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Ryan Donato's Overtime Winner Lifts Blackhawks Past Ducks 2-1

The Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks are more known for playing an exciting brand of hockey than being these defensive stalwarts. That made the 0-0 score through two periods feel a bit strange, but they will always declare a winner. 

At 9:43 of the third period, Frank Nazar gave the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead. He scored by sweeping in a puck that went off the crossbar via a shot by Wyatt Kaiser. On the goal, Ryan Donato made a great effort play to keep it alive before Nazar and Kaiser went to work. 

Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) on XBlackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) on XNAZAR ON THE REBOUND HAWKS TAKE A 1-0 LEAD 🔥

It looked like that one goal would be all that was needed, but the tables turned very late in regulation. At 19:24 of the third period, with the goalie pulled, the Anaheim Ducks tied it on a goal scored by Mason McTavish. 

Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) on XAnaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) on X🚨 MAC-T 🚨 TIE GAME WITH 30 SECONDS LEFT! #FlyTogether

It could be deflating to let a 1-0 lead slip away like that, but that's what seems to be different about this Blackhawks group as opposed to recent seasons. 

"I just take a drink of water and keep going," Spencer Knight said after the game when asked about how he responds to the team letting the one-goal lead slip away.

Knight was also adamant that one-goal games are important to learn to win in the NHL. He referenced the playoffs all being close matches, which he would know from his time learning in the Florida Panthers organization. 

It isn't just the mindset that separates Knight from his peers; it is his overall talent. He made 38 saves on 39 shots, which played a key role in the team getting the win. His goals against average of 1.96 (8th) and save percentage of .937 (6th) rank in the top ten of all NHL goalies. 

Once the team got to overtime, there were chances on both sides. It was when Connor Bedard made a great play to find Ryan Donato in front of the net that the Blackhawks won in sudden-death overtime. Sam Rinzel, who was magnificent in all three zones, also collected an assist on the goal. 

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Bedard could have had a lot more than that assist. He was flying out there. A case could be made that it was his best overall game of the season, despite having just the one point. His work as a two-way center gets better and better with each passing game. 

After playing seven competitive games, the Blackhawks now have a little bit of a break. They don't play until Thursday when they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning down in Tampa. This is a chance to get some rest, get a player or two back from injury, and regroup before another important stretch of games. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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MSG Network Adds Two Former Devils to Broadcast Team

The New Jersey Devils and MSG Network have announced that two former players will join the team as TV analysts for pre- and post-game coverage occasionally over the course of the season.

The MSG Network serves as the primary broadcast home for the Devils, Rangers, Islanders, and Knicks. Cory Schneider and Mike Rupp will join Rachel Herzog and Bryce Salvador during the 2025–26 season.

Schneider played for the Devils from 2013 to 2020. He shared goaltending duties with Martin Brodeur during his first season before becoming the team’s number one goalie.

Drafted 26th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Schneider spent five seasons in Vancouver before joining New Jersey. He finished his career with the Islanders. In total, Schneider played 410 NHL games, recording 171 wins and a .918 save percentage.

Rupp also spent time with the Devils, playing for the organization from 2002 to 2009. During that period, he also played for the Phoenix Coyotes (2003–2006) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (2005–2006). His last five seasons in the league were spent with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, and New York Rangers. While with New Jersey, Rupp won the Stanley Cup in 2003.

Drafted in the third round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Rupp played 610 NHL games over his career, recording 99 points, including 54 goals and 45 assists.

Now 45 years old, Rupp has transitioned to broadcasting. Both he and Schneider have experience as analysts with the NHL Network and bring on-air experience following their playing careers.

They are set to make several appearances throughout the season, as the former Devils start their MSG Broadcasting rookie seasons. 

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Portland reaches extensions with Shaedon Sharpe (4 years, $90 million), Toumani Camara (4 years, $82 million)

There are legitimate questions about what the Portland Trail Blazers will look like on the court in a few years and which parts of their young core will be part of that future, but an athletic scoring wing and an All-Defense forward can fit in any plan.

