It’s time to mark another important anniversary in Florida Panthers history.

For this one, it was about as monumental as you can get.

At the time, it was probably the most euphoria felt by anyone associated with the Panthers organization in the team’s existence.

It’s almost unbelievable that it’s only been three years since May 24, 2023, when Florida hosted the Carolina Hurricanes for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

That entire 2023 run to the Stanley Cup Final was something special – from shocking the league by beating the historically good Boston Bruins to rolling over the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina during an incredible 11-1 stretch – nothing could compare to the way Matthew Tkachuk capped it off during Game 4 against the Hurricanes.

Entering play that Wednesday night, Florida had just won three straight one-goal games during the conference finals, including a pair of overtime victories in Raleigh.

Now they could smell the Stanley Cup Final and fueled by a first-minute goal by Anthony Duclair and a power play goal by Tkachuk, they were up 2-0 at the midway point of the opening period.

Carolina battled back, tying the game early in the second, and then again late in the third period when Jesper Fast lit the lamp at the 16:38 mark.

Just when it looked like a third game in six days would require more than sixty minutes, Jordan Staal took a tripping penalty with 57 seconds to go.

That led to Tkachuk finding the puck on his stick in the final seconds of regulation, simultaneously seizing the moment and causing a small earthquake in South Florida.

The play started with the puck on Sam Reinhart’s stick in the left circle and about 12.5 seconds on the clock. Reinhart wired a shot from the faceoff dot that went over Frederik Andersen’s blocker and off the crossbar, bouncing to Panthers captain Sasha Barkov at the bottom of the right circle.

Barkov then spotted Tkachuk open behind the net and fed him the puck with 6.7 to go.

With Sam Bennett tying up Brett Pesce in front of the net, Tkachuk circled to the top of the crease, made a quick deke to get Andersen to commit, and fired the puck his blocker and into the yawning cage.

Then, jubilation.

Tkachuk made a beeline for the blue line, mouthpiece dangling, arms extended in the air, sliding on his knees toward the neutral zone as he was consumed by his teammates.

Amerant Bank Arena had never been that alive.

Everyone had to briefly hold their breath when the goal was reviewed by officials, but all that did was allow fans a second moment of explosion when NHL referee Dan O’Rourke announced that the goal would stand.

What a moment.

Enjoy the goal and the series in the videos below.

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Photo caption: May 24, 2023; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at FLA Live Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

The Springfield Thunderbirds, the St. Louis Blues’ AHL affiliate, have had their season ended in the Calder Cup playoffs, suffering a defeat at the hands of the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins.

The Thunderbirds upset multiple teams in their path to the Atlantic Division final, and they pushed one of the AHL’s best teams to the brink, but in the end, the Penguins proved to be too much. 

The Thunderbirds forced a Game 5 with a 2-0 win in Game 4, but the Penguins jumped out early in Game 5.

The Penguins got out to a 4-0 lead after the first period, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Penguins added a fifth in the second period and a sixth early in the third before Akil Thomas was finally able to put the Thunderbirds on the board. Shortly after, the Thunderbirds added another pair of goals to make it 8-1.

Springfield’s season comes to an end, but there is plenty to be proud of. Adam Jiricek and Justin Carobonneau joined the lineup for the playoffs, picking up vital experience and making an impact. Jiricek and Carbonneau will be key factors for the Thunderbirds next season.

Additionally, top prospects Otto Stenberg and Theo Lindstein excelled following their stints in the NHL, proving they can be immediate factors to start the 2026-27 NHL season. 

The Penguins now move on to the conference finals, where they will take on the winner of the North Division finals between the Toronto Marlies and the Cleveland Monsters.

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On Sunday, the Vegas Golden Knights look to take a stranglehold 3-0 lead in the Western Conference Final over the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche.

Puck drop is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. PST. 

In Game 2, the Avalanche broke the ice late in the first period. Despite dominating in the second, they didn’t manage to put another past Carter Hart. In the third, the Golden Knights launched yet another comeback and struck twice in just over two minutes to stun the Avalanche and held on for a 3-1 win.

