The Toronto Maple Leafs' core is under the microscope again, but head coach Craig Berube says it'...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs' core is under the microscope again, but head coach Craig Berube says it's on the entire roster to come together and close out their Round 1 series against the Ottawa Senators.</p><p>"It's on everybody on the team," Berube told reporters Wednesday, per <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1917612738076959181">TSN</a>. "I get it. That's all I hear around here is 'core, core, core. The Core Four.' But it's on everybody as a team. We're a team, and it's on the whole team, not just four guys."</p><p>The Maple Leafs jumped out to a 3-0 series lead but have dropped the last two games. The team's top players failed to deliver in a chance to eliminate the Senators in Game 5 on Tuesday, and Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> said postgame that he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277767" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277767">believes</a> Ottawa has planted the seed of doubt in Toronto's minds. Teams with home-ice advantage that build 3-0 series leads are 150-3 all time in Stanley Cup Playoff history.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Toronto owns the longest postseason streak in the league at nine seasons but only has one series victory to show for it thus far. The Maple Leafs are an astounding 1-13 in potential series-clinching games during that stretch. While hockey is indeed a team sport, the core group of players is undoubtedly the common denominator.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a> comprise what's considered the Core Four. Matthews, Marner, and Nylander have been with the team for all nine seasons of the stretch, while Tavares has been around for seven.</p><p>All four were held off the scoresheet during a shutout loss in Game 5. Matthews, Marner, and Nylander have combined for three goals in the series.</p><p>Defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2856" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2856">Morgan Rielly</a> - often the forgotten member of the team's leadership group - is the club's longest-serving member, having been with the Maple Leafs since 2013-14.</p><p>"We have to stick together," Rielly said, according to <a href="https://x.com/sunhornby/status/1917612548477624509">Postmedia's Lance Hornby</a>. "We've been in this spot before. We have to understand we have the lead in this series, no reason to panic. (The media) has a job to do and it's about us doing ours."</p><p>Berube is in his first season with the Maple Leafs and led the team to a division title.</p><p>"It gets to the point where there's a lot of past stuff I hear around here," Berube <a href="https://x.com/sunhornby/status/1917614217936384160">said</a>. "That's fine, that's part of it all. But the only pressure they have is to their own teammates, in my opinion."</p><p>The Maple Leafs will once again attempt to exorcise some demons in Game 6 against the Senators on Thursday.</p>

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 29: Auston Matthews #34, Matthew Knies #23 and Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs interact between plays during the first period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at the Scotiabank Arena on April 29, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Berube downplays pressure on Leafs' core: 'It's on everybody'

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov and Colorado Avalanche teammates Nathan MacKinnon and ...

<p>Tampa Bay Lightning winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3322" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3322">Nikita Kucherov</a> and Colorado Avalanche teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> are the finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award, the NHL announced Wednesday.</p><p>The award is presented annually to the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted on by NHLPA members. It was first handed out in 1971 and previously known as the Lester B. Pearson Award.</p><p>Kucherov paced the league with 121 points this season, with MacKinnon right behind him at 116. Makar led all defenseman in goals (30), assists (62), and points (92) - the latter of which ranked ninth among all skaters. Makar, who's also up for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277273" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277273">Norris Trophy</a>, became the ninth defenseman in NHL history to score 30 goals this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>MacKinnon is the reigning winner, while Kucherov took it home in 2019. Makar would be the second defenseman to ever win the award, following Bobby Orr in 1975. Goaltender Carey Price was the last non-forward to win in 2015.</p><p>MacKinnon and Makar are the first set of teammates to be finalists since the award was renamed in 2010.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 02: Cale Makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with teammate Nathan MacKinnon #29 after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the United Center on April 02, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Kucherov, MacKinnon, Makar named Ted Lindsay Award finalists

The Carolina Hurricanes announced Wednesday they signed winger Taylor Hall to a three-year extens...