Which is why Portland locked down two key young players on Sunday with rookie contract extensions. The Blazers and Shaedon Sharpe agreed to a four-year, $90 million extension, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN. The Trail Blazers have also agreed to a four-year, $82 million contract extension with defensive forward Toumani Camara, a deal also broken by ESPN’s Charania.

This is fantastic work by the Portland front office — they have locked up their two best wing players for the next five years at a price that will be less than 15% of the salary cap (hat tip to Keith Smith).

Sharpe is an athletic wing who averaged a career-high 18.5 points a game last season, adding 4.5 rebounds a night, but seems poised for a breakout season. He needs to improve his efficiency — 31.1% on 3-pointers last season and a 55.1 true shooting percentage that was a tick below the league average — and on the defensive end, but if he does, this will be a steal of a contract. His athleticism and ability to throw down dunks are not in question.

A lot of people around the league thought Sharpe's extension would end up north of $100 million, to get him at $90 million for the four years is a win for the Trail Blazers.

The Camara extension locks up a 25-year-old All-Defense Team player from a year ago who has been improving on offense each season. Camara's max extension would have been four years, $87 million, and that would have been a fair price. To get him on a contract worth less than $21 million on average is a great deal from Portland's front office.

Camara was almost a throw-in part of the three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to Milwaukee and brought Deandre Ayton to Portland, but he ended up being one of the best parts of it for the Blazers. On top of being an elite defender, Camara is improving on offense and averaged 11.3 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc last season.

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‘Rather be where I am’: Oscar Piastri remains confident in F1 title hopes as lead narrows

  • Australian’s lead in Formula One driver standings slashed to 14 points

  • Max Verstappen back in contention after two victories at US Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri remains confident in his Formula One world championship chances after Lando Norris and Max Verstappen slashed the Australian driver’s lead at the United States Grand Prix.

Piastri endured a difficult weekend in Austin, colliding with McLaren teammate Norris in Saturday’s sprint as both were dumped out before managing only fifth in the GP race as Verstappen eased to victory.

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Shohei Ohtani and the 10 greatest performances in MLB postseason history

In tossing six scoreless innings and hitting about 1,430 feet of home runs, Shohei Ohtani put up probably the most unique performance in postseason history Friday in NLCS Game 5 against the Brewers. It was perhaps the most spectacular athletic performance ever to take place on a baseball field. Maybe even any sort of field. But was it the greatest individual performance in major league postseason history?

That's a difficult question, one that many would argue hinges on context. Obviously, starring in Game 4 of the NLCS with a 3-0 series lead isn't the same as Game 7 of World Series.

But what is it up against? Here's a rundown of perhaps the top 10 single-game performances in MLB postseason history.

MLB: Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves
Way-Too-Early 2026 Fantasy Baseball Top 300 Rankings
Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani at the top? Our early 2026 Top 300 rankings highlight key fantasy storylines heading into the MLB offseason.

Best Individual MLB Postseason Performances

Honorable Mention

1963 World Series Game 1: Sandy Koufax fans 15 Yankees

Koufax threw two shutouts in the 1965 World Series, including one in Game 7 to finish off the Twins. Still, perhaps even more impressive was his two-game set in a sweep of the Yankees in the 1963 World Series. Koufax outdueled Whitey Ford twice in 5-2 and 2-1 victories, and his 15 strikeouts in Game 1 set a postseason record that has only since been exceeded twice, including once by...

Honorable Mention

1968 World Series Game 1: Bob Gibson’s 17-K shutout

Fairly or not, Gibson’s Game 7 loss keeps the Game 1 performance out of the top 10 here. Prior to that, he outdueled 1968 AL Cy Young winner Denny McLain twice in 4-0 and 10-1 complete-game victories. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, McLain came back out and won Game 6 and Mickey Lolich, working on two days’ rest after winning Game 5, got the better of Gibson as the Tigers won Game 7 by a 4-1 score.