Carter Hart starts in goal for the Golden Knights. Hart has a record of 10-4 and an average save percentage of .924 in 14 games this postseason. 

Scott Wedgewood likely starts in goal for the Avalanche. Wedgewood has a record of 7-3 and an average save percentage of .912 in nine games this postseason. 

Because of the early puck drop, the Golden Knights did not hold a morning skate prior to Game 3. There will be no update on Mark Stone’s status until head coach John Tortorella’s media availability at 2:30.

Golden Knights Lines

Ivan Barbashev — Jack Eichel — Pavel Dorofeyev

Brett Howden — William Karlsson — Mitch Marner

Brandon Saad — Tomáš Hertl — Colton Sissons

Cole Smith — Nic Dowd — Keegan Kolesar

Defense

Brayden McNabb — Shea Theodore

Noah Hanifin — Rasmus Andersson

Kaedan Korczak — Dylan Coghlan

Goaltenders: Carter Hart / Adin Hill

Avalanche Lines

Gabriel Landeskog — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Nečas 

Artturi Lehkonen — Brock Nelson — Nicolas Roy

Ross Colton — Nazem Kadri — Valeri Nichushkin

Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Logan O’Connor

Defense

Devon Toews — Sam Malinski

Brett Kulak — Josh Manson

Brent Burns — Nick Blankenburg

Goaltenders: Scott Wedgewood / Mackenzie Blackwood 

Special Teams

VGK power play: 24.4%, 4th

VGK penalty kill: 86.0%, 6th

Avalanche power play: 24.1%, 5th

Avalanche penalty kill: 80.0%, T10th

Game Notes

The Golden Knights are 13-7 in Game 3s in franchise history.

Historically, teams that take a 3-0 series lead go on to win 98.2% of the time. 

Mitch Marner is the postseason leader in scoring with 19 points (7G, 12A). 

Pavel Dorofeyev leads the league with ten postseason goals. He is the fifth player in Golden Knights franchise history to record double-digit goals in one postseason. 

Jack Eichel leads the league in assists this postseason with 16.

How to Watch 

TV: ESPN

Radio: FOX Sports Las Vegas 94.7/1340

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Lane Hutson has been a key piece for the Montreal Canadiens during this playoff run, picking up an assist in seven of his past 10 games.

After being held off the scoresheet entirely in Carolina, my Hurricanes vs. Canadiens predictions like his chances of rebounding in Montreal.

Let's break down my NHL picks for Monday, May 25.

Hurricanes vs Canadiens Game 3 prediction

Hurricanes vs Canadiens best bet: Lane Hutson Over 0.5 assists (-150)

Lane Hutson is one of the league's most dynamic players, and his usage reflects that. Nobody on the Montreal Canadiensis playing more minutes, and nobody on the Canadiens is getting more offensive zone starts.

Head coach Martin St. Louis is doing his best to put Hutson in positions to create offense, and he is consistently delivering.

Hutson has recorded nine assists over his last 10 games and picked up a helper in four of his last five on home soil.

I expect Hutson to benefit from more favorable matchups in Montreal and see value in backing him up to -160.

Hurricanes vs Canadiens Game 3 same-game parlay

The Carolina Hurricanes are known for their suffocating pressure, but that hasn't impacted Cole Caufield. He has found the scoresheet in four of five games against the Hurricanes this season, including a multi-point effort in the series opener.

Caufield often shares the ice with Hutson at 5-on-5, and they play a lot of catch on the top power-play unit, making them strongly correlated.

Lastly, Hutson has blocked three or more shots in four straight vs. the Hurricanes. He is playing a ton, and the Hurricanes shoot more frequently than anybody, giving him a high floor and ceiling.

