver as an assistant coach. Carle replaced Jim Montgomery, who now coaches the St. Louis Blues, as the Pioneers' bench boss in 2018.

OTTAWA, CANADA - JANUARY 04: Head coach David Carle of Team USA handles bench duties in the first period against Team Czechia of the semifinal match during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship at Canadian Tire Centre on January 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Team USA defeated Team Czechia 4-1 to secure a spot in the gold medal round.

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For the first time in its 30-year history, the NHL draft lottery will be drawn live in-studio, al...

For the first time in its 30-year history, the NHL draft lottery will be drawn live in-studio, allowing team personnel and viewers to learn of the results simultaneously.Here's what you need to know before the lottery is conducted:When: Monday, May 5 (7 p.m. ET) How to watch: ESPN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 draft lottery odds" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-LDYzj" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/LDYzj/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="715" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>A team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it secures one of the lottery draws, meaning only the top 11 seeds are eligible to win the right to draft first overall. Two lottery draws will be done.Teams can improve their draft position in the lottery only twice in a five-year period. If the Blackhawks win the first overall pick, they won't be eligible to move up in the draft lottery again until 2028.The Rangers can transfer either their 2025 or 2026 first-round pick to the Penguins. They traded their 2025 first to the Canucks on Jan. 31 in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> deal before Vancouver flipped it to Pittsburgh as part of the package for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4553">Marcus Pettersson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9744" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9744">Drew O'Connor</a>.The Flames dealt their first-rounder to the Canadiens on Aug. 18, 2022 in order to dump Sean Monahan's contract. If Calgary wins one of the two lotteries and moves into the top 10, the Flames will retain the selection and instead transfer the Panthers' 2025 first-round pick to Montreal.<h3>Prospects to know</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762493/cropped_GettyImages-2191629826.jpg?ts=1735401296" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762493/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191629826.jpg?ts=1735401296 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762493/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191629826.jpg?ts=1735401296 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762493/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191629826.jpg?ts=1735401296 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762493/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191629826.jpg?ts=1735401296 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762493/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191629826.jpg?ts=1735401296 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Matthew Schaefer: It's been an impressive rise for Schaefer, who has become the top-ranked prospect in the class. He's not the unanimous choice atop the board, but the sky-high potential he's showcased in just 26 total games across the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, OHL, and world juniors has been enough for a majority of scouts to view him as this year's best prospect. Schaefer is one of the youngest players in the class, skates exceptionally well, and is an absolute gamer. He's listed at 6-foot-2 and has the two-way talent to become the kind of top-pairing, No. 1 defenseman every team wants. His limited game action is due to an early-season bout with mononucleosis and a broken collarbone sustained at the world juniors in December.Michael Misa: The Saginaw Spirit put Misa at center this year and were rewarded with 62 goals and 134 points in 65 games. He's the first draft-year player to eclipse 60 goals in the OHL since Patrick Kane in 2007. An exceptional status player who entered the OHL a year early, Misa leveled up this season and has first-line upside as a dynamic, dual-threat center.James Hagens: The projected No. 1 pick at the start of the draft cycle, Hagens' stock has dipped slightly over the campaign. He recorded 11 goals and 37 points in as many games as a freshman at Boston College and was a key piece down the middle for the Americans at the world juniors. He's a cerebral pivot who would be a quality addition for any team that covets a future top-six center.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763321/cropped_GettyImages-2187899066.jpg?ts=1735847672" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763321/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187899066.jpg?ts=1735847672 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763321/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187899066.jpg?ts=1735847672 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763321/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187899066.jpg?ts=1735847672 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763321/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187899066.jpg?ts=1735847672 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763321/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187899066.jpg?ts=1735847672 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Michael Miller/ISI Photos / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Porter Martone: Want a power winger? Look no further. Martone, who's listed at 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, racked up 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games this year with the OHL's Brampton Steelheads. He represented Canada at the world juniors in December and was tabbed as a pre-tournament player for the men's World Championship in May. His playmaking stands out, but his skating and pace of play are question marks.Anton Frondell: The top-ranked international skater, Frondell is a sturdy center who possesses an intriguing shot. He tallied 11 goals and 25 points in 29 games in Sweden's second-tier pro league this season. Frondell's 0.86 points per game are the second-highest scoring rate for a player in his draft year in the league, behind only Canucks forward Elias Pettersson and ahead of Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander.

SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - MAY 07: National Hockey League Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly looks on during the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery at NHL Network Studio on May 07, 2024 in Secaucus, New Jersey.

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The St. Louis Blues handily knocked off the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 on Friday to force a decisive Game ...

The St. Louis Blues handily knocked off the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 on Friday to force a decisive Game 7.The Blues scored four goals in the second period to blow the contest open, including a flurry of three goals in a span of just 2:06. Winnipeg managed only two shots on goal in the first period and was outshot 23-11 by St. Louis over the first 40 minutes.The home team has won every game in the series.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Jets goaltender and Vezina Trophy favorite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> allowed five goals on 23 shots and was replaced by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/450" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/450">Eric Comrie</a> for the third period. It's the third time Hellebuyck has been pulled in the series. Hellebuyck has posted a save percentage under .850 in every contest except Game 2."Tonight was not about (Hellebuyck)," Jets head coach Scott Arniel said, according to <a href="https://x.com/WPGMurat/status/1918506209440682195">The Athletic's Murat Ates</a>. "Tonight, we imploded in front of him."Blues defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1706">Cam Fowler</a> scored St. Louis' fourth goal of the game. He's tied for second in playoff scoring with 10 points and paces all blue-liners in the postseason."It's about seizing an opportunity for us," Blues head coach Jim Montgomery said, according to <a href="https://x.com/jprutherford/status/1918516728742494646">The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford</a>. "When you're in Game 7 of the playoffs, it's what we've all dreamed of in that organization, in that locker room together. These are the moments."The Jets, who won the Presidents' Trophy this season, are looking to avoid a third straight first-round exit. Winnipeg hasn't made the second round since 2021.St. Louis missed the postseason the past two years but advanced to the second round the last time it was in the playoffs in 2022.Game 7 goes Sunday in Winnipeg.

ST. LOUIS, MO - MAY 2: Brayden Schenn #10 of the St. Louis Blues is congratulated after scoring a goal against the Winnipeg Jets pressures in the second period of Game Six of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 2, 2025 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Blues handle Jets to force Game 7

Marc-Andre Fleury announced his retirement from the NHL on Thursday after the Minnesota Wild's Ga...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1010" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1010">Marc-Andre Fleury</a> announced his retirement from the NHL on Thursday after the Minnesota Wild's Game 6 loss, officially ending a career that spanned 21 seasons.The 40-year-old racked up 575 wins and is one of three goaltenders to eclipse the 500-victory plateau, ranking second all time behind Martin Brodeur (691).The first overall pick in 2003, Fleury won three Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His lone Vezina trophy came in 2021 with the Vegas Golden Knights.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Fleury's last NHL appearance came in relief of Filip Gustavsson during Game 5 of the Wild's first-round elimination against the Golden Knights. Gustavsson exited the game due to illness, and Fleury stepped in for the third period and overtime. He made six saves on seven shots in the loss.The 40-year-old played one season with the Chicago Blackhawks. He was traded to the Wild during the 2021-22 campaign and spent the final three and a half years of his career in Minnesota.

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - MAY 01: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Minnesota Wild reacts after losing to the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 in Game Six of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center on May 01, 2025 in St Paul, Minnesota.

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Fleury retires after illustrious 21-season career

The Colorado Avalanche forced a winner-takes-all Game 7 with a 7-4 victory Thursday against the D...