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes announced Wednesday they signed winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a> to a three-year extension carrying an average annual value of $3.17 million.</p><p>Carolina acquired the 2018 Hart Trophy winner from the Chicago Blackhawks as part of the three-way megadeal in January that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6484" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6484">Martin Necas</a> to the Colorado Avalanche and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> to the Canes.</p><p>While Rantanen proved to not be a fit in Carolina - he was eventually traded again to the Dallas Stars - the same can't be said for Hall. The 33-year-old has thrived in head coach Rod Brind'Amour's system, tallying nine goals and nine assists in 31 appearances down the stretch with the Hurricanes for an 82-game pace of 29 goals and 29 assists.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hall also added three points in five games during Carolina's Round 1 series victory over the New Jersey Devils.</p><p>"Taylor has proven to be an outstanding fit for our team, and we are thrilled that he is excited to make Raleigh his home for another three seasons," general manager Eric Tulsky said. "He's been a solid veteran presence in the locker room and a difference-maker on the ice."</p><p>A No. 1 pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2010, Hall was named the league's MVP in 2017-18 when he carried the New Jersey Devils to the playoffs with 93 points in 76 games.</p><p>Hall has also played for the Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, and Boston Bruins. He's averaged 26 goals and 41 assists per 82 games across his 15-year career.</p><p>While Hall may not be the player he once was, he's still able to use his speed as a weapon. He ranked in the 88th percentile among forwards with 162 speed bursts over 20 mph this season, per <a href="https://edge.nhl.com/en/skater/20242025-regular-8475791">NHL Edge</a>, despite being limited to 10 games last season due to an ACL injury that required surgery in November 2023.</p><p>The Hurricanes project to have $32 million in cap space this offseason. Their biggest pending unrestricted free agents include forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5780" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5780">Jack Roslovic</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7639" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7639">Eric Robinson</a>, defensemen <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/607" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/607">Brent Burns</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1906" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1906">Dmitry Orlov</a>, and goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a>. The club has no notable pending restricted free agents.</p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 20: Taylor Hall #71 of the Carolina Hurricanes controls the puck against the New Jersey Devils in Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on April 20, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Hurricanes sign Taylor Hall to 3-year, $9.5M extension

The PWHL is heading to Seattle.  An expansion franchise in the Emerald City will begin play in th...

<p>The PWHL is heading to Seattle.</p><p>An expansion franchise in the Emerald City will begin play in the 2025-26 season, the league announced Wednesday.</p><p>The team will play its home games at Climate Pledge Arena, the home of the NHL's Seattle Kraken. Its primary color will be emerald green and its secondary color will be cream. The club will be known as PWHL Seattle until a permanent team name is announced.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Seattle marks the PWHL's second expansion franchise in the Pacific Northwest. The league announced last week it was expanding to Vancouver.</p><p>"There is so much passion from women's and girls' hockey organizations in Seattle, and our players thrived on that energy during their Takeover Tour visit," PWHL executive vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford said. "Women's teams from Seattle and Vancouver played against each other as early as 1921, and, given the proximity of our two newest cities - Vancouver is barely 140 miles away - I cannot wait for the first game in what I'm sure will be one of our fiercest rivalries."</p><p>Vancouver and Seattle will mark the league's seventh and eighth franchises, joining teams in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Boston, New York, and Minnesota.</p><p>The PWHL plans to expand to 10 teams by the 2026-27 campaign, a source told <a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-hockey-pwhl-expansion-seattle-6e93a32a6c8419385a0a5342f0836b61">The Associated Press' John Wawrow</a>.</p><p>Details regarding an expansion draft for Vancouver and Seattle, and how the new clubs will be incorporated into the 2025 draft June 24, will be revealed in the coming weeks.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 15: A general exterior view of at Climate Pledge Arena before the game between the Seattle Kraken and the Vegas Golden Knights on October 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.

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PWHL announces Seattle expansion franchise

Rick Tocchet is not returning as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, the team confirmed Tuesday....