Hurricanes vs Canadiens SGP

• Lane Hutson Over 0.5 assists
• Cole Caufield Over 0.5 points
• Lane Hutson Over 1.5 blocked shots

Hurricanes vs Canadiens odds for Game 3

• Moneyline: Hurricanes -130 | Canadiens +110
• Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+185) | Canadiens +1.5 (-225)
• Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-130) | Under 5.5 (+110)

Hurricanes vs Canadiens trend

Lane Hutson has eight assists over his last eight games. Find more NHL betting trends for Hurricanes vs. Canadiens.

How to watch Hurricanes vs Canadiens Game 3

Hurricanes vs Canadiens latest injuries

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It'd be foolish to pretend that the Toronto Maple Leafs would consider drafting anyone other than Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg with the first overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL draft.

However, with all the prospect analysts across the hockey community, sometimes there are different conclusions and opinions.

That's the case with The Athletic's Corey Pronman, who ranked defenseman Chase Reid No. 1 in a prospects tier ranking.

It's an unpopular opinion, and Pronman admitted that himself. But that doesn't diminish Reid's potential to be a top defenseman in the NHL, and the Maple Leafs have needed a player like that for quite some time.

In fact, the last two defensemen that the Maple Leafs have selected in the top 10 of a draft were Morgan Rielly in 2012 and Luke Schenn in 2008.

Reid, a Chesterfield, Mich., native, has spent the past couple of seasons in the OHL with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He had impressive campaigns in each of those seasons, posting at least 40 points.

This past year, Reid recorded 18 goals, finishing fifth in the OHL in that category among defensemen, and 48 points in 45 appearances for the Greyhounds. He led Sault Ste. Marie blueliners in scoring, and tied for the team lead in plus-minus with a plus-27 rating.

Maple Leafs 2026 NHL Draft Pick: The Case For Gavin McKennaThe Toronto Maple Leafs are privileged to own the first-overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL draft. With debate as to who they should select with that pick, here is the case for Gavin McKenna

The right-handed defenseman helped push the Greyhounds to the second round of the OHL playoffs, putting up three goals and six points in 10 post-season contests. 

They earned a 4-1 series win over the London Knights in the first round, but later fell to the eventual OHL champions, the Kitchener Rangers, in five games the following round.

Reid also made an appearance at the World Junior Championship for Team USA, scoring two goals and four points in five games.

Pronman compared Reid's style of play to Florida Panthers D-man Seth Jones and rated his hockey sense, compete, and shot as above average.

Maple Leafs 2026 NHL Draft Pick: The Case For Ivar StenbergIt's not guaranteed that Gavin McKenna will be selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the first overall pick. Swedish star Ivar Stenberg has proven to many that he would be just as great a pick as anyone to lead the 2026 NHL draft.

"Reid is a talented defenseman with a lot of offensive tools," Pronman wrote. "He has the speed, hands, vision and shot to generate chances and be a leading scorer for an NHL team.

"Reid isn't overly physical, but he works hard enough and makes plenty of stops due to his reach, feet and compete level even while playing an aggressive style of play offensively," Pronman wrote.

He also added that Reid is projected to be a major minute-muncher in the NHL and someone who can run a team's top power-play unit from the point.

Furthermore, the 6-foot-2 blueliner is ranked No. 2 for North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He's committed to Michigan State University, meaning he'll be playing in the NCAA next season.

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While the Senators’ 2020 draft class is remembered for producing name brands like Tim Stützle, Jake Sanderson, Ridly Greig and Tyler Kleven, one under-the-radar member of that group just put together the best professional season of his career in Belleville.

Philippe Daoust had plenty to feel good about in 2025-26, putting up career highs in games played (63), goals (14), assists (36), and points (50).

It was his best pro season in all categories by a country mile, more than doubling his previous personal bests in goals, assists, and points.

He finished fifth on Belleville’s team scoring list and gave himself a legitimate shot at getting back onto an NHL contract for next season and beyond after spending this past year on an AHL deal.

The Barrie, Ontario native developed excellent chemistry alongside linemates Xavier Bourgault and Arthur Kaliyev on what he describes as one of the best lines in the AHL. But he also emerged as one of the team’s leaders in a young dressing room. His efforts were recognized by the team when he was named Belleville’s 2025-26 Coaches’ Choice Award winner.