The Colorado Avalanche forced a winner-takes-all Game 7 with a 7-4 victory Thursday against the Dallas Stars.Midway through the third period, Stars forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5615" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5615">Sam Steel</a> attempted to clear the puck but inadvertently hit teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5704" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5704">Colin Blackwell</a>. The puck ricocheted off Blackwell and past goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8282" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8282">Jake Oettinger</a>, an own goal that stood as the game-winner.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
OH MY GOODNESS THIS GAME HAS HAD A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING 😳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StanleyCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StanleyCup</a> 🇺🇸: <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL_On_TNT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHL_On_TNT</a> (TBS) &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsonMax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SportsonMax</a> ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T">https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T</a> 🇨🇦: <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sportsnet</a> or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF">https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF</a> <a href="https://t.co/f4CdT9yVS4">pic.twitter.com/f4CdT9yVS4</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1918156124869582958?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Defensemen <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3862" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3862">Josh Manson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> added empty-net goals to complete the victory.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Stars forwards <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6400">Roope Hintz</a> tied the NHL record for points in a playoff period with four in the second frame, becoming the first teammates to accomplish the feat simultaneously.The Avalanche fired 48 shots on goal for the second time in the series, matching their total from Game 4's 4-0 victory.Stars head coach Peter DeBoer is 8-0 in Game 7s in his NHL career.Game 7 goes Saturday in Dallas.

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 1: Artturi Lehkonen #62 and Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate after a goal against the Dallas Stars in the third period of Game Six of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 1, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Avalanche force Game 7 after Stars' costly own goal

The Toronto Maple Leafs advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 4-2 win o...

The Toronto Maple Leafs advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 4-2 win over the Ottawa Senators in Thursday's Game 6.Veteran forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a> scored the game-winning goal with under six minutes left in the third period - his first tally since Dec. 20.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vkSsAHKWBv0?si=zE2elJOrAzWVpJAq" 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><a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a>, celebrating his 29th birthday, added an empty-netter in the final minute for his second goal of the game to seal the victory.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Maple Leafs will face the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in Round 2."It feels great," Leafs captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> told <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1918122439667491305">Sportsnet's Kyle Bukauskas</a>. "We came into this game, a lot of noise on the outside, but I think just the belief in this group, in this room, the belief in one another to just go out there and play shift-by-shift. Proud of the guys. One step, big game tonight, and keep moving forward."Toronto had taken a 3-0 series lead, but Ottawa clawed back with consecutive wins to force Game 6."It's playoffs, so there's gonna be ups and downs," Matthews added. "There's gonna be different swings and stuff like that. Just the belief in the room, doing it for one another, and not focusing on anything else but that. Feels good to get this one and onto the next."Matthews also praised the Senators and their captain, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a>."I just told him (in the handshake line) he's a great competitor, a great leader," Matthews said. "They're gonna be back. They're a good team, a young team. I got nothing but respect for him. I've known him a long time. He's a great person and a great player."Tkachuk was emotional after the loss, with the 25-year-old completing his first taste of the Stanley Cup Playoffs."It's devastating," Tkachuk said, according to <a href="https://x.com/TSN1200/status/1918123612592017873">TSN 1200</a>. "Tough pill to swallow right now. We didn't get the job done, but we're going to take these lessons and be that much better because of it."This marks just the second playoff series win for the Maple Leafs since their postseason streak began in 2017. They defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games in the 2023 first round before losing to the Panthers in five games in Round 2.Toronto improves to 5-0 in playoff series against its in-province rivals.

OTTAWA, CANADA - MAY 1: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his first period goal with John Tavares #91, William Nylander #88, Matthew Knies #23 and Mitch Marner #16 in Game Six of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on May 1, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Leafs best Senators to set up Round 2 series vs. Panthers

The Winnipeg Jets are one win from the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs after a 5-3 victo...

The Winnipeg Jets are one win from the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs after a 5-3 victory in Wednesday's Game 5 versus the St. Louis Blues.Winnipeg holds a 3-2 series lead, with the respective home team winning every game so far. The Blues had won the previous two contests by a combined score of 12-3.Vezina Trophy favorite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> made 14 saves on 17 shots after being pulled in back-to-back games. Blues netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> allowed four goals on 25 shots.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Jets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> exited the game with an <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3278564" href="https://thescore.com/news/3278564">apparent injury</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2119" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2119">Vladislav Namestnikov</a> moved up to the top line in his place, and he netted the eventual game-winning goal in the second period.Winnipeg hasn't advanced to the second round since 2021.Game 6 in St. Louis is Friday at 8 pm ET.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 30: Nino Niederreiter #62 of the Winnipeg Jets scores a goal against Jordan Binnington #50 of the St. Louis Blues in the first period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre on April 30, 2025 in Winnipeg, Canada.

