Author: NHL Hockey News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

While the NHL teams at the bottom of their divisions won’t have a playoff spot to compete for this season, they do have something to battle for.

These final games are important for the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers to set the stage for taking a big step next season. Ending this season with promise should bring a lot of promise into the summer and next campaign.

With that in mind, let’s rank these teams to see who’s most likely to take the biggest step ahead in 2025-26. In order of the most competitive to the least:

1. Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres were supposed to do big things this season, but they failed miserably. 

GM Kevyn Adams traded up-and-coming center Dylan Cozens for pivot Josh Norris from the Ottawa Senators at the trade deadline. But otherwise, Adams has re-invested in his lineup, and they’ve got a whopping $23 million in cap space next year.

That said, Buffalo’s youngsters must continue developing for the rest of this season so that the Sabres know they can count on them as they alter their roster this summer. That goes for up-and-comers Bowen Byram, J.J. Peterka, Jack Quinn and Peyton Krebs, but No. 1 draft picks Owen Power and Rasmus Dahlin must also produce positive results. 

The Sabres already moved Cozens, so any other youngsters could become trade bait in exchange for more proven players with experience who can lead the team for years to come. So there’s a lot on the line for the Sabres and their players in their final stretch of games, and that will give fans something to be invested in.

Buffalo Sabres Show Something They Lacked For Most Of The SeasonThe Buffalo Sabres haven’t had many signs of hope this season – but the way they won Saturday is one of them.

2. Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers lost six of their last seven games to sink to the Metropolitan Division’s basement. However, they’re just two points behind the seventh-place Pittsburgh Penguins, four points behind the sixth-place New York Islanders and six points behind the fifth-place Columbus Blue Jackets. So they’ve got a golden opportunity to take a sizeable step forward the rest of this season and next year.

Like the Sabres, the Flyers need significant internal improvement next year, so Philly GM Daniel Briere will be keeping a close eye on his assets – most notably, veterans like defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, who could be a trade candidate this off-season.

But the biggest thing to keep an eye on is Philly’s goaltending. Neither Samuel Ersson nor Ivan Fedotov stepped up to make the starter’s job their own for the future, and Briere could spend a good deal of his plentiful cap space on an experienced hand in net in 2025-26. But if Ersson or Fedotov has a good showing in the Flyers’ final games this spring, they could make a convincing case to get another chance again next season.

Flyers Vs. Penguins: Who Will Be Cup Contenders Sooner?Remember when the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins rivalry was arguably the best in the NHL, matching hated cross-state rivals who were usually among the league’s elite?

3. Chicago Blackhawks

Some believed the Blackhawks were set to jump higher in the Central Division ranks this season after acquiring veterans last summer, but reality put that notion to rest very quickly. Only the hapless San Jose Sharks have been worse than the Hawks – and to be frank, we don’t see Chicago moving higher in the ultra-competitive Central in 2025-26.

This isn’t to say the Blackhawks won’t show a bit of improvement. With star center Connor Bedard on board and Chicago’s younger players evolving into important NHLers, the Hawks almost assuredly won’t be as bad next season. They have one of the best chances of getting the No. 1-overall pick in this summer’s draft, and that likely won’t change, even if they go on a hot streak. That’s a nice spot for a rebuilding club to be in.

Ultimately, the Hawks’ youngsters are still at least another year away from being needle-movers in hockey’s top league. There will still be a lot of pain ahead for this Original Six franchise.

4. San Jose Sharks

As the NHL’s worst team, the Sharks have the furthest climb back to respectability. After trading many veterans, Sharks GM Mike Grier was open about being a buyer in free agency and trades this off-season. But the Sharks still on the roster have the rest of the season to persuade Grier to retain them.

A Sharks veteran whose future is unclear is star center Logan Couture, who’s missed all of this season – and all but six games last year – with a brutal groin injury. Couture is signed for two more seasons with a three-team trade list. 

