New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald made one of his wishes for the upcoming trade de...

<p>New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald made one of his wishes for the upcoming trade deadline abundantly clear Friday - depth down the middle of the ice.</p><p>"Somebody that can come in and maybe give us that extra oomph and maybe properly slot people to make us a strong, four-line team come playoff time," Fitzgerald told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6066832/2025/01/17/devils-ryan-oreilly-trade-deadline/">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. "And build depth because of injuries. And build competition, too. We love what we have. I just really want to add on top of that."</p><p>The Devils have a strong one-two punch down the middle in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6426" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6426">Nico Hischier</a> but arguably lack depth in their bottom six. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3058" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3058">Justin Dowling</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3101">Curtis Lazar </a>currently anchor the third and fourth lines, respectively.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"When you look at how many players can play other positions, you can't have enough centers," Fitzgerald said. "You just can't."</p><p>Some of the top rental pivots said to be available before the March 7 deadline include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3843" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3843">Yanni Gourde</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2524" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2524">Brock Nelson</a>. Players in the rumor mill with term beyond this season include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1350" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1350">Ryan O'Reilly</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2855" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2855">Scott Laughton</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>.</p><p>League sources told LeBrun the Devils are already checking in on their list of targets.</p><p>The Devils sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 58 points through 47 games and are well on track to qualify for the playoffs after missing the cut last season. </p>

NEWARK, NJ - MAY 28: New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald speaks at a press conference to announce Sheldon Keefe as their new head coach on May 28, 2024 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29871534/related

Devils' Fitzgerald: We want another center for 'extra oomph'

Canada 4 Nations Face-Off general manager Don Sweeney thinks having more time to pick his squad's...

<p>Canada 4 Nations Face-Off general manager Don Sweeney thinks having more time to pick his squad's goalies could have given the country a different look in the crease for next month's tournament.</p><p>"Would we have liked to have waited? Yeah, ideally," Sweeney told <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/4-nations-face-off/don-sweeney-4-nations-games-in-montreal-must-win">NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika</a>. "In a perfect world, we probably would have, so you do have the benefit. ... But the rules are the rules."</p><p>All participating teams had to submit rosters by Dec. 4. Sweeney and Canada's brain trust selected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4649" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4649">Adin Hill</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4728" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4728">Samuel Montembeault</a> to share duties between the pipes. Here are their respective stats on the season:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Goalie</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>Sv%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Binnington</td>
<td>STL</td>
<td>12-16-3</td>
<td>.900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hill</td>
<td>VGK</td>
<td>18-7-2</td>
<td>.904</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Montembeault</td>
<td>MTL</td>
<td>16-15-3</td>
<td>.900</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>And here are the country's top performers since rosters were announced:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Goalie</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>Sv%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Logan Thompson</td>
<td>WSH</td>
<td>10-1-1</td>
<td>.937</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stuart Skinner</td>
<td>EDM</td>
<td>10-2-1</td>
<td>.917</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Darcy Kuemper</td>
<td>LAK</td>
<td>9-1-2</td>
<td>.941</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mackenzie Blackwood</td>
<td>SJ/COL</td>
<td>9-4-1</td>
<td>.930</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Goaltending was widely expected to be Canada's biggest weakness at the tournament. Binnington and Hill have both won Stanley Cups, but Canada's executives went slightly off the board with Montembeault, who's recently been outperformed in Montreal by rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9298" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9298">Jakub Dobes</a>.</p><p>Thompson ranked second among Canadian netminders in save percentage (.913) when rosters were announced, and he's boosted his play even further of late. Blackwood's stats have surged since being traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Colorado Avalanche, and Kuemper was injured in the weeks leading up to the announcement.</p><p>Canada opens the tournament with a Feb. 12 matchup against Sweden.</p>

OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 16: Washington Capitals Goalie Logan Thompson (48) takes a drink during third period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 16, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29869016/related

Sweeney: Canada 'ideally' would've waited to name 4 Nations goalies

The Colorado Avalanche and superstar winger Mikko Rantanen are at an impasse in contract extensio...

<p>The Colorado Avalanche and superstar winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> are at an impasse in contract extension negotiations, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli <a href="http://x.com/frank_seravalli/status/1880086177174417436">reported</a> on Thursday's Amazon "Coast to Coast" broadcast.</p><p>Rantanen's camp is seeking a deal in the range of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>'s record-setting $14-million annual cap hit, while the Avalanche are hoping Rantanen will agree to a number closer to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>'s team-leading $12.6-million figure.</p><p>Rantanen can ink an extension at any point and will hit unrestricted free agency if he doesn't do so by July 1. The Avalanche have no interest in moving Rantanen if a pact isn't agreed upon by March's trade deadline, Seravalli notes, and negotiations are expected to pick back up during the 4 Nations Face-Off break in early February.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Finland chose Rantanen as one of its first six players last summer. He's likely to enter the tournament as his country's top scorer, as he came into Thursday's game sitting sixth in the NHL with 61 points in 45 games.</p><p>Rantanen's earned $9.25 million per season since the 2019-20 campaign and is due for a significant raise. He ranks ninth among all players over the span of his current contract with 469 points in 376 games, and he helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022 with a 25-point postseason.</p><p>Colorado drafted Rantanen 10th overall in 2015. </p>

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 04: Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Montreal Canadiens at Ball Arena on January 4, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29861642/related

Report: Avalanche, Rantanen at stalemate in contract negotiations

Allegheny County Police announced Thursday that Evgeni Malkin's three missing Stanley Cup rings h...