<p>Rick Tocchet is not returning as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, the team confirmed Tuesday.</p><p>"After a very long and thorough process, unfortunately Rick has decided to leave the Vancouver Canucks," president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford said. "This is very disappointing news, but we respect Rick's decision to move to a new chapter in his hockey career.</p><p>"We did everything in our power to keep him, but at the end of the day, Rick felt he needed a change. He is a good friend, a good coach, and we can't thank him enough for all he did for our organization. Toc is a stand-up guy, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rutherford told reporters last week he declined to exercise an option in Tocchet's contract but offered him a new, more lucrative deal to stay in Vancouver.</p><p>"We don't feel it's right to have somebody here that may have his mind somewhere else," Rutherford said, according to <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1914369507625243049">Sportsnet</a>. "I'd say that about anybody, this is not just about (Tocchet). ... We're hoping that he takes that contract and stays."</p><p>Rutherford also said Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra will "certainly be on the short list" to replace Tocchet, according to <a href="https://x.com/harmandayal2/status/1917339635639882099">The Athletic's Harman Dayal</a>.</p><p>The executive <a href="https://x.com/harmandayal2/status/1917340360914637284">added</a> that former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan doesn't want to leave the East.</p><p>Tocchet won the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year in 2024, leading the team to a Pacific Division title with a 50-23-9 record.</p><p>Things took a turn for the worse in 2024-25. In a season full of distractions and drama with the feud between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>, the Canucks missed the playoffs entirely with a 38-30-14 record.</p><p>"I'm choosing to move on from the Vancouver Canucks," Tocchet said. "Family is a priority, and with my contract lapsing, this becomes the opportune time. While I don't know where I'm headed, or exactly how this will play out for me over the near term, I feel like this is the right time for me to explore other opportunities in and around hockey."</p><p>The Canucks now have the league's eighth head coaching vacancy, joining the Flyers, Penguins, Bruins, Kraken, Blackhawks, Ducks, and Rangers.</p><p>Tocchet played for three of those teams: the Flyers, Penguins, and Bruins. He won Stanley Cups in Pittsburgh as a player (1992) and as an assistant coach (2016, 2017).</p><p>The 61-year-old also served as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning for two seasons (2008-10) and Arizona Coyotes for four seasons (2017-21). He owns a career head coaching record of 286-265-87 for a .516 points percentage.</p><p>The Canucks are searching for their sixth head coach since Alain Vigneault's successful seven-year run from 2006-13.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 16: Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet speaks to the media after their NHL game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Arena on April 16, 2025 in Vancouver, Canada.

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Tocchet not returning as Canucks coach

The NHL won't hold a formal NHL All-Star weekend at UBS Arena in 2026, commissioner Gary Bettman ...

<p>The NHL won't hold a formal NHL All-Star weekend at UBS Arena in 2026, commissioner Gary Bettman announced Tuesday, according to <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/gary-bettman-ubs-arena-2026-nhl-all-star-game-s47syiy2">Newsday's Andrew Gross</a>.</p><p>The plan initially was to hold the All-Star weekend in February before sending participating players off to Milan for the 2026 Olympics. However, the NHL will now hold a "kickoff" event before the Winter Games.</p><p>"We'll have an event at UBS before we go to the Olympics, but then we'll do something that's more focused on a major hockey event for the following year," Bettman said. "We have a little bit of time to finalize what we're doing."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's unclear what the event will entail, but Bettman indicated it wouldn't be a hockey competition.</p><p>UBS Arena opened in 2021 and is home to the New York Islanders.</p><p>"We look forward to working with the league on any event that will showcase our world class facility, UBS Arena," the Islanders said in a statement.</p><p>Bettman said in March he was re-evaluating the All-Star Game format following the success of February's 4 Nations Face-Off. The intensity of the tournament took a rigorous toll on the players.</p><p>The NHL plans to participate in international tournaments in even years moving forward, with commitments made to the 2026 and 2030 Olympics, as well as a midseason World Cup in 2028. That leaves openings for All-Star Games to held biennially in 2027, 2029, and 2031.</p><p>The 2026 Olympics will be the first to include NHLers since 2014. The 4 Nations, which Canada won, was the first best-on-best international hockey competition since the 2016 World Cup.</p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 22: An aerial view of the arena prior to the game between the New York Islanders and the Detroit Red Wings at UBS Arena on October 22, 2024 in Elmont, New York.

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NHL cancels 2026 All-Star Game, will hold 'kickoff' event before Olympics

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel won't play in Game 5 against the Florida Panthers on Wed...

<p>Tampa Bay Lightning winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> won't play in Game 5 against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, head coach Jon Cooper announced.</p><p>Panthers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a> hit Hagel's head with a forearm during the second period of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277117" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277117">Game 4</a>. Hagel left the game afterward and did not return.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikGh9q2kKdI?si=gOtPxc9DKWUI5wPh" 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><p>Ekblad is facing a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277386" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277386">hearing</a> with the NHL Department of Player Safety for the hit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hagel set career highs with 35 goals, 55 assists, and 90 points in 82 games during the regular season. He's been held off the scoresheet in three playoff tilts, though. He was suspended for Game 3 after an interference major on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> in Game 3. </p><p>The Panthers lead the Battle of Florida 3-1.</p>

