The Montreal Victoire were eliminated in the PWHL semifinals by the Ottawa Charge in a 2-1 Game 4...

The Montreal Victoire were eliminated in the PWHL semifinals by the Ottawa Charge in a 2-1 Game 4 loss on Friday, a defeat that's weighing heavily on star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15778" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15778">Marie-Philip Poulin</a>."This one hurts," Poulin said, according to <a href="https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/charge-advance-to-professional-womens-hockey-league-final-with-2-1-win-over-victoire/article_f584ae08-aa3e-5fce-a1d4-6428c88b17d7.html">The Canadian Press' Lisa Wallace</a>. "I think we had a deep enough team, but, unfortunately, once again, we can't get past the first round. It hurts."I think we're going to need to look in the mirror and see what we can do differently, how we can change, and how we can get better."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Montreal also lost in the semifinals last year in a sweep by the now-Boston Fleet in three overtime games.The Victoire have won only one playoff game over their two seasons, with the lone victory a quadruple overtime classic Sunday. Montreal was the top seed in the regular season and chose to play the Charge."We tried to do what was best for the group," Victoire head coach Kori Cheverie explained. "Kudos to Ottawa for the series that they put forward. They're moving on."Poulin and fellow star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15763" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15763">Laura Stacey</a> were limited to one goal each despite combining for 55 shots on goal over four games.Rookie goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15830" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15830">Gwyneth Philips</a> shone in the series for the Charge, posting a .956 save percentage and a 1.14 goals-against average."I think the whole series has been a battle of the goaltenders," Cheverie said. "Obviously, we made a really good push to the end there and just couldn't seem to find a way to get that little black rubber thing across the line. Just couldn't score."Victoire netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15780" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15780">Ann-Renee Desbiens</a> now owns a .938 SV% and a 1.61 GAA in seven career playoff games but has just a single win to show for it.The PWHL is adding two new teams in Vancouver and Seattle next season. The looming expansion draft will shake up rosters, which adds another layer of emotion to the defeat for Victoire defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15773" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15773">Erin Ambrose</a>."I've always said that internationally is great," Ambrose said. "It's obviously a privilege to play there, but to be on this team, day in and day out with this group of people, and the phenomenal people that they are, it makes it really disappointing that we couldn't get the job done, and that's staff included. ... The hardest thing is knowing that this group will never be back together."

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - MAY 16: Captain Marie-Philip Poulin #29 of the Montreal Victoire watches the Ottawa Charge celebrate prior to the handshake line after the Ottawa Charge eliminated the Montreal Victoire from the PWHL Playoffs in game four at The Arena at TD Place on May 16, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario.

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Poulin: Victoire 'need to look in the mirror' after 2nd straight early exit

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice believes the Toronto Maple Leafs' effort in Game 6 was s...

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice believes the Toronto Maple Leafs' effort in Game 6 was similar to Game 5 despite the significantly different scores."Not nearly as much (changed for Toronto from Game 5 to Game 6) as everybody in this room is gonna write," Maurice said. "They worked hard. They played hard tonight. But I thought that, the last game - they got killed for that last game, (and) they didn't deserve to, in my opinion."Toronto forced a Game 7 with a 2-0 win on Friday. The Leafs were blown out 6-1 on home ice in Game 5 on Wednesday and were showered with boos from the Toronto crowd.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We had four knucklers go in," Maurice explained. "(Game 5) was a pretty tight game. It didn't feel like that on the scoreboard, but when you watch the game and you look at the analytics, the 6-1 game was the second-tightest game of the series. So, this one will look a lot like that. Two pretty good offensive teams, there really isn't a whole lot to be had out there."Scoring chances were 22-17 in the Panthers' favor in Game 6, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30216&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>, but Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> stifled Florida with his first playoff shutout. The Panthers had a larger advantage in Game 5, outchancing Toronto 30-19."They played hard, we played hard (in Game 6)," Maurice said. "It was tight. We probably had four go in last game that I'm not sure you're counting on that happening on a regular basis, or even every 10-20 games. We had a couple go off sticks. So, when you get into a 0-0 game, (it's) just gonna be tight."Game 7 goes Sunday in Toronto.

SUNRISE, FL - MAY 09: Florida Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice looks on during the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2nd Round game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers on Friday May 9, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.

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Panthers' Maurice: Leafs didn't deserve to get 'killed' for Game 5 blowout

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube won't split up star forwards Auston Matthews and Mitc...

