The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 5-2 Monday night to take a 3-1 series le...

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 5-2 Monday night to take a 3-1 series lead on the top-seeded team in the conference.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6471" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6471">Sean Walker</a> delivered the dagger for the Hurricanes, scoring a key insurance marker with 3:15 remaining, a little more than four minutes after the Capitals made it a one-goal game. It was the first career playoff goal for Walker, who also added an assist in the contest.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3900" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3900">Shayne Gostisbehere</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9199" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9199">Seth Jarvis</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7706">Andrei Svechnikov</a> also scored for Carolina. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> was solid between the pipes with 19 saves on 21 shots.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5601">Jakob Chychrun</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> found twine for the Capitals. It was the 77th career playoff goal of Ovechkin's career, passing Mario Lemieux for sole possession of 12th on the all-time list. The Hurricanes are seeking their third Eastern Conference Final appearance in seven years under head coach Rod Brind'Amour.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 12: Seth Jarvis #24 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the second period of Game Four of the Second Round in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at at Lenovo Center on May 12, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Hurricanes win Game 4, put top-seeded Capitals on brink

The Los Angeles Kings are closing in on hiring Hall of Fame executive Ken Holland as their next g...

The Los Angeles Kings are closing in on hiring Hall of Fame executive Ken Holland as their next general manager, <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1922088310605848753">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reports.The Athletic's Arthur Staple <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6349690/2025/05/12/islanders-gm-president-search/">reported</a> earlier Monday that the Kings were speaking to Holland.The Kings and prior GM Rob Blake parted ways last week after Los Angeles' fourth Round 1 loss in a row to the Edmonton Oilers.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Holland served as the GM of the Oilers from 2019 to 2024, guiding them to a Stanley Cup Final appearance last year. He also won four Stanley Cups during his 34-year stint in the Detroit Red Wings' front office: one as an assistant GM in 1997 and three more as GM in 1998, 2002, and 2008.Kings president Luc Robitaille played two seasons for the Red Wings under Holland, winning the Cup in 2002.Robitaille <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281816" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281816">said</a> last week that head coach Jim Hiller is expected to return behind the bench despite the front office change.Holland, 69, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2020.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: General Manager Ken Holland of the Edmonton Oilers speaks onstage during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada.

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Report: Kings closing in on Holland as next GM

The New York Islanders plan to interview Jarmo Kekalainen, Marc Bergevin, and Mathieu Darche for ...

The New York Islanders plan to interview Jarmo Kekalainen, Marc Bergevin, and Mathieu Darche for their general manager vacancy, reports <a href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1922055446250082428">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>.The Islanders announced in April they won't be renewing the contract of veteran GM and president of hockey operations Lou Lamoriello. His deal expires June 30, although he's expected to stay with the organization in some capacity, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6349690/2025/05/12/islanders-gm-president-search/">The Athletic's Arthur Staple</a>.Kekalainen served as GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2013 to 2024, guiding the team to five postseason appearances. The Finn was the first European GM in NHL history. He worked in the Ottawa Senators' and St. Louis Blues' front offices before his time in Columbus.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bergevin worked as GM of the Montreal Canadiens from 2012 to 2021, making six postseason appearances. The Habs went on a miracle run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final under Bergevin. He's been working as an adviser for the Los Angeles Kings ever since and is reportedly a candidate for their GM job as well.Darche has never been an NHL GM, but he's garnered interest every hiring cycle for the last several years. He's currently the assistant GM and director of hockey operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He's been with the organization since 2019, helping the Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.The Islanders already interviewed Ken Holland for the position, though the Hall of Fame executive is also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3284937" href="https://thescore.com/news/3284937">reportedly</a> drawing interest from the Kings.

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 11: Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen addresses members of the media during Media Day at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH on September 11, 2019.

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Report: Islanders plan to interview Kekalainen, Bergevin, Darche for GM job

The hatred between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers is ramping up, and William Ny...

The hatred between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers is ramping up, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> is here for it.Nylander was asked about an interaction with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> at the end of the game in which the Panthers pest appeared to tell the Leafs forward he's coming after him.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Matthew Tkachuk exchanges words with the Toronto bench at the final buzzer 🍿 <a href="https://t.co/4RQT6PVCxd">pic.twitter.com/4RQT6PVCxd</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1921753560317870332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"He'll probably do whatever he can to get a player off their game," Nylander said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/BarDown/status/1921764409531101217">TSN</a>. "Next game is going to be a fun one."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The discussion with Tkachuk came during an end-of-game scrum after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3007" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3284457" href="https://thescore.com/news/3284457">drilled</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> from behind in Florida's 2-0 win. The game featured ample physicality and 53 combined penalty minutes.The home team has held serve so far in the series. The Maple Leafs won the first two games in Toronto, while the Panthers evened it up with back-to-back victories in Sunrise."I mean 2-2, it's going to be a long series," Nylander <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1921760234390921368">said</a>. "That's where our mind's at."Game 4 wasn't exactly one to remember for Nylander, whose ill-advised neutral-zone pass led directly to Florida's <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1921748162504519708">second goal</a>.The 29-year-old has had a strong postseason otherwise, though, as his six goals and 15 points pace all Maple Leafs skaters.