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - APRIL 28: Brandon Hagel #38 of the Tampa Bay Lightning is injured during the second period against the Florida Panthers in Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on April 28, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Lightning's Hagel will miss Game 5 after hit from Ekblad

Brandt Snedeker and Geoff Ogilvy will captain the Americans and the Internationals, respectively,...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/341" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/341">Brandt Snedeker</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2035" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2035">Geoff Ogilvy</a> will captain the Americans and the Internationals, respectively, at the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club in Illinois, the teams announced Tuesday.</p><p>Snedeker, 44, served as a captain's assistant under <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1948" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1948">Jim Furyk</a> for the United States at the 2024 Presidents Cup, which the Americans won by seven points.</p><p>A 13-time PGA TOUR winner, Snedeker played for winning U.S. teams at the 2013 Presidents Cup and 2016 Ryder Cup. However, Snedeker's memories of Medinah likely aren't fond, as he was also part of the American 2012 Ryder Cup team that ended up on the wrong end of the "Miracle at Medinah."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Snedeker owns a 6-5-0 overall record as a player at Ryder and Presidents Cups. The United States have won 10 straight Presidents Cups dating back to 2005.</p><p>Ogilvy, meanwhile, served as a captain's assistant for the Internationals under Mike Weir at the 2024 Presidents Cup.</p><p>The Australian represented the Internationals at the Presidents Cup as a player in 2007, 2009, and 2011. He owns a 53.57% winning percentage in 14 career matches.</p><p>Ogilvy has 12 professional wins in his career, including his lone major championship victory at the 2006 U.S. Open.</p><p>The 47-year-old should be able to provide his side immense knowledge of Medinah No. 3, the course that will be used for the tournament. His architecture firm, OCM Golf, was responsible for completing a renovation of the course in 2023.</p><p>The International team's only victory at the Presidents Cup came in 1998.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - SEPTEMBER 29: Captain's Assistant Brandt Snedeker of the U.S. Team looks on during Sunday Singles on day four of the 2024 Presidents Cup at The Royal Montreal Golf Club on September 29, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Snedeker, Ogilvy named 2026 Presidents Cup captains

Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar, and Zach Werenski are the three finalists for the Norris Trophy, the le...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5520">Zach Werenski</a> are the three finalists for the Norris Trophy, the league announced Tuesday.</p><p>The award is given to the defenseman who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position. It's voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.</p><p>Here's how the three blue-liners stack up statistically:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Hughes (VAN)</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>60</td>
<td>25:44</td>
<td>53.17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Makar (COL)</td>
<td>80</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>62</td>
<td>25:43</td>
<td>55.61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Werenski (CBJ)</td>
<td>81</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>59</td>
<td>26:45</td>
<td>53.31</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Injuries sidelined Hughes for 14 games, but he still finished tied for second among all defensemen in assists and third in points. He was a one-man show for the Canucks this season, piling up 26 more points than any other skater on the roster. The 25-year-old is looking for his second straight Norris.</p><p>Makar enters as the favorite to win the award after pacing all blue-liners in goals, assists, and points. He's the ninth defenseman ever to score 30 goals in a season and the second in the last 30 years. The Avalanche star won the award in 2022 and has now been a finalist in five consecutive seasons in his six-year NHL career.</p><p>Werenski is a finalist for the first time in his nine-year career. His previous best finish was eighth in 2020. He nearly dragged an underdog Blue Jackets team to the playoffs, as they finished two points back of the Canadiens for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Werenski led Columbus with 82 points and ranked first among all NHL skaters in average time on ice.</p><p>Makar won unanimously in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268992" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268992">theScore's hypothetical ballot</a>, followed by Werenski and Hughes.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 23: Cale Makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Dallas Stars in Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 23, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Hughes, Makar, Werenski named Norris Trophy finalists