The last time Daoust hit 50 points was in tier 2 junior, playing for the French River Rapids in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.

“Yeah, it's good,” Daoust told Belleville play-by-play man David Foote in a B-Sens YouTube interview. “Obviously, a little bit of a bump up, points-wise, than the year before. Yeah, I felt good and just happy I stayed healthy this year.”

After several injury-interrupted seasons early in his pro career, Daoust said consistency helped him finally find his game.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Daoust said. “I think, you know, you try not to think about it too much. I had some pretty rough past years, but the last few years have been good to me, and I think I've developed my game quite a bit, and obviously, that's just by me playing a lot of hockey.

“So I'm just glad to be back out there consistently and helping the team contribute.”

Selected 158th overall by Ottawa in the sixth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, this season wasn’t just his strongest statement as a prospect, it was probably his first. 

But the next challenge is a new deal. After seeing his NHL contract expire, Daoust says it would be nice to land an NHL deal this summer.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Daoust said. “I think it was a little bit of a 'prove it' year for me. So I think I did well and kind of opened some eyes up there. I just play my game, try to just stay steady and consistent, and I think I did that this year.

“I’m ready to have another big year next year.”

For a player who entered the season well off Ottawa's future radar, Phillippe Daoust may have finally forced his way back into the discussion as an NHL prospect, if not here, then somewhere else.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This story was originally published at The Hockey News Ottawa Senators site. Click on the latest headlines below to read the latest stories there:

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While Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen was a big part of the reason why Rob Brind’Amour’s men swept their first two series, he has been having difficulties against the Montreal Canadiens in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Final.

On Saturday night, the Canadiens had only 12 shots on goal through 60 minutes, yet they managed to beat Andersen twice to force overtime. Before the start of round three, the netminder had a .950 save percentage in the Cane’s eight wins. In two games against the Canadiens, however, he has struggled. In Game 1, he gave up five goals on 21 shots for a .762 SV. In Game 2, he surrendered two goals on just 12 shots for a .833 SV.

Did Star Canadiens Defenseman Suffer An Injury On Scary Play In OT?
Canadiens Lose To Hurricanes, Who Were The Better Team On The Night
Canadiens Goalie Makes Another NHL Trade Board

Clearly, he’s not doing as well as he was in the first two rounds, and the Canadiens have to capitalize on that. It won’t be easy to do if the Habs don’t shoot more often. Martin St-Louis’ men tend to go for quality over quantity when it comes to shots, but they may want to reconsider in this series.

The more shots they put on net, the better their odds of beating Andersen, who’s clearly doubting himself. On at least three occasions on Saturday night, the Canes’ netminder checked behind himself after making a save, clearly wondering if the puck got past him.

Granted, taking a lot of shots against Carolina is easier said than done, but that’s an adjustment Martin St-Louis and his coaching staff have got to make in this series. Making the most of Andersen’s shaky play will be key if the Canadiens are to get through to the Stanley Cup Final.

Despite Andersen having two difficult games to start the series, it would be surprising to see Rod Brind’Amour go with his backup for Game 3, but if the trend continues, he may just do so, and the Canadiens have to strike fast.

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NEWS & NOTES

2026 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: John KlingbergKlingberg just finished a one-year deal with San Jose that paid him $4,000,000.

Target: John Klingberg - Defense - 34 Years Old - 12 Years of Experience

Klingberg was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the 5th round of the 2010 NHL Draft. After his time in Dallas, he signed with Anaheim in 2022. Since then, he's been with a different club every season. He went from the Ducks to the Wild in a trade on March 3, 2023. He then signed in Toronto in 2023, Edmonton in 2024, and then last season with San Jose. 

Blue Jackets Urged To Sign Sabres Star In Free AgencyShould the Blue Jackets look to make a big splash and sign Alex Tuch this summer?