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Jets bounce back in Game 5 to put Blues on brink of elimination

Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele exited Wednesday's Game 5 against the St. Louis Blues with a...

Winnipeg Jets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> exited Wednesday's Game 5 against the St. Louis Blues with an apparent injury.Blues captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/589">Brayden Schenn</a> caught Scheifele with a big hit in the first period. Schenn was assessed a minor penalty for roughing.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Jets head to the power play following a big hit from Brayden Schenn on Mark Scheifele <a href="https://t.co/p6T27wVVUX">pic.twitter.com/p6T27wVVUX</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1917762732431999301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Scheifele played two more shifts in the first. He was stood up on a hit by Blues forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2601">Radek Faksa</a> late in the period.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 32-year-old didn't play in the second period and was ruled out by the Jets to begin the third.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2119" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2119">Vladislav Namestnikov</a> replaced Scheifele on the top line alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6466" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6466">Gabe Vilardi</a>. Namestnikov scored his first goal in 20 games late in the second period.Scheifele had an assist in the first period and has two goals and six points in the series overall. He registered 39 goals and a career-high 87 points in the regular season.The Presidents' Trophy-winning Jets went up 2-0 in the series, but the Blues defended home ice to draw even at 2-2.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 19: Mark Scheifele #55 of the Winnipeg Jets skates during third period action against the St. Louis Blues in Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre on April 19, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Scheifele exits Game 5 with apparent injury

The Florida Panthers won 6-3 in Wednesday's Game 5 versus the Tampa Bay Lightning to advance to t...

The Florida Panthers won 6-3 in Wednesday's Game 5 versus the Tampa Bay Lightning to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.The Panthers also dispatched Tampa Bay in five games last year in the first round. The two franchises are now an even 2-2 in head-to-head playoff series after Tampa Bay won the first two clashes in 2021 and 2022.The reigning Stanley Cup champions will face either the Toronto Maple Leafs or Ottawa Senators in Round 2.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Every year, (the Battle of Florida) just keeps getting harder and harder," Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov said, according to <a href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1917776191223714114">team reporter Jameson Olive</a>.Florida owned a 4-3 lead entering the third period. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8585" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8585">Eetu Luostarinen</a> netted the insurance goal for his fourth point of the night before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a> sealed the contest with an empty-netter.Panthers netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1631" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1631">Sergei Bobrovsky</a> made 26 saves on 29 shots, while Lightning goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3907" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3907">Andrei Vasilevskiy</a> allowed five goals on 30 shots.Tampa Bay has lost in the first round three consecutive seasons. The Lightning haven't won a playoff series since the 2022 Eastern Conference Final."They have an exceptional team," Lightning head coach Jon Cooper <a href="http://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1917773579170599330">said</a>."It was our turn. Now, it's theirs," Cooper added, according to <a href="https://x.com/JoshYohe_PGH/status/1917774280118411620">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a>.The Lightning made the Stanley Cup Final three consecutive years from 2020-22, winning the title in 2020 and 2021. Florida has made the final twice in a row.Panthers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9416" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9416">Gustav Forsling</a> was pleased with his team's showing."Great feeling. I'm happy how we played in the third period and pretty much the whole game," Forsling said, according to <a href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1917780274999615692">Olive</a>. "They came back a couple times, but we stayed with it, stayed calm, and (Bobrovsky) was huge for us back there."

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 30: Carter Verhaeghe #23 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period in Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on April 30, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Panthers into Round 2 with Battle of Florida triumph over Lightning

The Minnesota Wild's Marc-Andre Fleury replaced Filip Gustavsson between the pipes for the third ...