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube won't split up star forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> for Friday's must-win Game 6 versus the Florida Panthers."These guys have been a combo for a long time, and they've had a lot of success," Berube said, according to <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1923410941204381736">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. "So, I trust them. I believe in them."Matthews has just three goals in his last 21 playoff games, and he's been held to zero through five contests against the Panthers. Matthews and Marner were held off the scoresheet entirely in Games 4 and 5.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Leafs were dismantled 6-1 in Wednesday's Game 5. Toronto's top line of Matthews, Marner, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> was heavily outplayed, as the unit was on the ice for two goals against and was outchanced 11-3 in 9:10 at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30215&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.Over the full series, Matthews and Marner have been outchanced 42-27 at five-on-five, though the duo has won its five-on-five minutes 5-4, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/linestats.php?fromseason=20242025&amp;thruseason=20242025&amp;stype=3&amp;sit=5v5&amp;score=all&amp;rate=n&amp;team=TOR&amp;vteam=FLA&amp;view=wowy&amp;loc=B&amp;gpfilt=none&amp;fd=2025-04-19&amp;td=2025-05-16&amp;tgp=2000&amp;strict=incl&amp;p1=8479318&amp;p2=8478483&amp;p3=0&amp;p4=0&amp;p5=0">Natural Stat Trick</a>.Matthews told reporters that nobody is 100% and that everyone is pushing through something at this time of the year, according to <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1923408384407036339">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>.The Maple Leafs are looking to stave off elimination and force a winner-take-all Game 7 on Sunday. Toronto hasn't made the conference finals since 2002.

SUNRISE, FL - MAY 11: Auston Matthews #34 and Mitch Marner #16 of Toronto Maple Leafs take the ice for warm ups against the Florida Panthers in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 11, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Berube won't split Matthews, Marner for Game 6: 'I believe in them'

New Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet thinks the team has more ability than was showcas...

New Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet thinks the team has more ability than was showcased this season."Looking at the roster, there's a talent pool here that's untapped. I really believe that," Tocchet said at his introductory press conference Friday.Tocchet added: "They got some star players here in the making, and that's my job, to really maximize those guys."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Flyers finished last in the Metropolitan Division with a 33-39-10 record after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2023-24. Rookie forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13822" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13822">Matvei Michkov</a> impressed with 26 goals and 63 points, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4574" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4574">Travis Konecny</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4175" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4175">Travis Sanheim</a> won the 4 Nations Face-Off with Canada in February.Tocchet lauded Philadelphia's long-term outlook and put the team's head coaching gig among the league's most coveted."The roster of the team, the potential, the prospect pool, the cap space that's coming here, there's a lot of positives for this job," Tocchet said. "It's an attractive job. I think it's one of the best jobs in hockey, and I'm very fortunate to get it."General manager Daniel Briere believes Tocchet's hiring makes the Flyers a more attractive destination for free agents."There's no doubt that Rick is gonna make us more enticing for players to come here, there's no doubt about that," Briere said. "There's already agents calling and letting us know."Briere made it clear that Tocchet's arrival won't alter the team's plan amid a rebuild."The plan doesn't change here," Briere said. "Rick has been part of this before, has coached some younger teams, has coached some veteran teams, and we see him as the long-term solution for our head-coaching position."Tocchet won the Jack Adams Award in 2024 after guiding the Vancouver Canucks to the playoffs. He's made the postseason twice in nine seasons as a head coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Arizona Coyotes, and Canucks.

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 8: Rick Tocchet watches the action from behind the bench against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on April 8, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Tocchet: Flyers have 'untapped' talent pool

The Minnesota Wild signed forward Danila Yurov to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team an...

The Minnesota Wild signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12754" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12754">Danila Yurov</a> to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Friday.Yurov, 21, tallied 13 goals and 25 points in 46 games this season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the KHL. The Wild drafted Yurov 24th overall in 2022.The contract includes a European out clause allowing Yurov to be loaned back to the KHL if he doesn't make the Wild out of training camp, reports <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6302564/2025/05/16/wild-danila-yurov-signs/">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Wild general manager Bill Guerin explained what excites him about Yurov."I just think his skill level," Guerin said, according to <a href="https://x.com/JoeSmithNHL/status/1923411230674292979">The Athletic's Joe Smith</a>. "He's a big, lanky kid. He hasn't even grown into his body yet. The skill level, the ability to produce offense. That's what we're excited about."In 2023-24, Yurov broke <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2582" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2582">Vladimir Tarasenko</a>'s record for most points in the KHL by a 20-year-old when he recorded 21 goals and 49 points in 62 games. He added nine points in 23 playoff contests to help Magnitogorsk win the Gagarin Cup.Yurov moved to center in 2023-24. His faceoff percentage increased 6.3% this campaign, up to 47.3%. The Wild plan to keep Yurov at center, Guerin said, according to Smith.The 6-foot-1 pivot accumulated 41 goals and 88 points in 209 career KHL games over parts of five seasons. Yurov briefly represented Russia at the 2022 world juniors before the tournament was postponed.Yurov ranked No. 25 on theScore's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3042997" href="https://thescore.com/news/3042997">top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects</a> list in September.