Defenseman Mario Ferraro could have also been traded this season, but that didn’t materialize. A strong remainder of the year could boost Ferraro’s trade stock – or it could convince Grier to retain him for the long term. In any case, the Sharks will struggle again in 2025-26, and the playoffs will still be a pipe dream. But internal improvement for the rest of this season would be encouraging.

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For more than two years, Colorado Avalanche star center Gabriel Landeskog has been sidelined by a catastrophic injury to his right knee. Understandably, there have been legitimate questions as to whether Landeskog would ever play another NHL game. But on Monday, the 32-year-old Swede participated in a full practice with the Avs, leading to  speculation he'd be returning to action in the near-future.

"He's looking good -- I thought he looked great in practice today," Avalanche coach Jared Bednar told NHL.com after practice Monday. "Obviously, just like sort of the flow-and-go non-contact stuff. Certainly, (it’s) nice to have him out there.

"(Landeskog is) making strides. Obviously, this rehab is not linear. There's lots of peaks and valleys in it, and sometimes it's two steps forward and one step back, but he's still making progress and obviously feeling comfortable enough to come out and join the team with certain drills. So, hopefully that continues and continues to grow and [he’s] working to a point of a return."

Landeskog's last game came on June 26, 2022 in a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. Landeskog will travel with the Avalanche during their upcoming three-game road trip to Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. But neither Landeskog nor the Avalanche would confirm he will resume his playing career anytime soon. 

Still, the emotional impact of Landeskog getting closer to a return has to provide a boost to Avalanche players who know full well how crucial Landeskog was to the organization for 11 NHL seasons. He may never play another game, but Landeskog's continuing impact on the Avs cannot be denied.

"It's really hard to say (when Landeskog wiil play again), but things are going great and it's certainly nice to have him back on the ice with our team," Bednar said. "Just the energy and sort of attitude that he brings to the ice, I think, helps everybody."

The Los Angeles Kings have reached a fork in the road. With the 2024-25 NHL post-season approaching, the possibility of a fourth consecutive first-round playoff meeting with the Edmonton Oilers looms. 

The Kings have always had to travel to Edmonton to begin the first-round series in their last three playoff meetings. They have a history of struggling on the road, as even this season, they are under .500 away from Los Angeles.  

The Kings must do what they can to alter their playoff fate. Securing the second seed in the Pacific Division and the home-ice advantage could be the difference-maker in ending their recent playoff struggles against Edmonton. 

Recent Playoff History: A Hurdle to Overcome

The Kings’ recent playoff series against the Oilers has been challenging. The two teams have met thrice in the first round since 2022, and Edmonton has won each time. 

2022: The Oilers clinched the series in seven games.​

2023: Edmonton advanced after six games.​

2024: The Oilers dominated, winning the series in five games.​

Historically, the Oilers have had the upper hand, with an 8-2 playoff series advantage over the Kings and an overall 36-18  postseason record in games.

However, the focal point of these losses has been Edmonton’s firepower on offense, led by Conor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The two players have consistently capitalized on the defensive vulnerabilities in LA’s system, recording several big games across these series. They’ve also held a significant edge in special teams, specifically on the power play, where they have hurt the Kings the most.

The Importance of Home-Ice Advantage

One of the key aspects of this series has been that the Kings have been better on the road against the Oilers than at home. In all the meetings they’ve faced each other in the last three playoffs, the Kings have managed to get a 1-1 split on the road in Edmonton but have struggled to win at home, losing both games in LA last playoffs. But, this time, if the first two games are played in Crypto.com Arena, the Kings should have an advantage with their recent track record of winning games in Edmonton. 

Grabbing the second seed in the Pacific Division would give the Kings home-ice advantage in the first round against the Oilers and could shift the series' balance. The home-ice advantage is always significant, especially in the playoffs, where the crowd is in your favor, boosting the energy into the player's games. 