Connor Hellebuyck, Darcy Kuemper, and Andrei Vasilevskiy are the three finalists for the 2025 Vez...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2003">Darcy Kuemper</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3907" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3907">Andrei Vasilevskiy</a> are the three finalists for the 2025 Vezina Trophy, the league announced Monday.</p><p>The award is given "to the goaltender adjudged to be the best at his position." It's voted on by the NHL's 32 general managers.</p><p>Hellebuyck is the favorite to win the award for the second consecutive year, and the third time in his career. Here's how the goalies stack up in several key statistics:</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>Record</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>SV%</th>
<th>SO</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Hellebuyck (WPG)</td>
<td>47-12-3</td>
<td>2.00</td>
<td>.925</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>49.48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kuemper (LA)</td>
<td>31-11-7</td>
<td>2.02</td>
<td>.921</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>29.45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vasilevskiy (TB)</td>
<td>38-20-5</td>
<td>2.18</td>
<td>.921</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>28.84</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>GSAx = Goals saved above expected, courtesy <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>.</em></p><p>Hellebuyck led all NHL goaltenders in wins, GAA, shutouts, and GSAx. He finished second in save percentage to Toronto Maple Leafs netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> (.926).</p><p>Vailevskiy is seeking the second Vezina Trophy of his career after winning back in 2019. It's the fifth time he's been a finalist in 11 seasons.</p><p>Kuemper is a Vezina Trophy finalist for the first time in his 13-year career. His previous highest finish was fifth in 2019.</p><p>Hellebuyck won the award unanimously in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268992" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268992">theScore's hypothetical ballot</a>, followed by Vasilevskiy and Kuemper.</p>

WINNIPEG, MB - APRIL 21: Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) celebrates his win against the St. Louis Blues at the end of the third period of game 2 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues on April 21,2025 at the Canada Life Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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Hellebuyck, Kuemper, Vasilevskiy named Vezina Trophy finalists

The Edmonton Oilers refused to go down without a fight for the second consecutive game and now fi...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers refused to go down without a fight for the second consecutive game and now find themselves in a 2-2 series tie with the Los Angles Kings.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>'s overtime goal gave the Oilers a 4-3 victory in Sunday night's Game 4. Edmonton trailed 3-1 after two periods, and L.A. owned a 28-15 shot advantage. But the ice tilted in the Oilers' favor the rest of the way, with the reigning Western Conference champions outshooting the Kings 33-13 in the final 38:18 of the game before Draisaitl's game-winner late in the first OT period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gaDGCw1Hc3o?si=tnCeOdej0qAnW_Z9" 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><p>"That's our identity in here, we've built that years ago. That's a mentality that we have, that we're never going to quit no matter what," Draisaitl <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRl2ccQWwCQ&amp;ab_channel=EdmontonOilers">said</a> postgame. "Obviously we've shown that in the series so far, maybe a little bit too much. We've got to find a way to play with a lead."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He added: "It shows a lot of character, and we can be really proud of that, but you don't want to do that every night."</p><p>The Oilers also scored four unanswered third-period goals in a 7-4 victory in Game 3.</p><p>Draisaitl had a hand in all four Edmonton goals Sunday. He assisted <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a>'s second-period power-play marker, and both of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a>'s third-period tallies to even the score. The second of Bouchard's two goals came with 29 seconds left in regulation.</p><p>It marks the eighth time Draisaitl has had four points in a playoff game, tying Mario Lemieux for the fifth most in NHL history. Only Wayne Gretzky (26), Jari Kurri (11), Mark Messier (11), and Paul Coffey (nine) have had more.</p><p>Perhaps surprisingly, the goal was Draisaitl's first career playoff OT winner.</p><p>"It's probably the most important goal, to this day, that I've scored in my career," Draisaitl said. "Hopefully there's a couple more to come that are even more important, but I'll take that for now."</p><p>Draisaitl's nine points are tied with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4520">Adrian Kempe</a> for the most this postseason. The German superstar led the NHL with 52 goals during the regular season - seven more than second-place <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> - despite missing 11 games.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - APRIL 25: Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period in Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on April 25, 2025, in Edmonton, Canada.

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Draisaitl: Oilers 'never going to quit no matter what'

Carolina Hurricanes netminder Frederik Andersen was forced to depart Game 4 against the New Jerse...