ST. PAUL, MN - JULY 07: Minnesota Wild forward Danila Yurov (81) looks up ice during Minnesota Wild Development Camp on July 7, 2023, at TRIA Rink in St. Paul, MN.

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Wild sign Yurov to 3-year ELC

Sam Gagner retired Thursday after 17 NHL seasons and joined the Ottawa Senators as the team's dir...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/457" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/457">Sam Gagner</a> retired Thursday after 17 NHL seasons and joined the Ottawa Senators as the team's director of player development.Gagner played 19 games with the Senators' AHL affiliate this campaign after being on a professional tryout with the Carolina Hurricanes during training camp. The 35-year-old also suited up for Canada at the Spengler Cup.The London, Ontario, native accumulated 197 goals and 529 points in his 1,043-game career over parts of 17 seasons. He suited up for the Edmonton Oilers, Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, and Winnipeg Jets.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Gagner scored four goals and eight points on Feb. 2, 2012, against the Chicago Blackhawks to tie the Oilers' single-game scoring record. He still holds the mark alongside Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey. Gagner remains the only player to score eight or more points in a game since Mario Lemieux in 1989.A standout with the London Knights, Gagner was drafted sixth overall by Edmonton in 2007. He spent the first seven years of his career with the Oilers, and returned to Edmonton for two more stints in 2018-19 and 2023-24.Gagner notched a career-high 18 goals and 50 points in 81 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2016-17. His best campaign came in 2012-13, when he tallied 14 goals and 38 points in 48 contests with Edmonton.Internationally, Gagner won gold with Canada at the 2007 world juniors and silver at the 2008 World Championship, and he claimed the Spengler Cup in 2012 during the NHL lockout.

EDMONTON, CANADA - FEBRUARY 21: Sam Gagner #89 of the Edmonton Oilers lines up for a face-off during the game against the Boston Bruins at Rogers Place on February 21, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Gagner retires after 17 seasons, joins Senators' front office

The Chicago Blackhawks are launching a Hall of Fame as part of the team's centennial celebration ...

The Chicago Blackhawks are launching a Hall of Fame as part of the team's centennial celebration for the 2025-26 campaign, and fans will get to have a vote."The concept of a Hall of Fame has been in the works for a long time," Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6356402/2025/05/15/blackhawks-hall-of-fame-centennial-celebration/">The Athletic's Scott Powers</a>. "If we're going to do it, let's do it right. Let's be thoughtful. Let's think of the criteria. Let's think about how we do this, where it lives, how it comes to life, like all the details that go into it."So when we launch it, we're not going to launch it half-assed. It's going to be something really well presented, a real honor, and something that can be sustainable, kind of in perpetuity as a way to honor our history and our past."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Blackhawks Hall of Fame will have a dedicated physical exhibition space at the expanding Fifth Third Arena.Players who have had their numbers already retired by Chicago were automatically inducted. Those nine are Chris Chelios, Tony Esposito, Glenn Hall, Marian Hossa, Bobby Hull, Keith Magnuson, Stan Mikita, Pierre Pilote, and Denis Savard.Each year, the Blackhawks will induct two alumni into the Hall of Fame. One will come from a modern-era ballot featuring players who completed their career in Chicago after 2000, and a heritage-era ballot for players who left Chicago before 2000. Players must be retired from the NHL for three or more years to be eligible.The process will see fans, Blackhawks alumni, and media vote for one player from each ballot, and the results for each voting group will be weighed equally to determine inductees.The inaugural fan vote began Thursday. Here are the initial ballots:<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Modern Ballot</th>
<th>Heritage Ballot</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Tony Amonte</td>
<td>Ed Belfour</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Campbell</td>
<td>Doug Bentley</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Crawford</td>
<td>Johnny Gottselig</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eric Daze</td>
<td>Dirk Graham</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Niklas Hjalmarsson</td>
<td>Dennis Hull</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Duncan Keith</td>
<td>Cliff Koroll</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brent Seabrook</td>
<td>Steve Larmer</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Sharp</td>
<td>Chico Maki</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Shaw</td>
<td>Mush March</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steve Sullivan</td>
<td>Pit Martin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jocelyn Thibault</td>
<td>Bill Mosienko</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alexei Zhamnov</td>
<td>Troy Murray</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Eric Nesterenko</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Jeremy Roenick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Doug Wilson</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Fans can vote <a href="https://hof.blackhawks.com/">here</a>.