Current Standings: A Tight Race

As of March 17, 2025, the Pacific Division standings are: 

1. Vegas Golden Knights: 39-20-8 (86 Points)

2. Edmonton Oilers: 39-24-4 (82 Points)

3. Los Angeles Kings: 36-20-9 (81 Points)

The Kings are one point behind the Oilers and have played fewer games, so the race for the second seed—and that coveted home-ice advantage—is intensely competitive.

It all comes down to how the Kings finish their season. Their next two games, which will be on the road against the Wild and Blackhawks, can elevate them to the second seed if they can grab both games and hope the Oilers at least lose one of their next three. 

Smart Move: To Confront or Avoid the Oilers?

The Kings have a choice about how they want to position themselves when the playoffs begin. But eventually, they're going to face the Oilers or another team that may give them matchup problems, so it’s better to get them while you're healthy and fresh. 

Still, with the moves they made at the deadline, improving their depth on offense and defense, the Kings’ shouldn’t worry about who they face in the playoffs; they should game plan on how to beat them and take it game by game. 

Pursue the Second Seed: The Kings would secure a home-ice advantage by overtaking the Oilers for a probable first-round playoff series. That can be significant in the context of recent postseason losses to Edmonton without home ice.

Shoot against a Different Foe: Alternatively, the Kings might set themselves up to play another team in the first round, such as the Vegas Golden Knights or a wild-card team, by potentially bypassing the Oilers altogether. However, this comes with risks involved, as maneuvering for the position is never a walk in the park or assured of better matchups that can carry you to a deep playoff run; it can end with the same results.  

Coaching and Roster Depth: A New Hope

There are several reasons why the Kings are better set up this year to handle the Oilers and why they should not duck them. 

Goaltending Greatness: Darcy Kuemper has been outstanding, recording multiple shutouts in recent games, such as a 3-0 victory over the Washington Capitals on March 14. ​Also, he was just named the NHL 1st Star of the Week, showcasing what an asset he will be come playoff time for the Kings. 

You're a star, Darce 🌟 https://t.co/LWshUqQPOBpic.twitter.com/8p3f1MwsT9

— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 17, 2025

Emerging Offense Stars: The Young Forward Quinton Byfield has been scorching hot, currently on a six-game goal streak, contributing crucial goals in their five-game winning streak. 

PK Dominance: The Kings' penalty kill has been exceptional. They successfully extinguished all eight power plays against the New York Islanders on March 12.

​

Quinton Byfield's currently on a SIX game goal streak.

(via @realapp_) pic.twitter.com/uNzuIxKlDd

— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) March 16, 2025

Conclusion: Taking the Challenge

While the prospect of facing the Oilers in the playoffs brings memories of past letdowns, the Kings can rewrite the script. By prioritizing their quest for the second seed and subsequent home-ice benefit, the Kings can place themselves in the best position possible for post-season success.

Improved goaltending, emerging offensive studs, and stellar special teams offer the Kings all the ammunition to pound the playoff failures in the past and advance beyond round one.​

The coming weeks will be crucial as the Kings look to climb up the table and prepare for what lies ahead. 

After the 2024 NHL trade deadline, Pittsburgh Penguins POHO and GM Kyle Dubas traded captain Sidney Crosby's best winger in Jake Guentzel. It seemed to be the first domino to fall in an effort to sell off the team's marketable, talented assets to begin pushing toward the future.

Luckily for Crosby - and the Penguins - there wasn't a repeat of the same thing at the 2025 trade deadline.

Crosby's "new" best winger this season is Rickard Rakell, who is in the midst of a career year having played with the captain for most of it. Rakell has 31 goals and 59 points in 68 games on the season, and that's second on the team only to his linemate and one of hockey's best and most consistent players.

And having the consistency together as linemates this season - the two spent only a few weeks on separate lines at the very beginning of the season - has helped both of them find even more chemistry than they've had in previous campaigns, when they played together on an irrregular basis.

"I think any time you’re together with linemates for an extended period of time, usually, it’s a good thing," Crosby said. "That’s always a good sign. Just trying to read off of one another, you know, you’re talking about certain plays, and then, obviously, the power play, we’re together there... so, that can carry over to five-on-five sometimes, too.