<p>Carolina Hurricanes netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> was forced to depart Game 4 against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday after a collision in the crease with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4725" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4725">Timo Meier</a>.</p><p>The Hurricanes eventually announced Andersen was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12697">Pyotr Kochetkov</a> entered the game in relief.</p><p>Andersen stayed down after the play but eventually left the ice under his own power. He appeared to be laboring, though.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pyotr Kochetkov is entering the game in goal for Carolina after Frederik Andersen was injured in this collision with Timo Meier<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RaiseUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaiseUp</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/anvVz6MuiU">pic.twitter.com/anvVz6MuiU</a></p>— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights &amp; News (@HockeyDaily365) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1916597939230708224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Officials initially handed Meier a five-minute major, but the penalty was dismissed entirely after a review. Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour was visibly upset with the call.</p><p>Brind'Amour had no postgame update on Andersen's status, though he will be evaluated Monday, according to the <a href="https://x.com/ice_chip/status/1916632368737063197">Raleigh News &amp; Observer's Chip Alexander</a>.</p><p>Andersen entered Sunday leading all goaltenders with a .943 save percentage this postseason. The 35-year-old was limited to 22 games during the regular season due to a knee injury that eventually required surgery in November.</p><p>Kochetkov, 25, posted an .897 save percentage in 47 regular-season contests with the Hurricanes.</p>

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 27: Andrei Svechnikov #37 of the Carolina Hurricanes watches as Timo Meier #28 of the New Jersey Devils runs into Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period in Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center on April 27, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Hurricanes' Andersen exits Game 4 after colliding with Devils' Meier

The Winnipeg Jets pulled Connor Hellebuyck for the second consecutive contest after the netminder...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets pulled <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> for the second consecutive contest after the netminder allowed five goals on 18 shots in Game 4's 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.</p><p>Backup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/450" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/450">Eric Comrie</a> entered the game in his place.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6443" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6443">Robert Thomas</a> notched the goal to chase Hellebuyck early in the third period. It was St. Louis' fifth unanswered tally.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Towel Man's arm is popping off (literally!) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stlblues?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stlblues</a> <a href="https://t.co/Sw5nEk70oq">pic.twitter.com/Sw5nEk70oq</a></p>— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) <a href="https://twitter.com/StLouisBlues/status/1916572140574232890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Hellebuyck allowed six goals on 25 shots before getting the hook in Game 3. His save percentage in the series is now down to .817, second worst among netminders this postseason. Oilers goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> is last with an .810 mark.</p><p>Jets head coach Scott Arniel made it clear he isn't concerned about his star goalie despite his struggles. </p><p>"I'm 100% confident in Connor Hellebuyck," he said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/winnipeg-jets-must-regroup-after-latest-loss-in-game-4">NHL.com's Tracey Myers</a>. "His resume speaks for itself."</p><p>Arniel added: "At the end of the day, we need to be better in front of him. We need to let him see some pucks. There were a couple there we didn't let him see. There's things that we have to do to help him. He knows he has to do things that help us. And that's how it's been all year long."</p><p>This is the third consecutive tough start to a postseason for Hellebuyck. He registered an .875 save percentage in 10 starts over the past two playoffs, both of which ended with the Jets losing in five games in Round 1.</p><p>Hellebuyck is widely expected to win his second consecutive and third career Vezina Trophy after pacing all NHL goalies in wins (47), goals-against average (2.00), shutouts (eight), and goals saved above expected (49.48, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>) during the regular season. He also finished second in save percentage (.925).</p><p>The series, which is tied at two games apiece, shifts back to Winnipeg for Game 5 on Wednesday.</p>

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 24: Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) stands for the National Anthems during the Stanley Cup Playoffs round one game three where the St. Louis Blues hosted the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday April 24, 2025, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis MO

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Jets' Arniel '100% confident' in Hellebuyck after 2nd straight pull

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault is considered day-to-day with the undisclosed inju...

<p>Montreal Canadiens goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4728" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4728">Sam Montembeault</a> is considered day-to-day with the undisclosed injury he suffered in Game 3 against the Washington Capitals, head coach Martin St. Louis announced, according to <a href="https://x.com/EricEngels/status/1916504761504849960">Sportsnet's Eric Engels</a>.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9298" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9298">Jakub Dobes</a>, who relieved Montembeault in Game 3, started Sunday's Game 4. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8522" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8522">Cayden Primeau</a> was recalled from the AHL and served as the backup.</p><p>Montembeault has posted a .908 save percentage in the series. He appeared in 62 games during the regular season, recording a .901 save percentage and stopping 30.79 goals saved above expected - the third-best mark in the league, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dobes stopped seven of eight shots in relief to earn the win in Game 3. The 23-year-old rookie registered a .909 save percentage in 16 appearances during the regular season, saving 7.38 goals above expected.</p><p>Dobes is the the first rookie goalie to start a playoff game for the Canadiens since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9437" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9437">Dustin Tokarski</a> in 2014.</p><p>Montreal entered Sunday trailing the Round 1 series 2-1.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 25: Sam Montembeault #35 of the Montreal Canadiens tends net during the first period against the Washington Capitals in Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on April 25, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Washington Capitals 6-3.