NOVEMBER 20: Marian Hossa poses with his his former teammates Ducan Keith Brent Seabrook Niklas Hjalmarsson Patrick Sharp Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews in front of the stanley cup during his jersey retirement celebration before a game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks on November 20, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, IL.

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Blackhawks create Hall of Fame, fans to vote from list of candidates

Montreal Victoire's Ann-Renee Desbiens, Boston Fleet's Aerin Frankel, and Ottawa Charge's Gwyneth...

Montreal Victoire's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15780" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15780">Ann-Renee Desbiens</a>, Boston Fleet's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15725" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15725">Aerin Frankel</a>, and Ottawa Charge's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15830" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15830">Gwyneth Philips</a> are the finalists for the PWHL's 2025 Goaltender of the Year award, the league announced Thursday.A selection committee votes for the annual honor, which recognizes "the goaltender who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season."Desbiens had a huge campaign between the pipes for Montreal. She led PWHL starters with a .932 save percentage and 1.86 goals-against average. Her impressive 15-2-2 record was tops in the league and helped the Victoire claim first place in the regular season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 31-year-old had a PWHL-best win streak of six games, and she had a stretch of 14 starts where she allowed two or fewer goals.Desbiens made 63 saves in Montreal's quadruple overtime win versus Ottawa on Sunday to set a new PWHL single-game record, though playoff results aren't a factor for the award.Frankel is the only repeat finalist from last year, when the award was won by Toronto Sceptres netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15859" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15859">Kristen Campbell</a>. Boston's "Green Monster" had another superb season, leading the PWHL with 23 starts and making a league-high 591 saves. She went 12-8-3 and her .921 SV% ranked second to Desbiens among starters, while her 2.28 GAA was seventh among goalies with at least 10 games played.The 25-year-old had five starts where she made 35 or more saves, the most in the PWHL, and she went a perfect 3-0 in shootouts, in which she stopped 12-of-13 attempts.Philips took over as Ottawa's starter when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15833" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15833">Emerance Maschmeyer</a> went down with an injury March 11. The rookie didn't miss a beat, winning five of eight starts down the stretch to help the Charge make the playoffs for the first time.The 24-year-old was tied for third among starters with a .919 SV% and a 2.11 GAA. Philips was the first rookie goaltender to pitch a shutout, which she did in her third career start Jan. 21. Her two shutouts on the campaign are more than both Desbiens and Frankel.New York Sirens goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15806" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15806">Corinne Schroeder</a> led the PWHL with a record four shutouts on the campaign, ranked third in wins, and was tied with Philips with a .919 SV%, but she didn't make the top three.The PWHL awards ceremony is scheduled for June 25 at 11:30 a.m. ET.

MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 01: Look on Montreal Victoire goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens (35) during the Boston Fleet versus the Montreal Victoire game on March 01, 2025, at Centre Bell in Montréal, QC

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Desbiens, Frankel, Philips named finalists for Goalie of the Year

Brandon Carlo was on the other side of some Toronto Maple Leafs playoff failures while he was a m...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4643" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4643">Brandon Carlo</a> was on the other side of some Toronto Maple Leafs playoff failures while he was a member of the Boston Bruins, but he believes the group can push through when it matters most now that he's in the blue and white."I have the utmost faith that these guys are ready to take the next step," Carlo said Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1923019496601633067">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>.The Florida Panthers demolished Toronto 6-1 in Wednesday's Game 5 to put the Maple Leafs on the brink of elimination. The Panthers also shut out the Leafs in Game 4.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Toronto acquired Carlo from the Bruins before the trade deadline. The defensive rearguard has played 83 career playoff games, and has eight hits and 26 blocks in Toronto's 11 postseason contests this year.The Leafs' playoff woes are well-documented. Since 2017, Toronto has made the postseason every year but has won just two series and hasn't advanced past the second round. Carlo's Bruins handed the Leafs three of their eight playoff exits.Head coach Craig Berube believes the mental game played a role in Toronto's Game 5 loss, and he made it clear that the team needs to reset for Friday's Game 6."We overthink things," Berube said, according to <a href="https://x.com/jonassiegel/status/1923021663123149246">The Athletic's Jonas Siegel</a>."A loss is a loss," added Berube, according to <a href="https://x.com/koshtorontosun/status/1923023713626128844">Postmedia's Terry Koshan</a>. "If we would have lost 2-1 and it was a close game, would it really matter today? We got beat. I've been in this situation before. We're all going to be down and dejected, but we can't be. We have to regroup."Berube vowed the Maple Leafs will "be a lot better in Game 6," according to <a href="https://x.com/koshtorontosun/status/1923024421410717887">Koshan</a>.Toronto is still missing goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a>, who has been out of the series since leaving during Game 2. Berube said the netminder is doubtful to travel to Florida for the must-win Game 6, according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1923020619001520496">Johnston</a>.