<p>Allegheny County Police <a href="https://x.com/AlleghenyCoPD/status/1880042703922344238">announced</a> Thursday that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a>'s three missing Stanley Cup rings have been located in his home following a burglary last weekend. </p><p>The investigation remains ongoing.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/I2sqtDRsfu">https://t.co/I2sqtDRsfu</a> <a href="https://t.co/mIto5m6myM">pic.twitter.com/mIto5m6myM</a></p>— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) <a href="https://twitter.com/penguins/status/1880042980427592187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Malkin discovered his house was broken into after he returned home from a Jan. 11 game against the Ottawa Senators. He confirmed to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6063074/2025/01/15/evgeni-malkin-home-burglarized-rings/">The Athletic's Rob Rossi and Alex Andrejev</a> that his championship rings from 2009, 2016, and 2017 were gone early Wednesday morning after news of the burglary first became public. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Numerous high-profile athlete's homes have been targeted in recent months. NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Joe Burrow have each dealt with burglaries in 2024.</p><p>Malkin has spent his entire 19-year NHL career with the Penguins.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins follows through on a shot against the Seattle Kraken at PPG PAINTS Arena on January 14, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29856671/related

Police: Malkin's Stanley Cup rings located inside home

The PGA TOUR announced February's Genesis Invitational will be moved from Riviera Country Club be...

<p>The PGA TOUR announced February's Genesis Invitational will be moved from Riviera Country Club because of recent wildfires around Los Angeles.</p><p>"The PGA TOUR’s focus continues to be on the safety and well-being of those affected by the unprecedented natural disaster in Greater Los Angeles," the TOUR <a href="https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/latest/2025/01/16/statement-regarding-the-genesis-invitational-2025-the-riviera-country-club">announced</a> Thursday in a statement. "We are grateful for the life-saving efforts of first responders and the tireless work being done to put an end to the tragic wildfires."</p><p>The tournament will still be played Feb. 13-16, and a new venue will be announced in the coming days.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Genesis Invitational is a signature event on the PGA TOUR and is annually hosted by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a>.</p><p>Riviera is in wildfire-ravaged Pacific Palisades in west L.A., and is one of the most famous venues in the sport. The Genesis Invitational, previously known as the L.A. Open, has been held at Riviera for the past 62 years.</p>

PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 15: Tiger Woods plays his shot from the first hole tee as fans watch during the first round of The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club on February 15, 2024 in Pacific Palisades, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29854703/related

PGA TOUR moves Genesis Invitational from Riviera due to L.A. fires

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin's home was burglarized last Saturday, the team announce...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a>'s home was burglarized last Saturday, the team announced.</p><p>Malkin's missing the three Stanley Cup rings won with Pittsburgh in 2009, 2016, and 2017, he confirmed to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6063074/2025/01/14/evgeni-malkin-home-burglarized-rings/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=twhq&amp;source=twitterhq">The Athletic's Rob Rossi and Alex Andrejev</a>.</p><p>"We are working closely with local authorities and team security," the Penguins said in a statement. "Malkin has requested that his privacy be respected during this time and we will have no further comment on the matter."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pittsburgh hosted the Ottawa Senators for an afternoon game Saturday, but Malkin wasn't in the lineup due to injury. Allegheny County Police confirmed they're investigating a burglary in the area of Malkin's residence.</p><p>Thieves have targeted the homes of several prominent athletes recently, including NFL superstars Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce.</p><p>Malkin has played his entire 19-season career in Pittsburgh.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 29: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins prepares for a face off during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on November 29, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29836438/related

Penguins star Malkin missing 3 Stanley Cup rings after home burglary

The Calgary Flames don't want to trade defenseman Rasmus Andersson before the March 7 trade deadl...

<p>The Calgary Flames don't want to trade defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> before the March 7 trade deadline and are confused about teams inquiring about his availability, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on "<a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/insider-trading-canucks-decisions-could-be-holding-up-trade-mark~3062647">Insider Trading</a>."</p><p>Andersson is under contract through next season at a bargain $4.5-million cap hit, and the Flames are hopeful to extend him once he becomes eligible in July, LeBrun noted.</p><p>Rumors about Andersson's availability have circulated throughout the season. The 28-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3186178" href="https://thescore.com/news/3186178">said</a> last week he wants to remain in Calgary. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Andersson occupies the right side of Calgary's top defensive pairing and quarterbacks its top power-play unit. He's contributed 18 points in 42 games this season while logging 24:21 per contest. </p><p>The Flames drafted Andersson 53rd overall in 2015. He's played 497 regular-season games for the franchise across nine seasons. </p>

CALGARY, AB - DECEMBER 31: Rasmus Andersson #4 of the Calgary Flames prepares to face off against the Vancouver Canucks at Scotiabank Saddledome on December 31, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29829894/related

Report: Flames have no interest in trading Andersson

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones took ownership of a miserable performance Monday night a...