SUNRISE, FLORIDA -MAY 11: William Nylander #88 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates for possession against Aaron Ekblad #5 of the Florida Panthers in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Amerant Bank Arena on May 11, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Nylander tees up Game 5 as series heats up: 'Going to be a fun one'

Dallas Stars forward Mason Marchment won't face discipline for slashing referee Graham Skilliter ...

Dallas Stars forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9435" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9435">Mason Marchment</a> won't face discipline for slashing referee Graham Skilliter during Sunday's Game 3 win over the Winnipeg Jets, reports <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1921722102568092136">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.The league discussed the play, but it's up to the on-ice official to decide if an incident qualifies for abuse of a referee, and Skilliter apparently decided no, per Friedman.Here's the play:<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mason Marchment just tapped an official (Graham Skilliter) on the shin pad because he was upset with a non-call. You definitely can’t do that and I imagine some sort of discipline is coming. <a href="https://t.co/fVchFshpJg">pic.twitter.com/fVchFshpJg</a>— Jesse Blake (@JesseBlake) <a href="https://twitter.com/JesseBlake/status/1921692682658652425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Marchment was not penalized for the play.The Stars hold a 2-1 series lead.

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 28: Mason Marchment #27 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on April 28, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Report: Stars' Marchment won't be disciplined for slashing referee

The Dallas Stars scored a controversial winning goal in Game 3 against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunda...

The Dallas Stars scored a controversial winning goal in Game 3 against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1725" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1725">Alex Petrovic</a> scored with a kicking motion in the third period, but the goal was allowed following a lengthy review because officials determined Jets netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> put the puck in himself."The Winnipeg goalie puts the puck into his own net after a kick," the referee said.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_1EXoZgsNdI?si=0rTfQsLgsqmlmTaF" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>The league offered the following explanation postgame."The situation room initiated a video review to further examine if Alexander Petrovic kicked the puck into the Winnipeg net," per the league's statement. "Video was then used to determine if the puck made contact with Petrovic's stick prior to it entering the net. After looking at all available replays, video review supported the referee's call on the ice that Connor Hellebuyck propelled the puck into his own net."Jets head coach Scott Arniel wasn't pleased with the explanation."The rule states that if the puck gets kicked, hits a body or a stick of anybody else other than the goaltender, it counts as a goal. It hit our goaltender's stick and went into the net. That is no goal," Arniel said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1921719786901238082">Sportsnet</a>. "They said that (Hellebuyck) propelled the puck in, I haven't seen the word propelled in the rulebook."Rule 49.2 of the rulebook states the following:A goal cannot be scored by an attacking player who kicks a puck that deflects into the net off any player, goalkeeper, or official. A puck that deflects into the net off an attacking player’s skate who does not use a distinct kicking motion is a legitimate goal. A puck that is directed into the net by an attacking player’s skate shall be a legitimate goal as long as no distinct kicking motion is evident. The following should clarify deflections following a kicked puck that enters the goal: <ul>
<li>(i) A kicked puck that deflects off the body of any player of either team (including the goalkeeper) shall be ruled no goal. </li>
<li>(ii) A kicked puck that deflects off the stick of any player (excluding the goalkeeper’s stick) shall be ruled a good goal. </li>
<li>(iii) A goal will be allowed when an attacking player kicks the puck and the puck deflects off his own stick and then into the net. </li>
<li>(iv) A goal will be allowed when a puck enters the goal after deflecting off an attacking player’s skate or deflects off his skate while he is in the process of stopping.</li>
</ul><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> scored for the Stars 49 seconds after Petrovic's goal to double Dallas' lead to 4-2. The Stars held on for a 5-2 victory and now hold a 2-1 series lead.Rantanen led the way with three points in the contest. He's now up to an NHL-leading 18 points in 10 playoff games.Hellebuyck is now 0-8 in his last eight road playoff games with a 5.83 goals-against average and an .827 save percentage. His .848 save percentage this postseason is the second worst among goalies with at least one start.

DALLAS, TEXAS - MAY 11: Alexander Petrovic #28 of the Dallas Stars celebrates with Jason Robertson #21 and Sam Steel #18 after scoring a goal against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period of Game Three of the Second Round in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Stars beat Jets in Game 3 with controversial kicked-in winner

The Vegas Golden Knights still can't quite comprehend the stunning finish to Game 3 against the E...