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 29: Brandon Carlo #25 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Ottawa Senators during the first period in Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 29, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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The Vegas Golden Knights fell short of their own expectations by being eliminated by the Edmonton...

The Vegas Golden Knights fell short of their own expectations by being eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in Wednesday's 1-0 overtime loss."Every year you don't win feels like a year wasted," <a href="https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/video/round-2-game-5-william-karlsson-postgame-6372830240112">said</a> forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2975" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2975">William Karlsson</a>. "I believed in this team, and we got knocked out. Hopefully, in a few days, I'll just keep looking forward to next year."It was a sentiment reiterated by veteran defenseman and two-time Stanley Cup champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Any time you have a good team, you just feel like you didn't really finish what you set out to do," Pietrangelo <a href="https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/video/round-2-game-5-alex-pietrangelo-postgame-6372828883112">said</a>. "We got a helluva team, a helluva locker room. It's disappointing. It's a hard league to win in, and we know that, we knew that going in. So it's just disappointing."The Golden Knights won the Pacific Division for the fourth time in eight seasons with a 50-22-10 record.Vegas dropped two overtime games in the five-game defeat, and the Golden Knights failed to score a goal in the last two contests of the series."Unfortunately, we lost too many close games," Karlsson said. "I think that was the difference. We don't score the last two games. Yeah, that's the difference."Head coach Bruce Cassidy thinks his team had another level to give in the series."I wouldn't say it was our best through the series," Cassidy <a href="https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/video/round-2-game-5-bruce-cassidy-postgame-6372830245112">said</a>. "So, that's where I'm going to walk away and say, 'What could I have done better to get the best out of this group?' That's on me." Pietrangelo put the onus on Vegas for the lack of goal scoring in key moments."I mean, we had chances, we just couldn't really capitalize," Pietrangelo said. "It's more on us than, probably, them."Vegas put 23 shots on goal in Monday's 3-0 defeat, and managed 24 in the series finale Wednesday, while the Oilers had 32 shots on goal in both efforts.The Golden Knights were outchanced 25-19 in Game 5, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30245">Natural Stat Trick</a>, but high-danger attempts at five-on-five were an even eight apiece.The Oilers are the first team through to the conference finals.

EDMONTON, AB - MAY 12: Las Vegas Golden Knights Center William Karlsson (71) in action skates past Edmonton Oilers Goalie Stuart Skinner (74) in the second period of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round Edmonton Oilers game versus the Las Vegas Golden Knights on May 12, 2025 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB.

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Golden Knights' Karlsson: 'Feels like a year wasted'

The Toronto Sceptres turned to goaltender Carly Jackson for Wednesday's must-win Game 4 versus th...

The Toronto Sceptres turned to goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15863" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15863">Carly Jackson</a> for Wednesday's must-win Game 4 versus the Minnesota Frost.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15859" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15859">Kristen Campbell</a> has an .813 save percentage and a 4.75 goals-against average in three playoff games. She allowed seven goals on 24 shots in Sunday's 7-5 loss in Game 3.The 2024 Goaltender of the Year played 21 games in the regular season with a .910 SV%, and Campbell has started every postseason game in Toronto's history.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Jackson has played one game over two seasons with the Sceptres. They made their PWHL debut in Toronto's penultimate game of the regular season, where they made 25 saves on 26 shots in a shootout victory over the New York Sirens."There was some discussion of whether we would put CJ in (during Game 3)," Toronto head coach Troy Ryan told theScore on Monday. "At the point when we had the discussions, we felt it was best to keep CJ almost removed from that game. If we so choose to use her in Game 4, at least she can come in fresh with her own start, feeling good about where she is."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15838" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15838">Raygan Kirk</a>, Toronto's backup netminder for most of the campaign, is on long-term injured reserve.The Sceptres trail Minnesota 2-1 in the best-of-five series.

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Sceptres switch netminders for must-win Game 4 vs. Frost

The Los Angeles Kings named Ken Holland as the team's new vice president and general manager on W...