<p>Chicago Blackhawks defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a> took ownership of a miserable performance Monday night against the Calgary Flames that had the home fans booing him.</p><p>Jones was a minus-4 in a 5-2 loss despite logging only 16 minutes of ice time, a significant drop from the 24:40 he's averaging on the season. Jones took heat for an ill-advised turnover that led to a shorthanded goal for the Flames minutes after Chicago gained momentum from a goal by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🔥FLAMES GOAL🔥<br><br>Yegor Sharangovich scores his first goal in 15 games! It's 5-2 Calgary! <br><br>🎥: Amazon Prime | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flames</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blackhawks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blackhawks</a> <a href="https://t.co/zmionNDChD">pic.twitter.com/zmionNDChD</a></p>— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1878988130759688327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"That's what comes with the territory of the contract that I got, and I'm willing to stand in front of that," Jones told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6061927/2025/01/14/blackhawks-seth-jones-boos-contract/">The Athletic's Mark Lazerus</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jones is the Blackhawks' highest-paid player with a $9.5-million cap hit through 2028. The contract, orchestrated by former general manager Stan Bowman, was met with immediate scrutiny due to Jones' history of defensive deficiencies. </p><p>Chicago has deployed Jones primarily as a top-pairing defender during his three-plus seasons with the club. Jones said he believes his salary wouldn't be an issue if the Blackhawks weren't at the bottom of the standings for a third straight campaign.</p><p>"I think if we were winning a lot of games, (the contract) wouldn't be a big deal," he said. "But when the fan base is frustrated as they are now, they want to see results. They're paying for a product they're not getting. And I'm not taking the blame off myself by any means. But that's what comes with it."</p><p>The Blackhawks have lost nine of their last 11 games and rank dead last in the NHL.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 05: Seth Jones #4 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on against the New York Rangers during the first period at the United Center on January 05, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29828930/related

Jones: Being booed by home fans 'comes with the territory' of contract

Connor Bedard admitted Monday that nine losses in the past 11 games is taking its toll.  "It's re...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a> admitted Monday that nine losses in the past 11 games is taking its toll.</p><p>"It's really frustrating," Bedard told reporters following the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames.</p><p>"We're competitive athletes and we take a lot of pride in our games, our group as a team, and our fan base. It's been hard," he continued. "It's been a lot of games to lose. It weighs on you. We're just trying to find a way of it, just trying to get better every day. But it's hard."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chicago's cold spell comes on the heels of a three-game win streak in mid-December that marked only the second time this season the Blackhawks strung together consecutive victories.</p><p>The Blackhawks are 32nd in the NHL after finishing 31st last year and 30th in 2022-23. The club isn't taking the strides many expected them to take after drafting Bedard, whose impressive production isn't enough to compensate for a lack of support around him.</p><p>Bedard scored a power-play goal Monday night to notch his 100th career point in his 112th NHL game. He became only the 24th teenager in league history to hit the century mark and required the fewest games to reach the benchmark since Sidney Crosby (80 games) in 2005-06.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">100 points:<br>Connor Bedard: 112 games<br>Auston Matthews: 112 games<br>Nathan MacKinnon: 143 games<br>Jack Hughes: 160 games<br><br>Just for reference.</p>— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) <a href="https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1878991387347263938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Bedard leads the Blackhawks this season with 39 points. </p>

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 13: Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates back to the bench after scoring a goal during the second period against the Calgary Flames on January 13, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29822417/related

Bedard dejected by Blackhawks' slump: 'A lot of games to lose'

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki wants linemate Juraj Slafkovsky to cut himself some slack ...