Honorable Mention

2022 ALDS Game 1: Yordan Alvarez walks it off in ninth

In all of postseason history, two individual performances have amounted to at least a 1.0 Win Probability Added, which is a measure of how each event in a game changed win expectancy (a first-inning homer might increase a team's chances of winning from 50 to 60 percent, which would be a 0.1 win expectancy, while Kirk Gibson's famous walkoff homer in the 1988 World Series was worth 0.87). The first of those was pulled off by Babe Ruth the pitcher, who allowed one run over 14 innings to win Game 2 of the 1916 World Series for the Red Sox. The second was by Alvarez, who had already driven in two runs against the Mariners when he hit a three-run homer off Paul Sewald with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to give the Astros a 7-5 win. That changed the Astros' win expectancy from nine percent to 100. But, of course, it was Game 1 of the ALDS.

Honorable Mention

2010 NLDS Game 1: Roy Halladay’s no-hitter in postseason debut

The Blue Jays never reached the playoffs in Halladay’s 12 seasons in Toronto, so the 33-year-old, who was about to win his second Cy Young Award in his first season with the Phillies, was making his postseason debut when he faced the Reds to start the 2010 NLDS. What followed was his second no-hitter of the year (the first was also a perfect game), as he allowed just a single walk to the Reds.

10) 1921 World Series Game 8: Art Nehf shuts out Yankees

Yes, Game 8, as this was the fourth and final World Series to use a best-of-nine format. The New York Giants’ starter, Nehf, was matched up with Waite Hoyt for the third time after losing Game 2 by a 3-0 score and game 5 by a 3-1 margin. This time, Nehf got the better of the future Hall of Famer in a 1-0 game, ending the series with the Giants winning 5-3. It helped a bit that Babe Ruth was limited to a pinch-hitting appearance by a bad knee.

9) 1999 ALDS Game 5: Troy O’Leary & Pedro Martinez finish off Cleveland

Pick either. After losing the first two games of the best-of-five series, the Red Sox stormed back to take Games 3 and 4 by 9-3 and 23-7 margins. Game 5 was setting up as another shootout, with Cleveland leading 8-7 after three in spite of O’Leary’s grand slam in the third. That’s when Martinez, who had been forced to leave Game 1 with a shoulder problem, took over. He pitched six hitless innings with eight strikeouts, and O’Leary hit a second homer, a three-run shot, to break an 8-8 tie in the seventh. The seven RBI from O’Leary is still tied for the postseason record.

8) 1967 World Series Game 7: Bob Gibson goes distance, homers in win

Gibson didn't really need to homer off Boston's Jim Lonborg, who was also going for third win of the World Series, to pull off the Game 7 victory here, but it was the cherry on top. Gibson won Games 1, 4 and 7 in the series, allowing a total of three runs in his three complete games.

7) 1977 World Series Game 6: Reggie Jackson hits three home runs

With the Yankees trying to close out the Dodgers, the newly coined “Mr. October” made sure the nickname would stick, homering on all three of his swings in an 8-4 win. Jackson walked in his first plate appearance and scored on a homer from Chris Chambliss. He then homered in the fourth, fifth and eighth, plating a total of five runs in the 8-4 victory.

6) 1956 World Series Game 5: Don Larsen’s perfect game

Larsen had allowed nine runs -- five earned -- over 5 2/3 innings in two career postseason appearances for the Yankees when he suddenly turned in one of the most famous performances of all-time in the 1956 World Series, pitching a perfect game in a 2-0 win over the Dodgers. Facing a lineup loaded with five future Hall of Famers, he struck out seven while going 27 up and 27 down. It was the only ever postseason no-hitter until Halladay’s in the 2010 NLCS.

5) 1962 World Series Game 7: Ralph Terry downs Giants in Game 7

Mickey Mantle versus Willie Mays turned out to be a dud, as both superstars struggled in the second and final World Series matchup (both were rookies when the Yankees and Giants previously met in 1951). Terry, in his one and only All-Star campaign, turned out to be the difference maker. After taking a tough 2-0 loss in Game 2, he went the distance in a 5-3 victory in Game 5 and then hurled a shutout in Game 7, with Willie McCovey lining out to second baseman Bill Richardson to end a 1-0 game.

4) 2011 World Series Game 6: David Freese ties it, wins it against Rangers

A rather anonymous regular until this point, Freese had already put together a whopper of a postseason by the time the Cardinals-Rangers World Series got to Game 6. He went 0-for-3 with a walk in his first four plate appearances that night, but he had a two-run triple over Nelson Cruz’s head to tie game in the ninth and then a walkoff homer in the bottom of the 11th to send the series to Game 7. He had a two-run double in that one, too, as the Cardinals won the championship. In all, he hit .397 with five homers, eight doubles and 21 RBI in 18 postseason games.