The Vegas Golden Knights still can't quite comprehend the stunning finish to Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers.Just when everyone was likely preparing for overtime Saturday night, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2504" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2504">Reilly Smith</a> had other ideas, scoring the game-winner with 0.4 seconds left in regulation.The veteran winger swung the puck off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>'s stick and in. The puck went in and out so fast it appeared at first glance that Smith hit the crossbar. But after a quick review, it was a deemed a goal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A BUZZER BEATER OF ALL BUZZER BEATERS 🤯 REILLY SMITH WINS IT FOR VEGAS WITH 0.4 SECONDS LEFT IN REGULATION!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StanleyCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StanleyCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/PZIGMQE1Ba">pic.twitter.com/PZIGMQE1Ba</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1921411811389104253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"Just hoping, really," Smith <a href="https://x.com/GoldenKnights/status/1921435192864174296">said</a> when asked how he had the poise to hang onto the puck. "I think if I tried to shoot that, it's getting stopped. ... Sometimes you just hope for the best, and that one it seemed to work out. Thankfully I had enough time."He added, "I think after this playoffs are said and done, I'll look back at it. Right now, I think my mindset is I was able to help the team win tonight."It's the third-latest regulation game-winner in Stanley Cup Playoff history, following Jussi Jokinen in 2009 (0.2 seconds) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1182" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1182">Nazem Kadri</a> in 2020 (0.1 seconds), per <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1921416129152471327">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>."That was one of the craziest things I've ever seen in a hockey game," Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6456" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6456">Nicolas Hague</a> <a href="https://x.com/GoldenKnights/status/1921434827745882296">said</a> postgame. "It was great, great play. ... Thank God it was good because we were celebrating."Vegas forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4714" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4714">Nicolas Roy</a> seemed to agree with Hague's assessment."It was unbelievable," he <a href="https://x.com/VGKRadioNetwork/status/1921422779921936754">said</a>. "It looks like Reilly knew it, but nobody else on the ice knew it. ... What a play by him, and obviously it's a huge goal."The goal could prove to save Vegas' season. Edmonton was set to enter overtime with momentum on its side after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> tied the game with 3:02 remaining. A win would've given the Oilers a commanding 3-0 series lead, but instead, the Golden Knights are right back in it."We never think we're down and out," Smith <a href="https://x.com/NHL_On_TNT/status/1921419269369172027">said</a> postgame. "There's always a lot of fight in this group."Edmonton was in control with a 2-0 lead in Game 3 just past the midway mark of the first period, but Roy and Smith scored 54 seconds apart to tie things up before the second frame. The Oilers were riding a streak of six straight postseason comeback wins, and Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy was pleased to flip the script. "The finish, yeah, you don't see too many of them (like that)," he <a href="https://x.com/GoldenKnights/status/1921436218300190993">said</a>. "Good for us to get one to go in our favor. ... Fortunate to get a break there because in reality they got a break on the third goal, right? It goes in off our guy. "So I guess maybe the hockey gods evened some things out." Game 4 is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET Monday.

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 10: The Vegas Golden Knights celebrate after a late third period goal from Reilly Smith #19 against the Edmonton Oilers during Game Three of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on May 10, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Golden Knights in awe of Smith's winner: 'One of the craziest things I've ever seen'

It may not have been the heaviest workload for Frederik Andersen, but the Carolina Hurricanes net...

It may not have been the heaviest workload for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a>, but the Carolina Hurricanes netminder drew high praise from head coach Rod Brind'Amour for his role in Saturday's 4-0 shutout victory over the Washington Capitals.Andersen finished the night with a modest 21 saves. However, Brind'Amour said his sharp performance during an otherwise sluggish first period for the Canes proved critical."That was the key to our win tonight," the coach said postgame. "That first period, where clearly, they were on their game and we were a little on our heels. That's what (good) goaltending does. He kept us in the game."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Capitals outshot the Hurricanes 9-6 and won the high-danger scoring chance battle 8-2 during a scoreless first period, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>. But Carolina controlled the contest the rest of the way, outshooting Washington 22-12 and collecting 11 high-danger scoring chances in the final 40 minutes while holding its opponent to just five. "I thought we got to (our game) a little bit in the second half of the game, but it could have been a lot different if we were chasing," Brind'Amour said. "That might have been one of the better games he's played for us with the magnitude of the game, what it means and how he impacted it with how he played."Forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7639" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7639">Eric Robinson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5780" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5780">Jack Roslovic</a>, who both scored, also lauded Andersen's performance."Hats off to Freddie," Robinson said. "He kept us at 0-0 when we didn't necessarily have our stuff.""He saved my ass a couple times," Roslovic added.Andersen has been lights out to begin the postseason. The 35-year-old veteran is now 5-2 with a 1.32 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage after recording his first playoff shutout as a member of the Hurricanes.Carolina leads the second-round series 2-1.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 10: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes tends goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period in Game Three of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 10, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Brind'Amour credits Andersen in Canes' win: 'He kept us in the game'

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone is day-to-day after suffering an upper-body injury in Gam...

Vegas Golden Knights captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> is day-to-day after suffering an upper-body injury in Game 3, head coach Bruce Cassidy announced postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/DannyWebster21/status/1921425375126548689">Danny Webster of the Review Journal</a>.Cassidy added that Stone is not ruled out for Monday's Game 4.Stone originally exited Saturday's 4-3 victory with 6:20 remaining in the first period and never returned. He lost an edge and appeared to get kneed by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> earlier in the opening stanza.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Correcting erroneous info: this was not on Stone's last shift...he played three after this one, as <a href="https://twitter.com/JesseGranger_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JesseGranger_</a> mentioned <a href="https://t.co/s0GDEWF3QI">pic.twitter.com/s0GDEWF3QI</a>— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1921394615799701918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5612">Brett Howden</a> took the first shift in Stone's spot on the top line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4558">Jack Eichel</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3967" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3967">Ivan Barbashev</a>.Stone recorded 67 points in 66 regular-season games and has added four goals and four assists in nine postseason appearances.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 08: Mark Stone #61 of the Vegas Golden Knights adjusts his gloves before the start of Game Two of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at T-Mobile Arena on May 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Oilers defeated the Golden Knights 5-4 in overtime.