"It definitely helps, and you want to get better as the season goes on. You play different teams, and you want to find a way to be productive.”

Rickard Rakell buries the dish from Sidney Crosby, giving Crosby his 50th assist of the season!#LetsGoPenspic.twitter.com/0eKkb3AgGI

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) March 15, 2025

And Rakell, too, knows that when his name is on the lineup card next to Crosby and Bryan Rust, he can expect to get some good scoring chances throughout the course of a game.

“I think it helps to be playing with each other for a long time," Rakell said. "And, for me, just playing with Sid and Rusty... I know I’m going to get a few good looks every game, so I just try to stay ready for it.”

And he has, in fact, been ready for it. The duo has combined for 54 goals and 132 points on the season - including 12 goals and 26 points in the 12 games since the 4 Nations Face-off break - and they don't appear to be slowing down.

They've also contributed an expected goals for share of 54.63 percent together, which is the best expected goals share for any regular forward duo on the Penguins' roster.

This Dynamic Duo has combined for 130 points so far this season... 🐧

How many points will they collectively finish with? 💬

NHL x @massmutualpic.twitter.com/w5IwVYKvKt

— NHL (@NHL) March 14, 2025

When the duo plays away from each other? Rakell has an expected goals share of just 44.61 percent, while Crosby has a mark of 46.37 percent.

A few times in the past, head coach Mike Sullivan has referenced Rakell's ability to "make something out of nothing." One of the things - aside from his lethal shot - that makes Rakell a dangerous player is his ability to expose the soft areas of the ice.

Crosby agrees.

“I think just being aware and finding that open ice," Crosby said. "He’s got a great shot, really good hands... so he’s able to maneuver the puck pretty well in small space and doesn’t need a lot of time to get a shot off. He’s proven that a lot this year.”

As for what makes Crosby so dangerous? Well, it's more than documented at this point how high-IQ and lethal a playmaker Crosby is. But, for Rakell, Crosby's consistency and ability to sustain such a high level of play in a general sense is remarkable.

The Penguins' captain is just seven points shy of setting the NHL's all-time point-per-game seasons record at 20, which would break Wayne Gretzky's previous mark of 19.

“I mean, it’s so impressive to be doing it for, what is it, 20 times?" Rakell said. "He’s one of the best to ever play this game. He shows why. It’s such a hard game, and for him to do it every year, it’s pretty nuts.”

Crosby and Rakell's chemistry this season is pretty nuts, too. And thanks to Dubas's decision to keep the duo intact - at least for the rest of the season, and, perhaps, beyond - it will only have the potential to reach even higher heights.

---

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Reilly Smith is right back at home In Vegas after a short stint with the New York Rangers.

The Rangers traded Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights just one day before the NHL Trade Deadline after he played 58 games for the Blueshirts. 

Smith was acquired in the offseason by the Rangers in the hope of being the missing link on a line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. 

The 33-year-old forward didn’t exactly live up to expectations in New York and with the team not in a position to keep their unrestricted free agents without getting any assets or players in return, they decided to trade Smith.

That’s why the Rangers and Golden Knights were actually in contact for a “period of time” having trade conversations before both teams pulled the trigger on a deal.

“We had had talks all week and decided that Reilly was our guy,” Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said.

Smith spent six seasons with the Golden Knights and won a Stanley Cup in Vegas, so it’s safe to say he was ecstatic to return to the place where he experienced so many fond memories.

“When you get traded, there’s always so much new change, not just the stuff on the ice, but everything around it,” Smith said. “So to be able to come back here and have so much familiarity, it definitely feels like coming home a little bit.

As a member of the Rangers, Smith recorded 10 goals, 19 assists and 29 points while averaging 15:36 minutes per game.

Flyers shut out for 7th time as power play drops to 0 for 23 in March originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Flyers were blanked for a second consecutive game as they fell to the Lightning, 2-0, Monday night at Amalie Arena.