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Canadiens' Montembeault day-to-day, Dobes starts Game 4

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk was handed a five-minute major for a late hit on Tampa B...

<p>Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> was handed a five-minute major for a late hit on Tampa Bay Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5578" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5578">Jake Guentzel</a> in the waning minutes of Game 3.</p><p>The hit occurred right before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4748" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4748">Anthony Cirelli</a>'s empty-netter gave the Lightning a 5-1 lead with five minutes left in the third period. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matthew Tkachuk was given a five-minute major for this late hit on Jake Guentzel<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TimeToHunt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TimeToHunt</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBolts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBolts</a> <a href="https://t.co/0O4Lt1DVVE">pic.twitter.com/0O4Lt1DVVE</a></p>— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights &amp; News (@HockeyDaily365) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1916216824053616772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Guentzel appeared to be OK.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tkachuk has been suspended four times in his nine-year NHL career, though only once since 2017.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3274901" href="https://thescore.com/news/3274901">suspended</a> one game for a similar - though arguably more violent - hit on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> in Game 2 of the series. </p><p>"The only players we hit are the ones with pucks," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said postgame, per Panthers reporter <a href="https://x.com/KatieEngleson/status/1916227461534171417">Katie Engleson</a>.</p><p>Cooper's comment is likely an effort to troll his counterpart Paul Maurice, who said the <a href="https://x.com/KatieEngleson/status/1915814826351251467">same thing</a> after Game 2.</p><p>Tampa Bay held on for the 5-1 victory in Game 3, cutting Florida's series lead to 2-1.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - APRIL 26: Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) is escorted to the team bench in the first period during the Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.

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Tkachuk ejected from Game 3 for late hit on Guentzel

David Carle removed his name from the Chicago Blackhawks' head coaching search, reports Sportsnet...

<p>David Carle removed his name from the Chicago Blackhawks' head coaching search, reports <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1916171444515381555">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.</p><p>The 35-year-old was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268771" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268771">reportedly</a> atop Chicago's candidate list.</p><p>Carle's a hot name in the coaching ranks. He led the University of Denver to national championships in 2022 and 2024 and a berth in the Frozen Four semifinals in 2025. He also won back-to-back gold medals as the head coach of Team USA at the World Junior Championship in 2024 and 2025.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Blackhawks are one of six NHL teams without a full-time head coach. Anders Sorensen was named interim bench boss in January following Luke Richardson's dismissal.</p><p>It's unclear if Carle is intent on returning to Denver or if he'll consider other NHL options.</p>

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI - APRIL 10: Head Coach David Carle of the Denver Pioneers stands behind the bench area during a game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the second period during the NCAA Men's Hockey Frozen Four semifinal at the Enterprise Center on April 10, 2025 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Broncos won 3-2 in double overtime.

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Report: Carle withdraws from Blackhawks' coaching search

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov was in the lineup for Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Lig...

<p>Florida Panthers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> was in the lineup for Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning after departing Game 2 with an undisclosed injury.</p><p>Barkov exited Game 2 in the third period after getting labeled by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a>, who received a one-game <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3274901" href="https://thescore.com/news/3274901">suspension</a> for interference.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/owJ3P24w9sE?si=JHNdy2_dtgPhHkLg" 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><p>Barkov finished second on the Panthers with 71 points in 67 games during the regular season. He's managed three assists through three games in the playoffs but was held off the scoresheet in Florida's 5-1 loss in Game 3.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Game 3 marked the first playoff game at Amerant Bank Arena since the Panthers were victorious in Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.</p><p>Defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a> also returned to the lineup following his 20-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.</p>

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 24: Aleksander Barkov #16 of the Florida Panthers reacts after being checked by Brandon Hagel #38 of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the third period of Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Amalie Arena on April 24, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. Hagel was given a five-minute penalty for interference on the play.

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Panthers' Barkov in lineup for Game 3 after Hagel hit

Warning: Story contains coarse language  New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec is relishing hi...