3) 2025 NLCS Game 4: Shohei Ohtani homers three times, strikes out 10

Could anyone else do what Ohtani did in finishing off the Brewers? No, not a chance. He hit a ball out of Dodger Stadium and touched 100 mph on the radar gun twice, throwing the 11 hardest pitches of the game. Ohtani’s three-homer game was the 13th in postseason history, and he struck out 10 over six scoreless innings in the 5-1 victory. Ranking his performance on a list like this just comes down to how much one wants to weigh leverage. If Ohtani had been mediocre with a 3-0 series lead in the NLCS, the Dodgers still might have won the game and almost certainly would have won the series. That’s not the case with most of these other candidates.

2) 2014 World Series Game 7: Madison Bumgarner closes out stellar series

About the closest anyone has ever come to winning a World Series by himself, Bumgarner entered Game 7 against the Royals having already pitched seven innings of one-run ball in Game 1 and a complete-game shutout in Game 5. Going into Game 7, it was figured that he might have one or two innings in him on two-days rest, but he took the ball to begin the fifth for the Giants and never gave it up, throwing five scoreless innings to finish off a 3-2 victory.

1) 1991 World Series Game 7: Jack Morris outlasts John Smoltz in 1-0 win

The performance that made him a Hall of Famer. Morris, in his lone year with the Twins, won Game 1 against the Braves and then took a no-decision in his first matchup with Smoltz in Game 4, which Atlanta went on to win. Game 7 saw both pitchers work on three days’ rest, and Smoltz was incredible for 7 1/3 innings in the scoreless duel. Morris, meanwhile, kept plugging along, throwing 10 scoreless innings before Gene Larkin singled in Dan Gladden to give the Twins the title. No one since has pitched more than nine innings in a postseason game.

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Canadiens Star Enjoying Nice Hot Streak

Nick Suzuki (© Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)

While the Montreal Canadiens lost their last game to the New York Rangers by a 4-3 final score, there is no question that they are still having a strong start to the 2025-26 season. At the time of this writing, they have a 4-2-0 record and are second in the Atlantic Division.

When looking at the Canadiens' roster, there is no question that captain Nick Suzuki is standing out in a positive way. In six games so far this season, Suzuki has scored one goal and leads the team with seven assists. Furthermore, his eight points on the year have him tied for first on the Canadiens with Cole Caufield.

Suzuki has also been very consistent offensively early on, as he is currently on a five-game point streak. This includes him putting together a three-assist night against the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 11. 

With this, there is no question that the Suzuki is making an impact right now for the Canadiens. It will be interesting to see how the 26-year-old center builds on his hot start to the year from here. 

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‘For sure, the chance is there’: Max Verstappen hopeful he can retain F1 title

  • World champion powers to US Grand Prix win in Austin

  • Verstappen now 40 points behind leader Oscar Piastri

Max Verstappen is convinced that he is now very much in the fight for the world championship after his victory at the US Grand Prix. Following a dominant win in Austin the Red Bull driver was adamant he could still yet take his fifth title and was enthused at the chance to do so.

Verstappen won with a flawless drive from pole to flag at the Circuit of the Americas, and in so doing narrowed the gap to the championship leader Oscar Piastri to 40 points. In what is now a three-way title battle Lando Norris, who took second place, is just 14 points off Piastri.

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Rookie Emmitt Finnie's Two Goals Help Red Wings Win Fifth Straight Game

The Detroit Red Wings have firmly placed the bad memories of their disappointing 5-1 setback against the Montreal Canadiens in their Home Opener in the rear view mirror, having now won five consecutive games since then. 

The Red Wings bested the visiting Edmonton Oilers by a 4-2 final score on Sunday afternoon, and once again, it was a Red Wings rookie stepping up his performance and helping his club earn a valuable two points in the standings.

Forward Emmitt Finnie, one of three rookies who made the final cut for the Red Wings out of Training Camp and the pre-season, scored his first two career NHL goals as part of the win. 