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Stone day-to-day with upper-body injury after exiting Game 3

The NHL coaching carousel is starting the spin.   The New York Rangers already snagged one of the...

The NHL coaching carousel is starting the spin. The New York Rangers already snagged one of the most highly coveted coaches on the market in Mike Sullivan, but there are still six other vacancies - and potentially more coming - across the league. Several high-profile coaches are available, including Rick Tocchet, Peter Laviolette, and John Tortorella.Below, we'll rank the remaining coaching jobs by appeal. This is not based solely on how good the team is right now, but also on the stability of the organization's ownership and front office, the club's future outlook, and the off-ice living environment.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>We initially listed the Anaheim Ducks at No. 1, but they <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3282627" href="https://thescore.com/news/3282627">reportedly hired</a> Joel Quenneville to fill their vacancy Thursday morning.<h3>6. Philadelphia Flyers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/cropped_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pros<ul>
<li>Matvei Michkov</li>
<li>Wealthy ownership</li>
</ul><div>Cons</div><ul>
<li>Poor roster</li>
<li>Middling farm system</li>
<li>Harsh fan base</li>
<li>Inexperienced front office</li>
</ul>This job is going to be a tough sell. The Flyers are coming off a last-place finish in the Eastern Conference, and a quick turnaround doesn't seem likely.Michkov is a great building block, while Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim are among the nice supporting pieces. Otherwise, this roster lacks talent, and the rebuild is still in its infancy.There's also no guarantee the front office, led by president of hockey operations Keith Jones and general manager Daniel Briere, can turn the ship around. Jones had zero front office experience before taking his current job in 2023, while Briere is in his first stint as an NHL GM.<h3>5. Pittsburgh Penguins</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777144/cropped_GettyImages-2206592119.jpg?ts=1742912371" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777144/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206592119.jpg?ts=1742912371 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777144/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206592119.jpg?ts=1742912371 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777144/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206592119.jpg?ts=1742912371 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777144/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206592119.jpg?ts=1742912371 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777144/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206592119.jpg?ts=1742912371 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Joe Sargent / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pros<ul>
<li>Sidney Crosby</li>
<li>Wealthy ownership</li>
</ul>Cons<ul>
<li>Aging roster</li>
<li>Rebuild just beginning</li>
<li>Middling farm system</li>
</ul>Coaching Crosby would be tough to pass up, but there's not much else to like here. The competitive window with the old guard is firmly shut, and it'll be a while before the next wave is ready to take over. With the average NHL coaching tenure lasting two to three years, it's hard to imagine the Penguins will return to contention under their next head coach.<h3>4. Seattle Kraken</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781732/cropped_GettyImages-1504243589.jpg?ts=1745268514" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781732/w220xh124_GettyImages-1504243589.jpg?ts=1745268514 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781732/w320xh180_GettyImages-1504243589.jpg?ts=1745268514 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781732/w640xh360_GettyImages-1504243589.jpg?ts=1745268514 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781732/w768xh432_GettyImages-1504243589.jpg?ts=1745268514 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781732/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1504243589.jpg?ts=1745268514 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pros<ul>
<li>No state income tax</li>
<li>Strong blue line</li>
<li>Weak division</li>
</ul>Cons<ul>
<li>No elite players</li>
<li>No direction</li>
<li>Impatient front office</li>
<li>Poor contracts</li>
</ul>The Kraken are stuck in NHL purgatory: not good enough to contend, but not bad enough to bottom out for high draft picks.Ron Francis, who was recently promoted from GM to president of hockey operations, tried to make Seattle immediately competitive by overspending in free agency. But the results aren't great: just one playoff appearance in four seasons and several bad contracts. Francis' impatience was on full display this summer when he fired Dan Bylsma after just one year as head coach.The Kraken could squeak into the playoffs if their new hire can push the right buttons and get some good fortune. But if they fail to meet the front office's unrealistic expectations of a flawed roster, they too could be out of a job after one campaign.<h3>3. Vancouver Canucks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780721/cropped_GettyImages-2209788699.jpg?ts=1744738928" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780721/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209788699.jpg?ts=1744738928 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780721/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209788699.jpg?ts=1744738928 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780721/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209788699.jpg?ts=1744738928 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780721/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209788699.jpg?ts=1744738928 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780721/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209788699.jpg?ts=1744738928 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Derek Cain / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pros<ul>
<li>Quinn Hughes</li>
<li>Aggressive front office</li>
<li>Weak division</li>
</ul>Cons<ul>
<li>Forward talent</li>
<li>Might need to rebuild soon</li>
<li>High-pressure market</li>
</ul>Rick Tocchet was the NHL's coach of the year in 2023-24 after guiding the Canucks to a Pacific Division title. A season later, he chose to leave the team after a tumultuous, drama-filled campaign in which Vancouver missed the playoffs altogether.The opportunity to coach Hughes, who is in his prime and one of the game's best players, is the biggest sell for this job. But he's eligible for an extension July 1, 2026 and, if the Canucks can't sign him to a long-term deal, they could be forced to trade him. There's already <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3272109" href="https://thescore.com/news/3272109">talk</a> that he may want to play with his brothers. Without Hughes, Vancouver would likely have to rebuild. Brock Boeser is a pending free agent this offseason and isn't expected to return, which doesn't help the cause.The blue line is solid. The goaltending tandem has potential, especially if Thatcher Demko can bounce back. But outside of Elias Pettersson - who's coming off the worst year of his career - there's not a lot of talent up front.The Canucks will likely be aggressive in free agency, using most of their $16 million in cap space on forward help. If they get a spark, there's a path to the playoffs in 2025-26. But the future is murky beyond that.<h3>2. Boston Bruins</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774163/cropped_GettyImages-2203476522.jpg?ts=1741476099" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774163/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203476522.jpg?ts=1741476099 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774163/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203476522.jpg?ts=1741476099 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774163/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203476522.jpg?ts=1741476099 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774163/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203476522.jpg?ts=1741476099 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774163/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203476522.jpg?ts=1741476099 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mark LoMoglio / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pros<ul>
<li>Star talent</li>
<li>Winning culture</li>
<li>Prestigious franchise</li>
<li>Wealthy ownership</li>
<li>Cap space</li>
</ul>Cons<ul>
<li>Job security</li>
<li>Poor farm system</li>
<li>Forward depth</li>
<li>Tough division</li>
<li>High-pressure market</li>
</ul>It seemed like everything went wrong for the Bruins in 2024-25. Their top two defensemen, Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, missed a combined 97 games. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman put together the worst campaign of his career. It resulted in a 15th-place finish in the Eastern Conference, snapping an eight-year playoff streak.However, it's easy to envision Boston bouncing back. The core - featuring David Pastrnak, McAvoy, and Swayman - is all signed long term. The Bruins are loaded with $28 million in cap space and, while some of that will go toward retaining restricted free agents Morgan Geekie and Mason Lohrei, the rest can be spent to bolster an uninspiring forward group.This could be a one-and-done scenario without a return to the playoffs, though, so the pressure is on. GM Don Sweeney is entering the last year of his contract, and president Cam Neely recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3273332" href="https://thescore.com/news/3273332">said</a> he's still deciding if he wants to extend him. Another year without postseason hockey would likely mean the end of Sweeney, and a new GM would probably want to bring in his own coach.<h3>1. Chicago Blackhawks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776785/cropped_GettyImages-2205883811.jpg?ts=1742754424" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776785/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205883811.jpg?ts=1742754424 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776785/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205883811.jpg?ts=1742754424 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776785/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205883811.jpg?ts=1742754424 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776785/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205883811.jpg?ts=1742754424 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776785/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205883811.jpg?ts=1742754424 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pros<ul>
<li>Talented, young core</li>
<li>Strong farm system</li>
<li>No. 3 pick</li>
<li>Prestigious franchise</li>
<li>Wealthy ownership</li>
<li>Cap space</li>
</ul>Cons<ul>
<li>NHL's 2nd-worst team</li>
<li>Far from contending</li>
<li>High-pressure market</li>
</ul>The Blackhawks have a long way to go, but there's a lot to like about a team built around Connor Bedard, Artyom Levshunov, whoever they select with the No. 3 pick this year, and several other young, ascending players. While this team may be terrible right now, there isn't any immediate pressure to make the playoffs. The front office will likely just seek progress, which shouldn't be hard to generate after a 61-point season. The pressure to make the playoffs - both from ownership and the fan base - likely won't come until 2027 or 2028. So this coach will probably get a runway of at least two seasons, as long as the team progresses.This job will require patience, but the upside is high.