In a recent article for The Athletic, Aaron Portzline argued that the Blue Jackets should try to bring in Alex Tuch if he hits the free-agent market this summer and if they end up losing Mason Marchment or Boone Jenner.   

Blue Jackets Have Free-Agent Target To Consider In Sharks DefenderThe Blue Jackets should consider pursuing this Sharks defenseman if he hits the free-agent market this summer.

This year's free agent class has some interesting potential options for the Blue Jackets to consider. One specific pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) who stands out as an interesting potential target for the Blue Jackets is San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro.

Is Mason Marchment's Time Over In Columbus?Marchment was undrafted out of Uxbridge, Ontario. He was traded to the CBJ on December 19, 2025.

Much like Coyle, he could probably get a few more bucks and term in Columbus, should he want to stay. But does he want to stay? He seemed to thrive in Columbus after having a not-so-good time in Seattle. At media day after the season, though, Marchment sounded noncommittal and said he would let his agent and Waddell get something done if something came up. 

2026 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Teddy BluegerBlueger comes from the same town in Latvia as current Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins, Riga.

Target: Teddy Blueger - Center - 31 Years Old - 8 Years of Experience 

Teddy Blueger was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2nd round of the 2012 NHL Draft. After spending five years in Pittsburgh, he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights on March 1, 2023, to help them with their Stanley Cup run. That summer, he signed with Vancouver, where he scored 23 goals in three seasons. 

REPORT: Ivan Fedotov Leaves Cleveland For RussiaThe Athletic's Aaron Portzline reported today, and THN Columbus confirmed, that Cleveland Monsters goalie Ivan Fedotov has left Cleveland and has returned to his home country of Russia. 

The Athletic's Aaron Portzline reported today, and THN Columbus confirmed, that Cleveland Monsters goalie Ivan Fedotov has left Cleveland and has returned to his home country of Russia. 

The reason for his return is due to an undisclosed injury. He is currently not listed on the roster. 

2 Blue Jackets Featured On New Trade BoardCould the Blue Jackets look to trade these two players over the summer?

Hockey 24/7's Frank Seravalli released his latest trade board for the 2026 NHL off-season. Two Columbus Blue Jackets were featured on it, as forward Kent Johnson and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins made the cut.  

2026 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Bobby McMannMcMann was undrafted out of Wainwright, Alberta, Canada, and played four years at Colgate University.

Target: Bobby McMann - Center - 30 Years Old - 4 Years of Experience 

Bobby McCann went undrafted and made his NHL debut during the 2023-24 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. McMann played four years at Colgate University before signing as a free agent with Toronto on April 29, 2022. He was traded to the Seattle Kraken on March 6, 2026. 

DRAFT PROSPECTS

CBJ Draft Day Targets: J.P. HurlbertHurlbert has been compared to Brock Boeser.

Target: J.P. Hurlbert - Allen, TX, USA

Height/Weight: 5'11.75" - 183bs. 

2026 Team: Univ. of Michigan - NCAA

Position: Right Shot Forward

2025-26 Stats With Kamloops Blazers of the WHL: 42g-55a-97 pts in 68 games. He also played 18 games of international play and had 33 points. 

THN Ranking: 11th - Kennedy, 41th - Ferrari

NHL Central Scouting: Ranked 12th among North American Skaters

CBJ Draft Day Targets: Malte GustafssonMalte Gustafsson is widely compared to NHL defensemen Kaiden Guhle and Braden Schneider.

Target: Malte Gustafsson - Väckelsång, SWE

Height/Weight: 6'4.25" - 200bs. 

2026 Team: HV71 - SHL

Position: Left Shot Defenseman

2025-26 Stats With HV71: He had 3 points in 27 games in Swedens top league. With HV71 U20, he had 12 points in 19 games. 

THN Ranking: 19th - Kennedy, 6th - Ferrari

NHL Central Scouting: Ranked 7th among International Skaters

CBJ Draft Day Targets: Tynan LawrenceLawrence has been compared to Sebastian Aho, Nick Suzuki, and Dylan Larkin.