<p>Montreal Canadiens captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6457" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6457">Nick Suzuki</a> wants linemate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12706">Juraj Slafkovsky</a> to cut himself some slack as he seeks to snap a lengthy goal drought. </p><p>"In some moments of the game, you're not going to be happy with a play you made, but you can't let that affect the rest of your game," Suzuki said, per <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/hes-definitely-too-hard-on-himself-suzuki-wants-slafkovsky-to-cu~3061209">TSN</a>. "I think he's definitely too hard on himself. If you keep a positive mindset, a lot of things go better for you. Trying to keep him positive on the bench is a big thing."</p><p>The Canadiens have surged up the Eastern Conference standings with nine wins in their past 12 games. However, Slafkovsky has registered only two goals while playing on the top line alongside Suzuki and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10510" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10510">Cole Caufield</a> during that span, including none over the past nine contests.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Slafkovsky has recorded four goals this campaign through 39 games, well below the pace required to match his 20-tally output from last season.</p><p>"I'm unfortunately working on my game and still trying to find a consistency to be the same type of player every night," Slafskovsky said. "It's great that we manage to get wins because then it's a little easier."</p><p>He added: "First of all, I need to move my legs for the whole shift, every shift I'm out there. And then play physical. I think last game I played pretty physical, but I think just off that it creates a lot for other guys on the ice. Even I'm more open after it, so we just have to use it. We're going in the right direction, that's for sure. It's just a matter of time when I'll hopefully start scoring again."</p><p>Slafkovsky's in his third season with the Canadiens since being drafted first overall in 2022. He has 83 points in 160 career games and signed an eight-year, $60.8-million extension last summer.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - OCTOBER 9: Juraj Slafkovsky #20 of the Montreal Canadiens talks with Nick Suzuki #14 of the Montreal Canadiens during the third period of the NHL regular season game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre on October 9, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29818155/related

Suzuki boosts Slafkovsky: 'Definitely too hard on himself'

Nick Taylor beat Nico Echavarria in a playoff Sunday to win the Sony Open and seal his fifth care...

<p>Nick Taylor beat Nico Echavarria in a playoff Sunday to win the Sony Open and seal his fifth career PGA TOUR victory.</p><p>Taylor earned the victory with a birdie on the second playoff hole. He made a four on the par-5 18th despite launching his tee shot into the bunker. Echavarria opened the door for Taylor to win with a three-putt par.</p><p>Taylor was 1-over par through seven holes Sunday, then reeled off four consecutive birdies to put himself into contention. He grabbed the clubhouse lead with a chip-in eagle on his 72nd hole of the tournament.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A chip-in eagle to tie the lead!<a href="https://twitter.com/ntaylorgolf59?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NTaylorGolf59</a> comes up clutch at the last <a href="https://twitter.com/SonyOpenHawaii?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SonyOpenHawaii</a>. <a href="https://t.co/tNeTa9xQKM">pic.twitter.com/tNeTa9xQKM</a></p>— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1878601181397684572?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It was a tough day, I was 1-over through seven," Taylor <a href="https://x.com/PGATOUR/status/1878621694975246477">said</a>. "Not really thinking about winning necessarily."</p><p>"I'm a bit stunned this has worked out this way."</p><p>Taylor is now 3-0 in playoffs in his career. He topped Charley Hoffman at last year's WM Phoenix Open, and Tommy Fleetwood at the 2023 Canadian Open - the most famous victory of his career.</p><p>Taylor and Echavarria finished the tournament at 16-under. J.J. Spaun entered the final round with the lead, but he missed a birdie putt on the 18th hole for a chance to join the playoff.</p><p>Here's a look at the final leaderboard: </p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Nick Taylor</td>
<td>-16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Nico Echavarria</td>
<td>-16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>J.J. Spaun</td>
<td>-15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Stephan Jaeger</td>
<td>-15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Eric Cole</td>
<td>-14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-6</td>
<td>Jackson Suber</td>
<td>-13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-6</td>
<td>Adam Schenk</td>
<td>-13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-6</td>
<td>Patrick Fishburn</td>
<td>-13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-6</td>
<td>Keegan Bradley</td>
<td>-13</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The TOUR is scheduled to travel to California next week for The American Express after wrapping up its season-opening Hawaiian swing.</p>

HONOLULU, HAWAII - JANUARY 12: Nick Taylor of Canada reacts after chipping in for an eagle on the 18th green during the final round of the Sony Open in Hawaii 2025 at Waialae Country Club on January 12, 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29810259/related

Taylor tops Echavarria in playoff to win Sony Open

The Carolina Hurricanes retired Eric Staal's No. 12 in a pre-game ceremony in Raleigh on Sunday. ...

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes retired <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/242" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/242">Eric Staal</a>'s No. 12 in a pre-game ceremony in Raleigh on Sunday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No. 12 is officially in the rafters! <a href="https://t.co/jtoKysR53N">pic.twitter.com/jtoKysR53N</a></p>— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Canes/status/1878548827231195166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Staal ranks second on the franchise's all-time list of goals (322), assists (453), and points (775). He trails Hall of Famer Ron Francis in each category. Francis, Glen Wesley, and Rod Brind'Amour were the only other players to have their numbers retired by the Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers organization before Staal was honored.</p><p>Staal was drafted second overall in 2003. His second season with the Hurricanes, 2005-06, was the best of his career as he notched 45 goals and 100 points. He then led that year's playoffs with 28 points to help Carolina win its only Stanley Cup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of the greatest Hurricanes of all time <a href="https://t.co/enW59kOzAo">pic.twitter.com/enW59kOzAo</a></p>— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Canes/status/1878541472447770687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Staal played 12 seasons with the Hurricanes before brief tenures with the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers. He ended his playing career after the 2022-23 campaign.</p>

RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 12: Carolina Hurricanes alumnus Eric Staal greets former teammates during his jersey retirement ceremony prior to the NHL game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Carolina Hurricanes on January 12, 2025 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29806806/related

Hurricanes retire Staal's No. 12

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube lamented his team's ability to generate a spark in Sa...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube lamented his team's ability to generate a spark in Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. </p><p>"I didn't think we had enough pace in the game or played with enough energy," Berube said. "You need more life and energy. I didn't think we had that tonight."</p><p>He added, "We didn't move the puck well enough tonight. I didn't think we were connected well enough on breakouts or in the neutral zone. And just slow."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Toronto trailed 31 seconds into the game after a goal by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a> and was unable to recover. The Maple Leafs mustered only 20 shots on goal and went 0-for-3 on the power play en route to being shutout for the third time this season.</p><p>"Not good enough," defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1685" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1685">Chris Tanev</a> said, according to <a href="https://x.com/jonassiegel/status/1878274954904396008">The Athletic's Jonas Siegel</a>. "They outworked us. That's why they won."</p><p>The Canucks were on the second half of a back-to-back, and their travel plans from Carolina on Friday night were interrupted due to inclement weather. Vancouver didn't land in Toronto until Saturday afternoon but still managed to snap a four-game skid.</p><p>"A lot of character in here," captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> said, per <a href="https://x.com/sunhornby/status/1878278130768519429">Postmedia's Lance Hornby</a>. "No one was feeling sorry for themselves, not just because of how the last few games have gone. Nothing out of the ordinary today, we've all played junior when there's a lot going on."</p><p>The Maple Leafs have lost two consecutive games after winning five in a row. They remain on top of the Atlantic Division with 56 points having played one more game than the second-place Florida Panthers and four more games than the third-place Tampa Bay Lightning.</p>

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 11: Mitch Marner #16 and Matthew Knies #23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs interact in between plays during the third period against the Vancouver Canucks at the Scotiabank Arena on January 11, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29797803/related

Berube: Leafs lacked 'life and energy' in loss to Canucks

Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff ripped his club's effort Saturday after the team relinquishe...

<p>Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff ripped his club's effort Saturday after the team relinquished a 2-0 lead against the Seattle Kraken and surrendered five goals in a 12-minute span.</p><p>"I thought the second period, embarrassing the way we played," Ruff said. "We had O-zone time, didn't get to the inside, didn't get pucks to the net, passed the puck around the perimeter, looked for the pretty play. And eventually it caught up to us.</p><p>"Unacceptable. Just embarrassing, actually."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Kraken scored twice in the second period and three times in the opening 5:26 of the third. Coughing up leads is a recurring issue for the Sabres this season.</p><p>"We've seen it too many times this year," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10037">Dylan Cozens</a> said, per <a href="https://x.com/ByMHarrington/status/1878239002613985485">Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News</a>. "We give up one and then it's just a disaster. They get another and then another. I don't know why it keeps happening but we've got to figure it out."</p><p>The Sabres recently ended a 13-game losing streak and entered Saturday's matchup having won five of their previous eight contests. They remain in last place in the Eastern Conference despite playing better hockey of late.</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 3: Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff talks to his team after a timeout during an NHL game against the Colorado Avalanche on December 3, 2024 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29793948/related

Ruff: Sabres' collapse to Kraken 'embarrassing'

Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery is fed up with his team's play of late and called ...

<p>Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery is fed up with his team's play of late and called for improvements individually and collectively following Friday's overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens.</p><p>"Any time you get points in this league it's positive, and it's really, really difficult to get points, especially when you're playing the way that we are right now," Carbery said.</p><p>The Capitals have lost five of their past 10 games but have managed to get to overtime in three of those defeats to salvage points. Carbery noted drops in production through the lineup are contributing to Washington's skid.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's a struggle, and we've got to get some guys going again," he said. "We got to get some guys getting their seasons turned around because when this drags on, it's not like a three-game slump ... this is turning into 10, 12, 14 games for some guys right now, and that's a large portion of your season. You got to be careful.</p><p>"I don't want to sound like a broken record, but we're getting into that territory of this is who you are, as a player and as a team. We got to get this thing turned around."</p><p>Forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4562" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4562">Dylan Strome</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8611">Connor McMichael</a> are among the players who've seen their production decline of late. Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> has also been held pointless over the past three games. </p><p>The Capitals haven't won consecutive games since Dec. 20 and 22. Their lead atop the Metropolitan Division is five points, though they've played fewer games than both the chasing Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery coaches from the bench during the Buffalo Sabres versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on December 14, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C..