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Which remaining NHL head coaching vacancy is most appealing?

Max Pacioretty has been a revelation for the Toronto Maple Leafs.  The grizzled veteran recorded ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a> has been a revelation for the Toronto Maple Leafs.The grizzled veteran recorded his third straight multi-point game of the postseason in the Maple Leafs' 4-3 win over the Florida Panthers in Game 2 on Wednesday. He scored Toronto's first goal of the game before setting up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a>'s tally with a sweet primary assist."He's doing a great job now for us in a lot of areas of the game, not just the scoring," head coach Craig Berube <a href="https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/video/craig-berube-post-game-6372501803112">told</a> reporters postgame. "He's played a pivotal role with the physicality, and how we want to play, the heavy style of game. He's been a good fit."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pacioretty scored Toronto's series-clinching goal late in the third period in Game 6 against the Ottawa Senators after picking up an assist earlier in the contest. He contributed a pair of helpers in a 5-4 victory against Florida in Game 1.Overall, he's produced six points in six playoff games despite averaging just 12:47 per contest. His physicality has also been on full display with a team-leading 31 hits.Receiving these types of contributions from Pacioretty would've been hard to believe at certain points this season. The 36-year-old joined the Maple Leafs on a professional tryout in training camp before eventually inking a one-year, $874,000 contract, plus incentives. He scored just five goals in 37 games during the regular season and missed the final 27 contests of the campaign with an injury. He was a healthy scratch in Games 1 and 2 against the Senators.Pacioretty was once a prolific offensive player, reaching the 30-goal mark six times during his heyday with the Montreal Canadiens and Vegas Golden Knights. His production tailed off after he tore his Achilles twice in a five-month span in 2022-23, but he's proven this postseason that he still has gas left in the tank."I think it goes back with his injuries and effort, commitment he put back to getting healthy," Berube said. "It's showing now, in my opinion, that he's very dedicated in that aspect. He didn't want to go out that way."