The Red Wings are now 5-1 through the first six games of their centennial campaign and have not only overtaken the Canadiens for first place in the Atlantic Division, but are also tied with the Carolina Hurricanes for top spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Finnie cleaned up a rebound of a shot by teammate Jacob Bernard-Docker and beat Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner for the milestone tally:

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

He also helped seal the victory by depositing the puck into the vacated Oilers net with Skinner on the bench for an extra attacker as Edmonton was pressing for what would have been the tying marker. 

He's the second rookie to light the lamp in as many games for the Red Wings, as Axel Sandin-Pellikka had scored his first career NHL goal in the previous game, a 2-1 overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday evening. 

Finnie now has two goals and three assists on the season, putting him in a three-way tie with Matthew Schaefer and Zeev Buium for the lead in rookie points. 

The Red Wings also got a pair of goals from Dylan Larkin, who broke the scoreless tie by one-timing a pass from Ben Chiarot past Skinner from the slot and added another tally shortly after Finnie's goal. 

Edmonton countered with goals from Noah Philp and Leon Draisaitl. 

Red Wings' Rookie Emmitt Finnie Scores First NHL Goal vs. Oilers Red Wings' Rookie Emmitt Finnie Scores First NHL Goal vs. Oilers Only one game after fellow rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka buried his first goal in the NHL, Emmitt Finnie has now done the same on Sunday afternoon against the Edmonton Oilers.

Red Wings goaltender John Gibson was victorious in his second straight start, stopping 16 of 18 shots that he faced. Skinner stopped 20 shots in a losing effort. 

Detroit played without Patrick Kane, who was shaken up after crashing into the boards in overtime of Friday's game. 

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From oops to aahs, Jaxson Hayes and Lakers work to catch more of Luka Doncic's passes

Lakers center Jaxson Hayes reacts to a play during a preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 15 in Las Vegas
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes reacts to a play during a preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 15 in Las Vegas. (Candice Ward / Getty Images)

Lakers center Jaxson Hayes avoided major injury on his right wrist after a hard fall in Friday’s preseason finale as X-rays taken after the game came back negative and an MRI scan revealed what Hayes on Sunday called "a light sprain."

The 7-footer missed the second half of Friday’s exhibition game with a right wrist contusion after he caught a lob from Luka Doncic and was bumped in the air while jamming a two-handed dunk in the first quarter. He stayed in the game for the second quarter and expects to be ready for Tuesday’s regular-season opener against the Golden State Warriors.

“Being a dummy,” Hayes said after practice Sunday of how he got hurt on the play. “I shouldn't have tried to catch myself, should've just fallen."

Hayes scored six points in the preseason loss to the Sacramento Kings, all on soaring dunks. He and Doncic connected on Hayes’ first basket of the game as they were playing together in the preseason for the first time.

Read more:Luka Doncic sharp again, but Kings rally to beat Lakers

Doncic’s wizardry in the pick-and-roll makes him an athletic rim-running center’s dream as the crafty point guard drops passes from every imaginable angle. But in Doncic’s first training camp with the Lakers since last year’s midseason trade, players, including new center Deandre Ayton are still adjusting to Doncic’s passes.

While coach JJ Redick said he was happy with the Lakers’ 28 assists to 10 turnovers in the preseason game against the Kings, he estimated the team missed seven assist opportunities because of misfired lobs or overly complicated passes.

“For all bigs and point guards, when you start playing with a new big or a new point guard, it's a learning period,” Hayes said. “You just learn how they like their screens. You learn how they like you to roll to the hoop. It's just little things. You learn where they like to pass you the ball. … It's just those guys [Doncic and Ayton] are figuring each other out, just like me and Luka did last year."

The chemistry between Hayes and Doncic has gotten so strong that Hayes is being recruited to join the Slovenian national team and said he is working on getting a Slovenian passport. He and Doncic are both clients of agent Bill Duffy, and Doncic and his family have been involved in the process for about a year and half, Hayes said.