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29779227/related

Carbery demands slumping Caps to 'get this thing turned around'

Cutter Gauthier is prepared to face a hostile Flyers crowd Saturday as he plays in Philadelphia f...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12716" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12716">Cutter Gauthier</a> is prepared to face a hostile Flyers crowd Saturday as he plays in Philadelphia for the first time since requesting a trade out of the organization.</p><p>"I'm anticipating probably a lot of boos, for sure," Gauthier told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6053292/2025/01/10/cutter-gauthier-flyers-philadelphia-reaction/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Kevin Kurz</a>. "They're probably not the happiest fans with me. Excited for tomorrow, and just building our team game. We didn't have our best game last game (a 6-2 loss in St. Louis on Thursday), so it's an opportunity for us to build and try to get a win."</p><p>Philadelphia drafted Gauthier fifth overall in 2022, but he was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks last season after telling the Flyers he didn't want to sign. The Ducks and Flyers played in Anaheim in late December, a game Gauthier said he had circled on his calendar. Flyers head coach John Tortorella responded by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3171776" href="https://thescore.com/news/3171776">saying</a> he didn't "give a shit" what Gauthier had to say about the matchup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gauthier maintains he holds no ill will toward the Flyers despite the messy exit.</p><p>"I believe the media likes to take things and run with it. Especially right after the trade, there was a lot of lies circling the internet," he said. "It's unfortunate because I'm not going to go out there and bad-mouth the Flyers organization, because obviously they're such a historic organization and a great organization, and I was fortunate enough to be drafted by them. ... It was a bit unfortunate to see some of the lies (the media was) spreading, but I wish them all the best moving forward."</p><p>Gauthier was also asked if he has any message for Flyers fans.</p><p>"I just wish they knew the truth, I would say that," he said. "But other than that, I'm not here to please everyone. I'm here to do what's best for me and do what's right for my development, and that's what I'm working towards."</p><p>Gauthier has managed 18 points across 41 games in his first full NHL campaign.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - DECEMBER 22: Cutter Gauthier #61 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Utah Hockey Club on December 22, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29774227/related

Ducks' Gauthier ready for 'a lot of boos' in return to Philly

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is hopeful the speculation around his future with the ...

<p>Calgary Flames defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> is hopeful the speculation around his future with the club doesn't materialize into a trade out of town. </p><p>"I hope I'm staying," Andersson told <a href="https://calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/andersson-addresses-trade-speculation-hope-staying">Postmedia's Wes Gilbertson</a>. </p><p>Andersson is under contract through next season at a modest $4.5-million cap hit. Calgary hasn't openly stated it wants to move the 28-year-old, but speculation has persisted throughout the season because he'd be one of the club's most attractive trade pieces as a top-pairing right shot.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Although he prefers to stick with the Flames, Andersson knows it's ultimately out of his control. </p><p>"I can't affect anything, right?" Andersson said. "You look at it, I have a six-team no-trade (clause). I mean, there's still 26 teams. So if they want to move me, they could move me. I could get a call right now. It's out of my hands."</p><p>He continued: "I think people know how much I love playing in Calgary. "I hate the Oilers more than anyone else. I hate the Canucks more than anyone else. That's just who I am. I feel like I’ve grown up in this organization, and I've always loved playing for it."</p><p>The Flames selected Andersson in the second round of the 2015 draft. He became a regular during the 2018-19 season and has blossomed into one of Calgary's top defenders at even strength while also quarterbacking the top power-play unit. </p><p>Andersson's notched 18 points in 40 games this season while leading the team with 24:29 per contest.</p><p>The Flames are one of the league's biggest surprises this season and are one point back of the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Their status in the standings is likely to determine their course of action come the March 7 trade deadline.</p>

CALGARY, ALBERTA - DECEMBER 14: Rasmus Andersson #4 of the Calgary Flames skates against the Florida Panthers at the Scotiabank Saddledome on December 14, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29773737/related

Flames' Andersson addresses trade chatter: 'I hope I'm staying'

Welcome to the third edition of theScore's 2024-25 Vezina Trophy rankings, a monthly look at the ...