TORONTO, ON - MAY 05: Toronto Maple Leafs Left Wing Max Pacioretty (67) reacts during the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs second round game one between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 5, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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Berube: Pacioretty's 'played a pivotal role' in Maple Leafs' success

Premier forwards Mark Scheifele and Jason Robertson returned for the Dallas Stars' 3-2 victory in...

Premier forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6608">Jason Robertson</a> returned for the Dallas Stars' 3-2 victory in Game 1 over the Winnipeg Jets.Scheifele, Winnipeg's first-line center, missed the last two contests of Round 1 with an undisclosed ailment. However, Jets' No. 1 defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a> was not in the lineup after he left Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues with an apparent injury.Robertson, Dallas' leading goal-scorer during the regular season, made his 2025 playoff debut after missing all of Round 1 due to a lower-body issue.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Scheifele took a pair of hard hits in Game 5 against the Blues. He's tallied two goals and four assists in five postseason outings.Robertson recorded 35 goals and 45 assists in 82 games before he was hurt in the regular-season finale.Morrissey led all Jets defenders in points (62) and average time on ice (24:23) during the regular season. With fellow blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5603" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5603">Logan Stanley</a> also out, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3136" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3136">Colin Miller</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4124">Haydn Fleury</a> entered Winnipeg's lineup on the back end.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 19: Mark Scheifele #55 of the Winnipeg Jets gets set to take a second period face-off against the St. Louis Blues in Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canada Life Centre on April 19, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Blues 5-3 and lead the series 1-0.

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Scheifele, Robertson return for Game 1 of Jets-Stars

The Edmonton Oilers scored four unanswered goals to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 1...

The Edmonton Oilers scored four unanswered goals to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 1 on Tuesday, making NHL history in the process.The Oilers are the first team ever with five straight comeback wins in a single Stanley Cup Playoffs.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Largest deficit</th>
<th>Final score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Game 1 vs. Golden Knights</td>
<td>2-0</td>
<td>4-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 6 vs. Kings</td>
<td>2-1</td>
<td>6-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 5 vs. Kings</td>
<td>1-0</td>
<td>3-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 4 vs. Kings</td>
<td>3-1</td>
<td>4-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 3 vs. Kings</td>
<td>4-3</td>
<td>7-4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>"You don't want to be down in five games, but we have the experience that we can come back and fight our way out of it," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/post-raw-hyman-05-06-25-6372451102112">said</a> postgame. "You have to have that belief in your group when you're down that you can come back. If you don't, you're not gonna win five in a row like that."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Edmonton has outscored its opponents 18-6 in the third period and overtime this postseason.Hyman ripped the game-winner off the post and in with 3:02 remaining in the third period Tuesday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3202" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3202">Connor Brown</a> notched a key insurance marker 1:16 later to seal the victory.Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said he's been "very happy" with his club's third-period efforts in these playoffs. "That's part of having a mature, older group. ... Those players have seen a lot - a lot of good things, a lot of bad things," Knoblauch <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/post-raw-knoblauch-05-06-25-6372451217112">said</a> when asked about Edmonton's lack of panic when facing a deficit. "They know that, during the playoffs, things fluctuate."There's a lot of things that can stress out the team, and no matter what happens, I think we handle it really well." <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> also scored for the Oilers. <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/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a> chipped in with two assists apiece.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> stopped 15 of 17 shots in the victory. The journeyman netminder is now a perfect 5-0 in five starts this postseason since taking over for a struggling <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a>.The puck drops on Game 2 at 9:30 p.m. ET on Thursday. "It gives you a great opportunity," Hyman said. "Obviously, you steal one in their rink, and now you have a chance at taking both, so we haven't been in that spot a lot."We've always kind of had to fight from behind in series, and it's nice to get the first one out of the way early."

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 06: Zach Hyman #18 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates with teammates after a goal during the third period of Game One of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on May 06, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo was not in the lineup for Tuesday's Game 1 loss ...

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a> was not in the lineup for Tuesday's Game 1 loss against the Edmonton Oilers due to an illness, the team announced.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10043" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10043">Kaedan Korczak</a> entered the lineup in Pietrangelo's place on a pairing with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6456" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6456">Nic Hague</a> for his Stanley Cup Playoff debut.Pietrangelo led all Golden Knights defensemen in average time on ice (22:24) during the regular season. He finished third among the team's blue-liners with 33 points in 71 games.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 35-year-old has tallied 77 points in 145 career playoff games and is a two-time Stanley Cup champion.Korczak, a second-round pick by Vegas in 2019, recorded 10 assists in 40 appearances this season.