The Minnesota Wild's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1010" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1010">Marc-Andre Fleury</a> replaced <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9896" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9896">Filip Gustavsson</a> between the pipes for the third period of Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights.Gustavsson exited the contest with an illness. He made 23 saves on 25 shots. Fleury turned aside six of seven shots in relief during Minnesota's 3-2 overtime loss. Fleury is retiring after the season. The 40-year-old ranks second in NHL history in wins and is a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tuesday's clash was his first postseason action since the 2023 first round versus the Dallas Stars.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The future Hall of Famer is tied with Edmonton Oilers great Grant Fuhr for third in career playoff wins with 92. His last postseason win came in the 2022 first round against the St. Louis Blues.This is the 18th postseason Fleury has appeared in, moving him past Martin Brodeur for the most by a goaltender in NHL history, according to the <a href="https://x.com/DannyWebster21/status/1917428580520546618">Las Vegas Review-Journal's Danny Webster</a>. Fleury won his only Vezina Trophy while playing for the Golden Knights. He spent four seasons in Vegas and backstopped the team to the Stanley Cup Final in its first campaign.Vegas holds a 3-2 series lead.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 22: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Minnesota Wild warms up prior to Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on April 22, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Fleury replaces ill Gustavsson in Game 5 vs. Golden Knights

The Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday with a 5-4 double overtime wi...

The Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday with a 5-4 double overtime win to advance to the second round for the fifth straight season.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a> fired the winning goal on the power play in Game 5 after Devils forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9193" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9193">Dawson Mercer</a> took a double minor for high-sticking.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_-Y1nCNv0yM?si=s1ut81lPc5vnyh3F" 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>Carolina will face either the Washington Capitals or the Montreal Canadiens in Round 2. The Eastern Conference-winning Capitals own a 3-1 series lead over the Habs.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Devils goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1677" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1677">Jacob Markstrom</a> made 48 saves, including 16 in the overtime periods. New Jersey was outshot 17-4 after regulation.Carolina trailed 3-0 within the opening 10 minutes of the game but roared back early in the second period. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10630" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10630">Jackson Blake</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7706">Andrei Svechnikov</a> tallied goals in a 3:54 span to tie the game under six minutes into the middle frame.Devils captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6426" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6426">Nico Hischier</a> answered to give New Jersey a brief 4-3 lead. Aho evened the contest 4:01 later on the power play to cap the wild five-goal second period.Hurricanes netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12697">Pyotr Kochetkov</a> stopped 31 of 35 shots he faced in his first start of the postseason. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> was sidelined with an injury sustained in Game 4."It's not a great feeling losing, losing like that," New Jersey forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4725" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4725">Timo Meier</a> said, according to team reporter <a href="https://x.com/samikasan/status/1917430927158042701">Sam Kasan</a>. "Everybody competed so hard, worked so hard. ... We can get better. We don't like the result."Hischier pointed to special teams as the biggest reason for his club's downfall. The Devils went 0-for-15 on the power play and owned a penalty kill success rate of 68.4%. "That's why we lost the series, for sure," he <a href="https://x.com/samikasan/status/1917433480142635370">said</a>. "We couldn't get the power play going. That's on those guys, including me, that are on the ice. That's definitely frustrating."The Devils fought valiantly in the series despite significant injuries to their blue line. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10579" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10579">Luke Hughes</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1903" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1903">Brenden Dillon</a> got hurt in Game 1, and New Jersey was without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9987" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9987">Johnathan Kovacevic</a> for the past two games.Superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a> also hasn't played since early March."It sucks," rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4501" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4501">Brett Pesce</a> <a href="http://x.com/samikasan/status/1917431893349253495">said</a>. "There's no way around it. Losing isn't fun. I am super proud of the way everyone fought. We faced a ton of adversity. Guys dug in. That's a good hockey team over there. They're a legit team. We never went away. Super proud of them."He <a href="https://x.com/samikasan/status/1917432611569275203">added</a>, "I'm already excited for next year because playoff experience matters a ton."Head coach Sheldon Keefe gave major credit to young defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12712" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12712">Simon Nemec</a>, who entered the lineup in Game 2 and scored the overtime winner in Game 3. "We would’ve got swept, had no chance without Nemo stepping up," he said, according to <a href="https://x.com/GabeCTrevino/status/1917430441851658258">NJ.com's Gabriel Trevino</a>.Keefe added that he knew after Game 1 that Dillon and Luke Hughes would be out for the remainder of the series.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 29: Sebastian Aho #20 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates after scoring a goal against the New Jersey Devils during the second period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on April 29, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Aho sends Hurricanes to Round 2 after Mercer's double minor in 2OT

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