Target: Tynan Lawrence - Fredericton, NB, CAN

Height/Weight: 6'0.5" - 185 lbs. 

2026 Team: Boston University 

Position: Left Shot Center

2025-26 Stats With Muskegon Lumberjacks and Boston University: He had 17 points in 13 games with Muskegon, and 7 points in 18 games as a freshman at BU.

THN Ranking: 8th - Kennedy, 4th - Ferrari

NHL Central Scouting: Ranked 7th among North American Skaters

CBJ Draft Day Targets: Daxon RudolphRudolph has been compared to Aaron Ekblad and Brock Faber.

Target: Daxon Rudolph - Lacombe, AB, CAN

Height/Weight: 6'2" - 202 lbs. 

2026 Team:  Prince Albert Raiders - WHL  

Position: Right Shot Defense

2025-26 Stats With Prince Albert Raiders: He had 28 goals, 58 assists, and 78 points in 68 games. He also had 27 points in 19 playoff games. 

THN Ranking: 9th - Kennedy, 54th - Ferrari

NHL Central Scouting: Ranked 5th among North American Skaters

CBJ Draft Day Targets: Juho PiiparinenPiiparinen has been compared to Brock Faber, Aaron Ekblad, and Chris Tanev.

Target: Juho Piiparinen - Lahti, FIN

Height/Weight: 6'1" - 201 lbs. 

2026 Team: Tappara - LIIGA

Position: Right Shot Defense

2025-26 Stats With Tappara: He had 3 points in 29 games. For U20 Tappara, he had 13 points in 15 games. 

THN Ranking: 24th - Kennedy, 25th - Ferrari

NHL Central Scouting: Ranked 6th among International Skaters. 

Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14.    

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Shea Theodore has piled up the shots in Vegas, going Over his 1.5 total in eight of the past 10 home games.

My Avalanche vs. Golden Knights props and NHL picks expect the volume to remain strong in Game 3.

Be sure to also read our Avalanche vs. Golden Knights predictions for Sunday, May 24.

Best Avalanche vs Golden Knights props for Game 3

Player	Pick
Martin Necas	Over 0.5 assists	-115
Shea Theodore	Over 1.5 shots	-150
Noah Hanifin	Over 1.5 blocked shots	-150

Game 3 Prop #1: Martin Necas Over 0.5 assists (-115)

Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog rank first and second on the Colorado Avalanche in scoring chances during the playoffs and in this series.

MacKinnon is a high-volume shooter who will spray from all over the offensive zone, whereas Landeskog takes more of a quality over quantity approach at the net-front.

Somebody needs to get those scoring threats the puck, and that is a job Martin Necas has done admirably all playoffs — he leads the team in assists and primary assists.

I'm backing him to add to his total in Game 3, and see value in doing so up to -125.

Game 3 Prop #2: Shea Theodore Over 1.5 shots (-150)

Shea Theodore has attempted shots at a consistently healthy rate during the playoffs, recording at least four in 10 of his last 11 games — including the first two of this series.

He has a remarkably strong track record when taking four or more shot attempts. Theodore has cleared 1.5 shots on goal in 74% of his games hitting that benchmark, and 84% on home soil.

He generates a lot of his volume from the right point, and the Avalanche ranked 24th in defending that shooting zone this season. I'm backing Theodore to take advantage and would bet to -170.

Game 3 Prop #3: Noah Hanifin Over 1.5 blocked shots (-150)

Noah Hanifin has mostly paired with Rasmus Andersson since the latter was acquired by the Vegas Golden Knights. They've largely been used in a defensive role, starting plenty of shifts in their own zone.

Hanifin's blocked shot output has spiked in kind. He has blocked multiple shots in 61% of his home games since the trade, a far cry from the 30% prior.

Hanifin recorded at least two blocks in 13 of his last 19 in Vegas and seven of his past nine. I like him to fill the shooting lanes against a desperate Avalanche team, and would bet it up to -170.

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