Lakers guard Luka Doncic looks up the floor while dribbling during a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 14.
Lakers guard Luka Doncic looks up the floor while dribbling during a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 14. (Kelsey Grant / Getty Images)

Hayes watched Slovenia’s run to the quarterfinals in EuroBasket with a careful eye knowing that joining the team could be a possibility for him in the future. FIBA allows each national team to have one naturalized player, which the international basketball governing body defines as a player who obtains their passport for that country after turning 16.

Hayes said he had hopes of representing the United States, but USA Basketball does not have open tryouts for senior national teams.

“I wanted to just play on that stage,” Hayes said. “So I'm going do whatever it takes to play on that stage."

Etc.

The Lakers cut down their roster to 14 standard contract players on Saturday, waiving RJ Davis, Augustas Marciulionis, Anton Watson and Nate Williams after training camp officially ended. The team kept center Christian Koloko and guards Chris Manon and Nick Smith Jr. on two-way contracts. ... Manon was nursing an ankle injury during training camp but was a full participant in practice on Sunday. Bronny James (ankle) and rookie Adou Thiero (knee) went through a modified workout.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Marchand's Meltdown Was Embarrassing And Should've Led To Greater Punishment

On Saturday, Florida Panthers left winger Brad Marchand took exception to an unwarranted cross-check from Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.

Marchand tackled Dahlin, throwing haymakers as Dahlin crouched down and shielded himself from Marchand’s fists.

In and of itself, the dust-up wasn’t different than your garden-variety NHL scuffle. One guy decides another guy has gone too far, so he attacks him. We’ve seen it before, and we’ll see it again. 

However, there is a little more to this because it was well after the two players were physically separated when Marchand took things to an embarrassing level.

After he entered the penalty box, it became clear on the broadcast that he was holding onto Dahlin’s helmet. Marchand then proceeded to rip apart the helmet with his bare hands. In response, Dahlin laughed and appeared to call Marchand a clown.

In this writer’s point of view, Dahlin wasn’t inaccurate in calling Marchand that name. This was a dubious act that would be comical if it weren’t such a stain on the sport.

Ultimately, Marchand’s petty tantrum didn’t do any damage to anyone other than himself and the game. Additionally, it cost Marchand $5,000 after the league fined him on Sunday for his actions.

Panthers’ Marchand Fined $5,000 For His Actions Against Dahlin And The SabresPanthers’ Marchand Fined $5,000 For His Actions Against Dahlin And The SabresBrad Marchand received a $5,000 fine for his actions against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, attacking Rasmus Dahlin and vandalizing his helmet.

You don’t see nonsense like this take place in other professional sports leagues.

Imagine what would happen in pro tennis if one player destroyed all the tennis rackets of their opponent.

Think of the reaction in the MLB if a pitcher ran into his opponent’s dugout and started breaking all their baseball bats over his knee.

These are hypothetical situations, but it would be shocking if those leagues didn’t severely punish someone who degraded any notion of sportsmanlike conduct the way Marchand did in Saturday's game against the Sabres.

Indeed, Marchand’s actions landed him an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty – and the Sabres made him and the Panthers pay for it by scoring one of their goals in a 3-0 Buffalo win.

Brad Marchand (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

To add to the two minor penalties the Florida left winger received on the play, Marchand should’ve been hit with an additional delay of game penalty, as it took upwards of five minutes for Dahlin to find a helmet replacement that worked for him so that the game could resume. 

You can make the argument that the situations can occur in a contact sport. But the truth is, what Marchand did doesn't happen in the highly physical NFL. And if it did, there's no doubt there’d be a major penalty handed out on the spot.

Therefore, Marchand should count himself lucky that all he got was a supplemental-discipline penalty that amounted to a financial pittance to him.

What’s most disappointing is that we thought Marchand was past these sorts of antics. We’re not saying he’d become a magnanimous ambassador for hockey. But these are the kinds of actions Marchand used to be known for early in his NHL career. And on Saturday, his behavior slipped backward in a way that does nobody any good.

Sabres Beat Panthers For Second Straight Win -- But Hard Work For Buffalo Is Just BeginningSabres Beat Panthers For Second Straight Win -- But Hard Work For Buffalo Is Just BeginningDoan ignites offense, Lyon shines in net as Sabres build crucial momentum. But the pressure remains for sustained success.