The Los Angeles Kings named Ken Holland as the team's new vice president and general manager on Wednesday.Holland will oversee the team's day-to-day hockey operations. He was the general manager of the Edmonton Oilers from 2019-24, and he worked as a consultant in the NHL's hockey operations department this season."As we did our due diligence, we identified Ken as the absolute best option and acted decisively to make him our general manager," Kings president Luc Robitaille said in a statement. "His track record of success is undeniable and, after our conversations with him, we were clearly convinced he was the right person for us at this time. He has the experience to lead us on the proper path that will help us win now and compete for the Stanley Cup."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Kings parted ways with previous GM Rob Blake after Los Angeles' fourth straight first-round exit at the hands of the Oilers.Holland has the fifth-most wins among general managers in NHL history. He's held the position for 26 seasons, most notably with the Detroit Red Wings from 1997 to 2019. He won four Stanley Cups in Detroit - three as the team's GM - and helped the club to four Presidents' Trophies.Robitaille signed with the Red Wings while Holland was GM in 2001. He played two years in Detroit and won the Stanley Cup in 2002.The Oilers made the playoffs every season with Holland at the helm, and Edmonton lost in the Stanley Cup Final in his final campaign with the organization.Holland was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020.

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

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Kings name Holland as vice president, GM

The Vancouver Canucks signed defenseman Tom Willander to a three-year, entry-level contract, the ...

The Vancouver Canucks signed defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13847" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13847">Tom Willander</a> to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Wednesday.Willander, drafted 11th overall by the Canucks in 2023, tallied two goals and 24 points in 39 games this season at Boston University. The right-handed rearguard was named a second-team All-Star in the Hockey East conference for the second straight year."We are excited to have Tom under contract and for him to start his professional hockey career," general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement. "Our group has watched him closely the past couple of seasons and has been impressed with his progression and growth in the NCAA. Now is the perfect time for him to take the next step and join our organization."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The contract includes an average of $800,000 worth of Schedule A performance bonuses, reports <a href="https://x.com/DhaliwalSports/status/1922723948963176626">CHEK's Rick Dhaliwal</a>. The maximum is $1 million."We're happy it is done. Tom can realize his dream to play for the Canucks and work to make the roster," Willander's agent, Todd Diamond, told <a href="https://x.com/DhaliwalSports/status/1922724200680186305">Dhaliwal</a>.Willander totaled six goals, 49 points, and a plus-47 rating in 77 career games with the Terriers over two campaigns.The Swede won a silver medal at the 2024 world juniors and again represented his nation in January, notching five points in the seven-game tournament.

OTTAWA, CANADA - JANUARY 05: Tom Willander #24 of Team Sweden skates the puck in the third period against Team Czechia of the bronze medal game during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship at Canadian Tire Centre on January 5, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Team Czechia defeated Team Sweden 3-2 in a shootout.

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Canucks sign 2023 11th overall pick Willander to 3-year ELC

Rory McIlroy defended his decision not to talk to Bryson DeChambeau during the final round of the...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> defended his decision not to talk to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a> during the final round of the Masters ahead of the PGA Championship on Wednesday."I don't know what he was expecting," McIlroy <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0sdRRmGJ58">said</a>. "Like, we're trying to win the Masters. I'm not going to try to be his best mate out there. Look, everyone approaches the game different ways. I was focused on myself and what I needed to do, and that's really all that it was. It wasn't anything against him, I felt that's what I needed to do to get the best out of myself that day." DeChambeau claimed McIlroy "didn't talk to me once all day" and that "he wouldn't talk to me" during the final round at the Masters in April, per <a href="https://x.com/GOLF_com/status/1911572552440311947">GOLF.com</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>McIlroy dramatically completed the career grand slam at the Masters in a playoff against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1013" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1013">Justin Rose</a>. DeChambeau briefly took the lead early in the final round, but ultimately carded a 3-over 75 and finished in a tie for fifth.DeChambeau beat McIlroy at the 2024 U.S. Open after Rory bogeyed three of the last four holes.The LIV star is hoping for another showdown with McIlroy on Sunday at Quail Hollow."I'm certainly gonna give it my all, and I know Rory is," DeChambeau told <a href="https://x.com/SkySportsGolf/status/1922416343640383678">Sky Sports Golf</a>. "Hopefully, we can have another go at it again, like the Masters."

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 14: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland speaks to the media during his pre-tournament media conference prior to the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 14, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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McIlroy: 'Don't know' what DeChambeau expected at Masters

The Vancouver Canucks named Adam Foote as the 22nd head coach in franchise history, the team anno...