Coming off a 5-0 loss Saturday night to the Hurricanes, which finished a dreadful 1-6-0 homestand, the Flyers couldn’t get things going on the road.

The power play let them down, while Tampa Bay iced the game with an empty-netter.

The Flyers (28-33-8) have been shut out seven times, the most in John Tortorella’s three seasons as the team’s head coach. With 13 games still to go, Tortorella’s club has matched its regulation loss total from last season (38-33-11).

The Flyers went 2-1-0 against the Lightning (39-23-5) this season. Their two wins came in the shootout.

• The power play hurt the Flyers again, coming up empty in 8:10 minutes of time Monday night. The Flyers had a four-minute man advantage in the second period and didn’t record a shot.

The club’s power play is 0 for 23 in March. In the last 25 games, it’s 5 for 57.

The Flyers’ rebuilding trades of four forwards in the span of five weeks haven’t helped a team that was already inconsistent offensively.

Travis Konecny has one goal and 10 assists in the last 22 games. Matvei Michkov and Owen Tippett have gone scoreless in the last five games.

More: Tortorella defends Thompson, says Flyers won’t shy away from power play criticism

• Ivan Fedotov gave the Flyers an excellent chance to win, making 21 saves on 22 shots.

The only goal he allowed was on a first-period breakaway for Nikita Kucherov, the NHL’s third-leading scorer (95 points). Konecny mishandled the puck in the offensive zone with the action at 4-on-4 and Kucherov jumped on it.

Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay’s 2018-19 Vezina Trophy winner and two-time Stanley Cup champion, stopped all 21 of the Flyers’ shots.

• Rasmus Ristolainen missed a third straight game with an upper-body injury. Garnet Hathaway hasn’t played in March as he recovers from a blindsided hit he took at the end of February.

• The Flyers are scheduled to practice Wednesday in Florida before heading to Washington, D.C., for a matchup Thursday with the Capitals (7 p.m. ET/NBCSP).

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The Carolina Hurricanes might have only had Mikko Rantanen for just over a month, but without him and Martin Necas, they’re firing on all pistons.

Drama enveloped the Hurricanes at the March 7 NHL trade deadline regarding their failure in re-signing Rantanen after trading Necas in a package for him in late January. Despite that, the team went 8-2-0 in their last 10 games and won its last seven, which helps its Stanley Cup hopes.

If Carolina can maintain its dynamic play for the next month, the team will head into the playoffs as a threat with home-ice advantage, likely against the third seed in the Metropolitan Division – either the New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers or Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Hurricanes look like they could still be a Stanley Cup contender. But there are still some areas of potential concern when the playoffs arrive. Their 18.1-percent power-play efficiency, which ranks 26th in the NHL, is one of them, but the bigger question mark is goaltending.

First thing’s first: the Hurricanes’ goaltending is nowhere near abysmal. Veteran netminder Frederik Andersen has a 2.16 goals-against average and .912 save percentage this season, while youngster Pyotr Kochetkov has a 2.37 GAA and a .908 SP this year. Those are solid numbers for the platoon.

Last season, Andersen had a 1.84 GAA and a .932 SP in 16 games, and Kochetkov had a .911 SP and a 2.33 GAA in 40 games – slightly better than this year. But those strong numbers did not translate into reliable goaltending in the post-season. Last playoffs, Andersen’s numbers dropped to a .895 SP and a 2.62 GAA in 10 starts. Kochetkov had a .880 SP after allowing three goals on 25 shots against the Rangers in last year’s second round. In six career playoff appearances, he’s put up a subpar .863 SP and a 4.01 GAA.

Andersen’s injury history is a bigger question mark. He already missed a sizable chunk of time this season due to knee surgery, appearing in only 14 games. He made 16 appearances last year after missing most of that campaign due to a deep-vein thrombosis diagnosis, which was unlucky. But he also had multiple injuries in 2022-23 that limited him to 34 games, and he missed the 2022 playoffs with a torn MCL.