At this point in his career, Marchand should know better. He can go after anyone he wants, but nowhere in hockey’s ‘code’ does it state it’s appropriate for one player to lose their marbles over a check – even if the check is borderline dirty. 

In failing to show so much as a modicum of discipline, Marchand failed himself and the Panthers. If Marchand’s actions show anything, it’s that, after all these years of NHL experience, he can still be lured into taking hot-headed actions that ultimately hurt his team. 

If he wants to be seen as a leader in Florida, he's going to have to comport himself better than that. 

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Results and Takeaways: Poor Execution And Missed Chances Doom Oilers in Detroit

An out-of-sync Edmonton Oilers team was looking to get back on track as they took on the Detroit Red Wings in a Sunday matinee. They wanted a better start and a 60-minute effort, things that have eluded them against the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils. 

They didn't get it as the Oilers were not at the top of their game for 50 minutes. The push from Edmonton came late in the third, but it was too late to produce the desired result. 

McDavid remains without a goal and didn't get on the scoresheet for the Oilers. Draisaitl, when asked by @DNBsports about what's gone wrong with the offense, responded, "You can't win scoring 1-2 goals a game. It's me, I'm certainly not feeling it. Take a look in the mirror and figure out a way to get going."  

First Period:

The first quality chance of the game came for Detroit after another turnover, with Andrew Copp firing a clean look that Ilya Skinner stopped with a solid save.

Connor McDavid had an opportunity coming down the slot but again opted to pass. The attempted feed to Andrew Mangiapane failed, resulting in a turnover and another chance for Detroit — though they couldn’t capitalize.

Skinner then made a strong save on Alex DeBrincat to keep the game scoreless.

Ike Howard had his first real opportunity with a one-timer, but the puck bounced awkwardly, and he mishandled the shot — the kind of look Howard needs to capitalize on if he's going to keep a spot in the lineup. 

The line of Trent Frederic, Philip, and Kasperi Kapanen showed some chemistry, cycling effectively in the offensive zone and creating pressure. There weren't many dangerous chances to show for it. 

Around the 18-minute mark, McDavid was pulled down on a play that went uncalled. Detroit quickly transitioned, but Mattias Ekholm made a smart play to break up the rush.

First Period Takeaways

Overall, the first period felt a bit choppy, but both teams managed several good scoring chances. There were no goals after one period. Skinner has looked solid so far. McDavid continues to pass up opportunities to shoot. It's baffling after he said in September, “I want to prove that scoring 50 or 60 is not a one-off. I've had 50 goals, and I've had 100 assists, and I like the goals a little bit more.”

The Oilers only had three shots on goal. 

McDavid tried to dangle through the Red Wings. There's still thought he needs to shoot more for the Oilers. Photo by:  © Rick Osentoski  Imagn Images

Second Period:

Evan Bouchard fired a shot that deflected wide but bounced off the end boards and slid back through the crease, giving the Oilers a brief look. It was a perfect example of why simply getting pucks on net can create opportunities.

Kasperi Kapanen left the game after missing a hit in the corner and crashing hard into the boards. He appeared to injure his hip and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

At the 9:51 mark of the second period, a faceoff win by the Red Wings set up Dylan Larkin in the slot, and he ripped a one-timer past Stuart Skinner to open the scoring, 1–0 Detroit.

Shortly after the goal, Jack Roslovic drew a tripping penalty to give Edmonton a power play. Matt Savoie took net-front duties as the Oilers managed a few decent looks, including a dangerous shot from Connor McDavid, but John Gibson held firm. Just as the power play expired, the Red Wings struck again — rookie forward Emmitt Finnie buried a rebound for his first NHL goal, extending Detroit’s lead to 2–0.

The Oilers finally responded when Vasily Podkolzin tossed a puck toward the net and Noah Philp tipped it in for his second goal in as many games, cutting the deficit to 2–1. It was a greasy goal, but they all count.

Moments later, Finnie crashed the crease on Skinner, drawing a response from Mattias Ekholm. At the other end, Ben Chiarot shoved Roslovic into Gibson, but neither play resulted in a penalty.

Savoie had another solid chance in tight, but Gibson stood tall again.