The Vancouver Canucks named Adam Foote as the 22nd head coach in franchise history, the team announced Wednesday.Foote joined the Canucks in 2022-23 as an assistant coach when Rick Tocchet was hired. He primarily worked with the team's defensemen and penalty kill unit. Foote has never been an NHL head coach.Tocchet left the Vancouver Canucks in April after three seasons despite the club's efforts to extend him.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Adam is a strong leader, good teacher, and person who knows what it takes to build a great culture and winning attitude," general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement. "His past experiences on the ice have translated nicely into a coaching style that fits our organization's goals and vision. He has worked extremely hard the past few years, gaining our players' respect and trust for his strong communication and honest, straight-forward opinion."He knows this group better than anyone else we interviewed and has inside knowledge and understanding of what it will take to get us back to where we want to be. Adam brings structure, accountability, and a detail-oriented approach to his coaching, a process that will send a clear message to our group about the way we want to compete, practice, and play hockey."Foote is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and an Olympic gold medalist as a player. A bruising defenseman, Foote accumulated 308 points and 1,534 penalty minutes over his 1,154-game career with the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, and Columbus Blue Jackets.After his retirement, Foote was a development consultant with the Avalanche from 2013-17.In 2018, the WHL's Kelowna Rockets hired Foote as their head coach. He spent two campaigns with the team, collecting a 48-49-12 record.He didn't coach for two years after leaving the Rockets before joining Tocchet's staff in Vancouver.The Canucks missed the playoffs last season with a 38-30-14 record.

MONTREAL, CANADA - NOVEMBER 12: Adam Foote, assistant coach of the Vancouver Canucks, handles bench duties during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on November 12, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-2.

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Canucks promote Adam Foote to head coach

Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury and won't play i...

Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4526" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4526">Evan Rodrigues</a> is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury and won't play in Wednesday's Game 5 versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, head coach Paul Maurice confirmed, according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1922686572572377372">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>.Rodrigues exited Game 4 and didn't return after a hit by Leafs defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1652" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1652">Oliver Ekman-Larsson</a> in the third period. Officials initially assessed Ekman-Larsson a major for interference but reduced it to a minor penalty after review.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Two minute minor for interference as Ekman-Larsson hammered Rodrigues without the puck<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TimeToHunt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TimeToHunt</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeafsForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeafsForever</a> <a href="https://t.co/6p2SL1BG1e">pic.twitter.com/6p2SL1BG1e</a>— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights &amp; News (@HockeyDaily365) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1921743894292713802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Rodrigues tallied 15 goals and 32 points in 82 regular-season games this season and has three assists through nine playoff contests.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9848" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9848">Jesper Boqvist</a> will draw into the Panthers' lineup.The series is tied 2-2, with the home team winning each game.

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - MAY 11: Evan Rodrigues #17 of the Florida Panthers is helped up after being checked during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 11, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Panthers' Rodrigues out for Game 5 after Ekman-Larsson hit

Toronto Sceptres star Renata Fast and Minnesota Frost duo Sophie Jaques and Claire Thompson are t...

Toronto Sceptres star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15845" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15845">Renata Fast</a> and Minnesota Frost duo <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15743" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15743">Sophie Jaques</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15755" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15755">Claire Thompson</a> are the finalists for the PWHL's 2025 Defender of the Year award, the league announced Wednesday.A selection committee votes for the annual honor, which recognizes "the defender who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season."Fast was tied for first among all PWHL defenders with 22 points in 30 games, and she led the league in hits (63) and time on ice (24:39 per contest). She also shared the league lead in assists (16) and power-play points (13).<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 30-year-old opened the campaign with a six-game point streak - the longest by a defender in the 2024-25 season.Jaques exploded offensively this year with 22 points in 25 contests after notching 10 in 22 outings as a rookie last season. She led the league in points per game by a rearguard and ranked fourth overall. Despite missing five games due to injury, Jaques still topped every defender with 75 shots on goal, 13 more than the next closest blue-liner.The 24-year-old is one of two defenders to win the Patty Kazmaier Award as the NCAA's best women's hockey player, with the other being Hockey Hall of Famer Angela Ruggiero.Thompson returned to hockey in style after a year away while focusing on medical school. The Frost drafted her third overall in 2024, and she made a significant impact immediately. Thompson ranked third among defenders with 18 points in 30 games while leading the PWHL with 11 primary assists.The 27-year-old tallied four points on Dec. 19 to set a PWHL single-game record by a blue-liner.All three finalists are Canadian and represented their nation at the World Championship in April.The PWHL awards ceremony is scheduled for June 25 at 11:30 a.m. ET.

NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 19: Renata Fast #14 of Toronto Sceptres skates during the first period of the game against the New York Sirens on February 19, 2025 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey

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Fast, Jaques, Thompson finalists for Defender of the Year

The Philadelphia Flyers named Rick Tocchet their 25th head coach in franchise history on Wednesda...