<p>Welcome to the third edition of theScore's 2024-25 Vezina Trophy rankings, a monthly look at the top goaltenders across the NHL.</p><p>We have two holdovers and three newcomers in this edition. We only considered goalies who've made at least 20 starts on the campaign.</p><p>Our top two candidates appear to be set in stone for the foreseeable future, but the rest of the pack is certainly debatable. Anaheim's Lukas Dostal and Utah's Karel Vejmelka rank second and third, respectively, on the GSAx leaderboard so far but only have nine and 10 wins to their names. Wins and losses may be an outdated statistic in today's game, but poor records simply won't draw Vezina votes by year's end unless the supporting numbers are Dominik Hasek-esque. We opted for the netminders backstopping better teams in the end.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>GSAA</strong> = <em>Goals saved above average</em><br><strong>GSAx</strong> = <em>Goals saved above expected</em></p><h3>5. MacKenzie Blackwood, Avalanche</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764166/cropped_GettyImages-2192756150.jpg?ts=1736291852" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764166/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192756150.jpg?ts=1736291852 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764166/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192756150.jpg?ts=1736291852 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764166/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192756150.jpg?ts=1736291852 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764166/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192756150.jpg?ts=1736291852 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764166/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192756150.jpg?ts=1736291852 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ashley Potts / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Record</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAA</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>13-10-4</td>
<td>2.58</td>
<td>.917</td>
<td>13.79</td>
<td>15.35</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Blackwood was nowhere near our rankings before he was traded to Colorado, but a scorching hot start in the Mile High City has put the 28-year-old on our radar. The former Devils and Sharks puck-stopper is 7-1-1 since joining the Avalanche, posting a .938 save percentage and 1.69 goals-against average. Colorado with reliable, let alone elite, goaltending is a scary thought for the rest of the league.</p><p>Blackwood is still undoubtedly a long shot to bring home any hardware, but he's the hottest goalie in the NHL right now and is deserving of recognition. Since our last rankings Dec. 4, he ranks third in GSAx, save percentage, and wins.</p><h3>4. Jacob Markstrom, Devils</h3><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747884/cropped_GettyImages-2173620718.jpg?ts=1727789936" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747884/w220xh124_GettyImages-2173620718.jpg?ts=1727789936 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747884/w320xh180_GettyImages-2173620718.jpg?ts=1727789936 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747884/w640xh360_GettyImages-2173620718.jpg?ts=1727789936 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747884/w768xh432_GettyImages-2173620718.jpg?ts=1727789936 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747884/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2173620718.jpg?ts=1727789936 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rich Graessle / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Record</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAA</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>20-8-2</td>
<td>2.17</td>
<td>.911</td>
<td>6.67</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Markstrom's play in December was the type of goaltending that Devils fans have longed for, going 8-1-1 with a .937 save percentage and two shutouts. The strong month gave Markstrom's modest season stats a significant jolt and thrust him into the 2025 Vezina conversation for the first time.</p><p>Markstrom's now second in the league in wins and goals-against average, and he sits top 10 in GSAx. He'll need more months like his last if he's to garner real Vezina buzz, but his first dominant stretch as a Devil offered plenty of encouraging signs.</p><h3>3. Logan Thompson, Capitals</h3><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763993/cropped_GettyImages-2191970154.jpg?ts=1736202965" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763993/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191970154.jpg?ts=1736202965 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763993/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191970154.jpg?ts=1736202965 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763993/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191970154.jpg?ts=1736202965 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763993/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191970154.jpg?ts=1736202965 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763993/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191970154.jpg?ts=1736202965 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Record</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAA</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>16-2-2</td>
<td>2.39</td>
<td>.916</td>
<td>7.19</td>
<td>13.08</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Thompson hit our 20-game threshold on the nose, but his split duties with Charlie Lindgren are a detriment to his Vezina case despite impressive numbers. Workload is always a key factor for voters, and Thompson's stats aren't strong enough to outweigh a notable lack of games compared to his peers. Linus Ullmark won the Vezina with only 48 starts two years ago, but he won 40 of those and led the league in multiple categories as the Boston Bruins rewrote the history books.</p><p>It's not impossible Thompson builds a similar case by season's end, but we're not banking on it.</p><h3>2. Filip Gustavsson, Wild</h3><p><em>Previous: 2nd</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600598/cropped_GettyImages-1770710839.jpg?ts=1699570392" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600598/w220xh124_GettyImages-1770710839.jpg?ts=1699570392 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600598/w320xh180_GettyImages-1770710839.jpg?ts=1699570392 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600598/w640xh360_GettyImages-1770710839.jpg?ts=1699570392 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600598/w768xh432_GettyImages-1770710839.jpg?ts=1699570392 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/600598/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1770710839.jpg?ts=1699570392 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rich Graessle / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Record</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAA</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>18-6-3</td>
<td>2.31</td>
<td>.922</td>
<td>16.86</td>
<td>11.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Gustavsson was yanked from his most recent start but is still putting together a remarkable season, helping the Wild each night as they battle for top spot in their division. Unfortunately for Gustavsson, his main competitor for the Vezina plays for the only team ahead of Minnesota in the Central standings.</p><p>There's nothing to nitpick about Gustavsson's season so far. He's sustained a surprisingly hot start up to the halfway point and ranks top five in each of our key criteria. That said, his resume this season is second best at his position, and it will take something drastic in the standings or on the stats page for Minnesota's top netminder to make his way into our top spot.</p><h3>1. Connor Hellebuyck, Jets</h3><p><em>Previous: 1st</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634133/cropped_GettyImages-2149382436.jpg?ts=1719179885" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634133/w220xh124_GettyImages-2149382436.jpg?ts=1719179885 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634133/w320xh180_GettyImages-2149382436.jpg?ts=1719179885 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634133/w640xh360_GettyImages-2149382436.jpg?ts=1719179885 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634133/w768xh432_GettyImages-2149382436.jpg?ts=1719179885 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634133/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2149382436.jpg?ts=1719179885 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Record</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>GSAA</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>25-6-2</td>
<td>2.09</td>
<td>.926</td>
<td>23.32</td>
<td>31.09</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Part of it might come with his preexisting reputation as the world's top goalie, but Hellebuyck is still the overwhelming favorite to repeat as the Vezina Trophy recipient after winning 10 of 13 starts - including two shutouts - since he was the clear-cut No. 1 in our previous rankings.</p><p>For the season, Hellebuyck leads all goalies in wins, save percentage, shutouts, GSAx, and Evolving-Hockey's standings points above replacement. The top spot on everybody's Vezina list should be a no-brainer, even if the rest of the ballot is murky.</p><p><strong>Keep an eye on:</strong></p><ul>
<li>Karel Vejmelka, Utah</li>
<li>Lukas Dostal, Ducks</li>
<li>Joseph Woll, Maple Leafs</li>
<li>Anthony Stolarz, Maple Leafs</li>
<li>Jake Oettinger, Stars</li>
</ul><p>(Analytics source: <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/goalie_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_gl_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_gl_team=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_str=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_gl_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_gl_span=%22Regular%22&amp;std_gl_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_gl_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_gl_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_status=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=null&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>)</p>