<p><em>Warning: Story contains coarse language</em></p><p>New Jersey Devils defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12712" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12712">Simon Nemec</a> is relishing his moment as the hero after scoring the double-overtime winner in Game 3 to trim the Carolina Hurricanes' series lead to 2-1.</p><p>"It was (a) fucking amazing feeling," Nemec <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IntlbkZX0vE&amp;ab_channel=NewJerseyDevils">said</a> postgame. "Especially in this tough season for me. But really big win for us."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Nemec danced around <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3900" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3900">Shayne Gostisbehere</a> before his wrister trickled past <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> just 2:36 into the second overtime period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RZpV_882_JQ?si=HxFsK-mkTV0cg8Tn" 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><p>The second overall pick in 2022, Nemec played 60 games as a rookie in 2023-24 but was limited to 27 appearances in 2024-25. He spent most of the season in the AHL instead.</p><p>The 21-year-old expressed his frustration with the assignment in January, stating that while it's too early to consider requesting a trade, "I belong in the NHL."</p><p>Nemec got his opportunity to enter the lineup in Game 2 following injuries to <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>. He played just 14:12 in the 3-1 loss but saw his ice time increase to 22:39 in Game 3 after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9987" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9987">Johnathan Kovacevic</a> exited with an injury and left New Jersey with five defensemen for most the game.</p><p>"I feel like my confidence is back, last couple games. Just trying to play my game," Nemec said. "I have to play offense. My confidence is higher, I just feel good about myself right now."</p><p>Nemec and the Devils will look to even the series Sunday.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 25: New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec (17) celebrates after scoring the game winning goal during double overtime of Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 25, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Gabriel Landeskog is back.   The Avalanche captain suited up for Colorado's 2-1 Game 3 loss in ov...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2034" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2034">Gabriel Landeskog</a> is back. </p><p>The Avalanche captain suited up for Colorado's 2-1 Game 3 loss in overtime against the Dallas Stars in Denver on Wednesday night for his first NHL game in nearly three years - a span of 1,032 days, per the <a href="https://x.com/NHL/status/1915200367404392658">NHL</a>.</p><p>Landeskog registered 13:16 of ice time over 18 shifts during the loss. He didn't record a shot on goal but did have six hits in the game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Landeskog previously last played an NHL game in Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, where he raised the Cup after the Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning.</p><p>He underwent knee cartilage transplant surgery in May 2023 - a procedure no NHL player has successfully returned from. The knee surgery was his third in a 15-month span.</p><p>The 32-year-old recently suited up in two games with the AHL's Colorado Eagles while on a conditioning stint, recording a goal and an assist.</p><p>Colorado <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3272171" href="https://thescore.com/news/3272171">activated</a> Landeskog off injured reserve on Monday. He participated in warmups ahead of Game 2 but was ultimately scratched.</p><p>Landeskog notched 30 goals and 29 assists in 51 games during the 2021-22 regular season. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound power forward was a force during Colorado's Cup run that spring, notching 22 points in 20 playoff games.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 12: Gabriel Landeskog #92 of the Colorado Avalanche carries the Stanley Cup prior to the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Ball Arena on October 12, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.

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Avalanche's Landeskog returns for Game 3 after 3-year NHL absence

Edmonton Oilers winger Evander Kane played his first NHL game in almost a year during Wednesday's...

<p>Edmonton Oilers winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/56" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/56">Evander Kane</a> played his first NHL game in almost a year during Wednesday's Game 2 against the Los Angeles Kings.</p><p>Kane last suited up in Game 2 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. He missed the entire 2024-25 regular season after undergoing abdominal surgery in September and then knee surgery in January.</p><p>"It's night and day from the last time you saw me in a playoff game," Kane said, who was playing through injuries last postseason. "Hopefully it looks that way, at least."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 33-year-old power forward recorded 24 goals, 20 assists, and 250 hits in 77 games with the Oilers last season. He added eight points in 20 playoff appearances.</p><p>Kane skated on Edmonton's second line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2031" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2031">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> during his return. </p><p>"(Kane's) in a position to score goals," Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1915124447302025721">said</a> prior to the game. "Ryan's a good playmaker. You saw it numerous times throughout the year when he moved to center."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> made up the top line.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1700" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1700">Jeff Skinner</a> was a healthy scratch.</p><p>Additionally, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1994" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1994">John Klingberg</a> drew in on the back end in place of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3221" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3221">Josh Brown</a>. Klingberg hadn't played since March 27 due to a lower-body injury.</p>

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 10: Evander Kane #91 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before Game Two of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 10, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Kane returns to Oilers' lineup for Game 2 vs. Kings

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