The Philadelphia Flyers named Rick Tocchet their 25th head coach in franchise history on Wednesday.Tocchet left the Vancouver Canucks in April after three seasons despite the club's efforts to extend him."During this process, it became clear that Rick was the absolute right coach to lead our team," general manager Daniel Briere said in a statement. "He has enjoyed the highest level of success both as a player and coach. Rick's ability to teach and understand his players, combined with his passion for winning, brings out the best in young players at different stages of their development and has earned the respect and confidence of highly talented All-Stars and veteran players alike."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Flyers fired John Tortorella in March with nine games left in the regular season. Philadelphia has missed the playoffs for five straight years.Tocchet won the Jack Adams Award in 2024 after guiding the Canucks to the postseason. Tocchet went 108-65-27 in Vancouver, but his tenure ended with a tumultuous 2024-25 campaign that resulted in the Canucks missing the playoffs.As a player, Tocchet spent 11 seasons with the Flyers over two stints from 1984-92 and 1999-2002. He accumulated 232 goals, 508 points, and 1,815 penalty minutes in 621 games with Philadelphia."I've always been a Flyer at heart and have taken that passion and energy that embodies this city and organization with me throughout my career," Tocchet said. He added: "I couldn't be more excited to lead this team back among the NHL elite where we belong. We have a lot of work to do and much to accomplish, but I am confident in the direction we are heading and determined to get us there."Tocchet previously coached the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2008-10 and the Arizona Coyotes from 2017-21. He won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017 as an assistant.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Rick Tocchet, J.T. Miller #9 and Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks during the third period of their NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena on January 16, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Flyers hire Tocchet as new head coach

Sidney Crosby gets why the Pittsburgh Penguins split with longtime coach Mike Sullivan this offse...

Sidney Crosby gets why the Pittsburgh Penguins split with longtime coach Mike Sullivan this offseason, and he wants to stay out of the search for his replacement."I wouldn't say I'm surprised by anything that happened, to be honest," Crosby told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6347614/2025/05/14/penguins-coaching-search-sidney-crosby/">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a> after Canada's 5-0 win over France at the World Championship on Tuesday. "I understand it. I've played long enough now to know that there's always going to be ... some kind of change when you don't get the results that you want. And we haven't gotten the results that we've wanted for a while now. That's part of losing. That's the part of things that makes losing so difficult."The Penguins parted ways with Sullivan in April after he spent 10 seasons in Pittsburgh. The veteran bench boss guided the Pens to back-to-back Stanley Cups in his first two campaigns with the club, and the New York Rangers swiftly hired him within days. The Penguins have missed the playoffs in three straight seasons.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Crosby made it clear he's not getting involved in the coaching search unless called upon."I don't have any say on who our next coach is going to be. And I prefer it that way," he said. "Because ultimately, I'm a hockey player. I'm not out there coaching games. I'm not a manager."Crosby added: "If (general manager Kyle Dubas) wants my opinion on someone who's out there, and someone who is out there that I might have had as coach before or someone I've heard about, then sure, then I'll share my opinion."Rick Tocchet is among the top commodities on the coaching market, and he won two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh as an assistant coach in 2016 and 2017. Crosby acknowledged he's familiar with Tocchet, though he noted Tocchet's "going to have a ton of teams after him."Crosby insisted he doesn't have a preference whether a coach has extensive NHL experience or would be a younger hire."It really doesn't matter. I don't care," he said. "I really don't. I just want to win, and I want the person behind the bench who is going to give us the best chance to win."He leaves the decision in the hands of Pittsburgh's GM, who is just a year-and-a-half older than him. "Kyle's going to have decisions to make," Crosby said. "He's going to do what is best for this team."

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 11: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates in the first period of the game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 11, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Crosby understands Sullivan split, would rather not have say on next coach

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey suited up for Friday night's Game 2 against the Dallas St...

Winnipeg Jets defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a> suited up for Friday night's Game 2 against the Dallas Stars, his first action since exiting Game 7 of the first round with an injury.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Josh Morrissey leaves for the locker room after taking a hit. <a href="https://t.co/CHeJpaEbPD">pic.twitter.com/CHeJpaEbPD</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1919176000308412912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Morrissey took his usual place alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2549" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2549">Dylan DeMelo</a> as well as top power-play unit. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1200" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1200">Luke Schenn</a> was removed from of the lineup.The 30-year-old racked up 14 goals and 62 points in 80 contests during the regular season and added three assists in the first round. Morrissey also paced all Jets skaters by playing a career-high 24:23 per game in the regular season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Winnipeg welcomed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> back from injury in Game 1. Dallas leads the series 1-0.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 16: Josh Morrissey #44 of the Winnipeg Jets looks on during the pre-game warm up prior to NHL action against the Anaheim Ducks at Canada Life Centre on April 16, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets' Morrissey returns for Game 2 vs. Stars

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