ST. PAUL, MN - APRIL 26: Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (7) shoots the puck during the first period of Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild on April 26th, 2025, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN.

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Golden Knights' Pietrangelo out for Game 1 with illness

Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was forced to exit Toronto's Game 1 victory over the Flori...

Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> was forced to exit Toronto's Game 1 victory over the Florida Panthers after getting hit in the head by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> during the second period.The Maple Leafs eventually ruled out Stolarz for the remainder of the game.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sam Bennett makes contact with the head of Anthony Stolarz who is slow to get up 🫣 <a href="https://t.co/BjnhbA4Ysm">pic.twitter.com/BjnhbA4Ysm</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1919563552278405411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Stolarz appeared to <a href="https://x.com/GinoHard_/status/1919572729206133222">vomit</a> over the Maple Leafs' bench during a TV timeout before exiting the game. He left Scotiabank Arena on a stretcher during the third period and was taken to a hospital for further evaluation, reports <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1919596581193486559">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bennett was not penalized for the play."Elbow to the head, clearly. Clear as day," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1919594102686896550">said</a> postgame.Berube added: "I'm not sure why there's not a call on it. I get it, they miss calls, but it's clearly a penalty."Bennett has been suspended twice in his 11-year NHL career."Hopefully the league will handle it and protect our players," Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a>, who scored the game-winner, <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1919591430583996564">added</a>.Bennett was not made available to speak postgame despite requests from the media.Backup goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> entered Toronto's crease in Stolarz's place. Woll made 17 saves on 20 shots during the 5-4 win.Stolarz stopped eight of nine shots before departing the contest.The 31-year-old ranked first among all NHL netminders with a .926 save percentage in 34 games during the regular season. He led the Maple Leafs to a Round 1 win over the Ottawa Senators with a .901 save percentage in six contests.Woll went 27-14-1 during the regular season with a .909 save percentage. He owned a .933 mark in seven career playoff games entering Monday.

TORONTO, ON - MAY 05: Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Anthony Stolarz (41) tends the net during the second period of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs second round game one between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 5, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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Maple Leafs' Stolarz injured after collision with Panthers' Bennett

The New York Islanders will pick first overall after winning the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery on Monday...

The New York Islanders will pick first overall after winning the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery on Monday.The Islanders entered the lottery with a 3.5% chance of winning, the 10th-best odds.The Utah Hockey Club won the second draw, moving up the maximum of 10 spots to fourth overall, while the San Jose Sharks, who entered the lottery with the best odds, dropped to second.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Here's the order:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 draft lottery results" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-WGFT1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WGFT1/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="687" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();</figure>More to come.</script></figure>Montreal's 16th pick is from the Calgary Flames as part of a 2022 trade involving <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3000" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3000">Sean Monahan</a>. Calgary would've retained the selection had it won either lottery and moved into the top 10.Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer is widely considered the top player in this year's class. Forwards Michael Misa, James Hagens, Porter Martone, and Anton Frondell are candidates to round out the top five.The Islanders have picked first overall four previous times. They selected John Tavares (2009), Rick DiPietro (2000), Denis Potvin (1973), and Billy Harris (1972).It remains to be seen who will make the selection this time around for the Islanders, who are currently without a general manager following the decision to not renew Lou Lamoriello's contract.The 2025 NHL Draft will be held June 27-28 in Los Angeles.

SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - MAY 05: Detailed view of the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery set at NHL Network Studio on May 5, 2025 in Secaucus, New Jersey.

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Islanders win NHL Draft Lottery

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, and Calgary ...

San Jose Sharks center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a>, Montreal Canadiens defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12709" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12709">Lane Hutson</a>, and Calgary Flames goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9990" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9990">Dustin Wolf</a> are the finalists for the Calder Trophy, the league announced Monday.The award is given to the player who is most proficient in his first year in the NHL, as voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.Celebrini, the reigning first overall pick, tallied 25 goals and 38 assists in 70 outings. He led the Sharks in points and led all rookie skaters in points per game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hutson's 66 points were tied for the fourth-most ever by a rookie defenseman. He paced all first-year players in points and tied for sixth among all NHL blue-liners. The 21-year-old helped lead the Canadiens to a surprise playoff appearance.Wolf nearly dragged the Flames to the postseason, going 29-16-8 with a .910 save percentage in 53 starts. His 26.38 goals saved above expected was the seventh-most among all NHL goalies, according to <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>.Hutson won unanimously in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268992" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268992">theScore's hypothetical ballot</a>.The winner will be unveiled in June.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks skates with control of the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period of an NHL hockey game at SAP Center on April 16, 2025 in San Jose, California.

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Celebrini, Hutson, Wolf voted Calder Trophy finalists

The New York Rangers officially named Mike Sullivan their new head coach on Friday, the team anno...