With just under three minutes left in the period, Larkin fired another puck toward the net. With Finnie and Ekholm battling in front, Skinner was screened and caught mid-movement as the shot slipped past him. It was another simple play that paid off for Detroit, pushing their lead to 3–1 and halting any momentum Edmonton had built.

Second Period Takeaways

The Oilers are through 20 minutes with only 11 shots on goal. That's simply not enough. There are too many examples, even in just this game, where putting the puck on net can produce positive results. Now down two goals, Edmonton will have to dig itself out of another hole. 

Philp is showing the Oilers that he should be staying in the lineup. He's one of the few guys playing a simple and effective game. 

Third Period

The Oilers started the third with more turnovers near the offensive blue line which led to transition chances against. The Oilers' top stars were feeling it and clearly frustrated. The first shift for the top line resulted in absolutely nothing. 

Podkolzin was elevated to the top line in an attempt to get some energy and simple plays on goal. 

The Oilers finally executed on a nice play. Leon Draisaitl got a great passed from Brett Kulak. It was a tap-in for Draisaitl to get the Oilers back to within one. McDavid won't get an assist on the play, but he started the nice sequence of passes by finding Ekholm as the trailer. 

McDavid went in on a break wide and Gisbon stopped him. The Oilers were pushing a little after their second goal of the game. 

The top line came out for the Oilers and, on successive sequences, turned the puck over again at the offensive blue line. The game was going 12 minutes without a whistle, meaning time was starting to run out for the Oilers.  Draisaitl had a breakaway and lost the handle on the puck. 

The Oilers pulled Skinner, and the Red Wings scored to make it 4-2. Finnie got his second of the game. 

Final Takeaways:

The Oilers found some urgency in the last half of the third period, but it was too late. The execution, outside of the Draisaitl goal, just wasn't there.

 Skinner was solid again in the defeat, and Dylan Larkin was a weapon against the Oilers, putting up four points in the game. 

Finnie had two goals, which are his only two goals in the NHL. 

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Ex-Flyers Coach John Tortorella Recounts Golden Matvei Michkov Story

Given how things have started this season under Rick Tocchet, Philadelphia Flyers fans can certainly appreciate one of ex-coach John Tortorella's fondest memories of star forward Matvei Michkov.

Tortorella, 67, now works as an NHL analyst for ESPN, giving him a larger platform to openly share stories and experiences from his decorated coaching career.

The former Flyers coach, who coached Michkov in his rookie season last year, was covering a game between the San Jose Sharks and Utah Mammoth live in-studio when a too many men penalty, served by Will Smith at the end of the second period, prompted Tortorella to tell a great story about the Russian phenom.

"Michkov, with me in Philly, every time we had to put someone in the box for something like that, a delay or whatever it may be, he'd be burning a hole through me," Tortorella said of Michkov. "He wants to go in the penalty box hoping to get a breakaway when the power play's over or whatever it may be.

"Coaches think about that, too. You'd be surprised. There's a little bit of strategy involved in that. It's interesting."

The Sharks finished the period down 3-2 and ultimately lost 6-3 with Smith failing to score out of the box, but Tortorella's assessment is spot on, especially when the player serving the penalty won't be utilized on the penalty kill at all.

It's something Tortorella did with Joel Farabee and the Flyers a good amount in 2023-24, and continued with Michkov in 2024-25 before being relieved of his duties at the end of March.

Michkov, 20, could certainly use a goal like that at some point, too. In five games under Tocchet, his average ice time is sitting at 14:50, down nearly two minutes from his rookie season 16:41, most of which came under Tortorella.

Further compounding the issue is the fact that Michkov has just one goal - his only point - in those five games, and just seven shots on goal.

Matvei Michkov Says He Was 'Very Upset' When Flyers Fired John TortorellaMatvei Michkov Says He Was 'Very Upset' When Flyers Fired John TortorellaThe relationship between star <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> rookie Matvei Michkov and fired head coach John Tortorella was much better than many have made it out to be.

The gruff Tortorella often took a lot of heat for his treatment of Michkov and other players, which was often conflated with how the coach conducted himself, but this latest story shows that the 67-year-old maybe knew exactly what he was doing all along.