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 23: New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) makes a save during a NHL game between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on December 23, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29744649/related

Vezina Trophy Rankings: Markstrom starting to shine

The Boston Bruins are searching for answers following their fifth consecutive loss, a lopsided 4-...

<p>The Boston Bruins are searching for answers following their fifth consecutive loss, a lopsided 4-0 defeat at home to the Edmonton Oilers.</p><p>"We have to find some solutions right now," head coach Joe Sacco <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/press-room-joe-sacco-6366798618112">said</a>. "They were certainly playing at a higher level than we were right at the drop of the puck."</p><p>He added, "We pretty much got what we deserved here tonight."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Oilers outshot the Bruins 14-4 in the first period, outchanced them 33-24 at five-on-five, and controlled 62.34% of expected goals in the contest, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20641">Natural Stat Trick</a>. Edmonton is one of the hottest teams in hockey, having won 12 of its past 15 games, but Boston's also fallen to the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, and Columbus Blue Jackets during this skid.</p><p>Tuesday's defeat prompted TD Garden fans to chant for general manager Don Sweeney's dismissal. The Bruins fired head coach Jim Montgomery earlier this season. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“FIRE SWEENEY” caught on the NESN broadcast…<br><br>Not a good look 😬 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLBruins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLBruins</a> <a href="https://t.co/fR2J6hm4pY">pic.twitter.com/fR2J6hm4pY</a></p>— Boston Bruins Edits (@bruinsedits_) <a href="https://twitter.com/bruinsedits_/status/1876824117766209676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Bruins rank 28th in the NHL with a minus-24 goal differential, and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> believes the club has lost its defensive identity.</p><p>"We don't need to score a lot of goals to win games," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/locker-room-raw-brad-marchand-6366798828112">said</a>. "The way we've always tried to win is to be really good defensively."</p><p>"We're definitely forcing the offense at the wrong areas and at the wrong times, and it's backfiring, and we're not playing tight enough defensively. With that combination it's a recipe for disaster, and that's kind of what happened."</p><p>The Bruins hold third place in the Atlantic Division, but the Tampa Bay Lightning are only one point behind with five games in hand. The Eastern Conference wild-card race currently includes nine teams within seven points of the final playoff spot.</p>

Boston, MA - January 5: Boston Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco on the bench in the second period.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29742526/related

Sacco: Bruins must 'find solutions right now' after 5th straight loss

Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber was ruled out of Tuesday's 6-4 victory against the St. Loui...

<p>Minnesota Wild defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9275" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9275">Brock Faber</a> was ruled out of Tuesday's 6-4 victory against the St. Louis Blues due to an upper-body injury.</p><p>Faber's last shift came midway through the opening frame.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Faber's last shift: <a href="https://t.co/KT8kHEtWN9">https://t.co/KT8kHEtWN9</a> <a href="https://t.co/Da4SUdBPxc">pic.twitter.com/Da4SUdBPxc</a></p>— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokedZ/status/1876808654713676092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Wild head coach John Hynes didn't have an update on Faber after the game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Faber lined up on the right side of Minnesota's top pairing Tuesday night. The 22-year-old is an integral piece of the team's defensive corps and was the runner-up for the Calder Trophy last season. He has 20 points in 40 games this season and ranks fourth among all players with 25:29 of ice time per contest.</p><p>He hasn't missed a game in professional career and played a portion of last season with broken ribs.</p><p>The Wild are currently dealing with injuries to star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a> and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1873" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1873">Jared Spurgeon</a>.</p>

ST. PAUL, MN - DECEMBER 12: Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber (7) directs traffic during an NHL game between the Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers on December 12, 2024, at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29740344/related

Wild's Faber exits vs. Blues with upper-body injury

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/sean-o-leary/content_cards