The New York Rangers officially named Mike Sullivan their new head coach on Friday, the team announced.Sullivan's contract is expected to be one of the most lucrative in NHL history for a head coach, <a href="https://x.com/emilymkaplan/status/1918073695446184353">ESPN's Emily Kaplan</a> reported Thursday."Mike Sullivan has established himself as one of the premier head coaches in the NHL," Rangers general manager Chris Drury said in a statement. "Given his numerous accomplishments throughout his coaching career - including two Stanley Cups and leading Team USA at the international level - Mike brings a championship-level presence behind the bench."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sullivan spent the last decade with the Pittsburgh Penguins and won back-to-back Stanley Cups in his first two years on the job in 2016 and 2017.The 57-year-old was considered one of the most highly sought-after coaches in a market that now includes seven active vacancies. The Anaheim Ducks were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3278878" href="https://thescore.com/news/3278878">reportedly</a> among the teams interested in his services.Sullivan also spent two seasons as head coach of the Boston Bruins from 2003-06. His 479 career wins are the 32nd most in NHL history.The Massachusetts native guided Team USA to a second-place finish at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. He's also set to lead the Americans at the 2026 Olympics in Milan.The Rangers are coming off a highly disappointing season. They went from winning the Presidents' Trophy and making the Eastern Conference Final in 2024 to missing the playoffs entirely in 2025 under Peter Laviolette.The roster is still built to win now, though. Many members of the team's core - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4530" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2033" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2033">Mika Zibanejad</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> - are over the age of 30. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8555" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8555">Adam Fox</a> (27) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a> (29) are among the exceptions.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 05: Head Coach Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on during the second period of a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on January 05, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Rangers hire Mike Sullivan as head coach

The Anaheim Ducks are casting a wide net for their coaching search.  The club interviewed Jay Woo...

The Anaheim Ducks are casting a wide net for their coaching search.The club interviewed Jay Woodcroft, met with David Carle, and contacted Mike Sullivan, <a href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1917997987814597018">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a> reported.It was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3275425" href="https://thescore.com/news/3275425">reported</a> Saturday that the Ducks also interviewed Joel Quenneville.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Woodcroft was head coach of the Edmonton Oilers for parts of three seasons before being fired following a 3-9-1 start to the 2023-24 campaign. His .643 career winning percentage is the eight-highest all time among coaches with at least 100 games.Carle is the head coach at the University of Denver. He's led the Pioneers to two national championships over the last four years. The 35-year-old has also guided Team USA to back-to-back gold medals at the World Juniors in 2024 and 2025.Sullivan and the Pittsburgh Penguins parted ways Monday after a 10-year run, which included back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. His 479 wins are the 32nd most in NHL history.The Ducks fired Greg Cronin after the team failed to reach the playoffs for the second straight season. They're mired in a seven-year postseason drought.Anaheim is one of eight coaching vacancies across the league, along with the Penguins, Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Seattle Kraken.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Jay Woodcroft of the Edmonton Oilers attends a press conference after the 2023 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers at Commonwealth Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Edmonton, Alberta.

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Report: Ducks interested in hiring Woodcroft, Carle, Sullivan

The Winnipeg Jets will be without first-line center Mark Scheifele for Game 6 against the St. Lou...

The Winnipeg Jets will be without first-line center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> for Game 6 against the St. Louis Blues on Friday, head coach Scott Arniel announced Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/WiebesWorld/status/1917987665556787563">Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press</a>.Scheifele was hit hard by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/589">Brayden Schenn</a> early in the first period of Game 5, then hit again by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2601">Radek Faksa</a> later in the opening frame. He departed the contest and didn't return.Arniel and Blues head coach Jim Montgomery got into a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3278714" href="https://thescore.com/news/3278714">heated exchange</a> postgame about how Scheifele got hurt. Montgomery argued Scheifele was hurt from the Faksa hit, and Arniel clapped back, saying, "I didn't know Monty got his medical degree." Arniel was critical of Schenn's hit.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Jets coach would not confirm or deny if Scheifele was in concussion protocol. "I'm not going down that road," Arniel said.Arniel added that winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3995" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3995">Nikolaj Ehlers</a> won't play in Game 6, either, but is travelling with the team. Ehlers hasn't played since suffering a foot injury April 12.Scheifele tallied 39 goals and 48 assists during the regular season, finishing second on the team to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> in both categories. Scheifele has added six points in five postseason contests.The Jets' center depth behind Scheifele consists of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2119" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2119">Vladislav Namestnikov</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2147" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2147">Adam Lowry</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9918" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9918">Morgan Barron</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8634" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8634">David Gustafsson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9821" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9821">Rasmus Kupari</a>. Wingers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6466" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6466">Gabriel Vilardi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9198" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9198">Cole Perfetti</a> have played center in the past.Winnipeg holds a 3-2 series lead. Game 7, if necessary, would be Sunday.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 21: Mark Scheifele #55 of the Winnipeg Jets plays the puck away from Cam Fowler #17 of the St. Louis Blues during second period action in Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre on April 21, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets' Scheifele won't play in Game 6 vs. Blues

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Josh Wegman

News Editor

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