There’s a clear cause for concern that Andersen might not be available to be counted on when the Hurricanes need him the most. When Kochetkov was injured at the same time as Andersen this season, Carolina had to turn to journeymen Dustin Tokarski and Spencer Martin. If a similar situation happens in the post-season, then a lack of reliability in net could sink the squad.

Things can always change for the better, of course. Both Carolina goalies are thriving this month: Andersen has a .932 SP and a 1.76 GAA in four games, while Kochetkov has a 0.99 GAA and a .960 SP in four appearances. Clearly, Carolina’s goalies are riding high with the rest of their teammates.

But from our standpoint, the Hurricanes’ netminding will be a nagging concern until their goalies prove otherwise. Andersen hasn’t guided his team beyond the second round of the playoffs since the 2014-15 campaign as a member of the Anaheim Ducks. And Kochetkov simply doesn’t have enough post-season experience to say with certainty how he will perform when games matter most. There’s room for reasonable doubt here.

We knew going into the season that Carolina had the overall depth to be one of the NHL’s best squads. But like all teams, the Hurricanes aren’t perfect. And if they do get flushed out of the first or second round of this year’s playoffs due to their goaltending, no one can say they didn’t see it coming.

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Belleville Senators forward Jan Jenik has been named AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Mar. 16

Jenik notched a goal and seven assists in two games for the Belleville Senators last week, propelling the team to wins in both games. 

The 24-year-old recorded a franchise-record tying five assists against the Bridgeport Islanders on Mar. 14 before scoring the game winner and adding two assists in the rematch on Mar. 15. 

The Nymburk, Cze., native has nine goals and 23 points in 38 games with Belleville this season. 

A third round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in 2018, Jenik is pointless in two games with the Ottawa Senators this season, he has four goals and six points in 24 career NHL games with Ottawa and Arizona. 

In 203 career AHL games with the Tucson Roadrunners and Belleville Senators Jenik has put up 55 goals and 143 points.

Jenik will be a restricted free agent at season's end. 

Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' AHL Page for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.              

Before the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the Colorado Avalanche traded former Buffalo Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt to the Boston Bruins. This was just one year after the Sabres dealt Mittelstadt to the Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Bowen Byram. 

Mittelstadt had trouble fitting into the Avalanche's system and had been the subject of trade rumors throughout this season. Thus, it was not necessarily surprising that the 26-year-old found a new home by the deadline. Early on, the change of scenery has benefitted Mittelstadt.

Mittelstadt has been off to a strong offensive start with the Bruins. In four games with the Original Six club since the trade, the 2017 first-round pick has one goal and two assists.

When playing at his best, Mittelstadt has the ability to be an impactful offensive contributor. He undoubtedly demonstrated this during his time with the Sabres, as he had 62 goals and 186 points in 339 games with Buffalo. This included a 59-point season in 2022-23 and Mittelstadt posting 47 points in 62 games with Buffalo before being dealt to Colorado last season. 

The Sabres will now look to slow down Mittelstadt when they face off against the Bruins at TD Garden on March 17. It will be interesting to see if they can do just that from here. 

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The Vegas Golden Knights wrapped up a road trip, losing three of the four games and, on the season, are posting just a 15-13-5 record away from T-Mobile Arena. 

The Golden Knights have been a dominant team in their home arena since their inaugural season and are doing so once again this year, posting a 24-7-3 record. Similar to the 2023-24 campaign, the Golden Knights have struggled to consistently pick up wins on the road. 

The season they won the Stanley Cup was their best road season, recording 26 wins, and just seven regulation losses and eight overtime losses. 

The Golden Knights recently concluded a four-game road trip, beating the Columbus Blue Jackets but losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime, the Buffalo Sabres in a shootout and were shut out by the Detroit Red Wings. 

The Golden Knights were outplayed by the Sabres and Red Wings, outshot 37-19 and 27-18. A common theme this season has been a lack of offence on the road. The Golden Knights lost the first five of their six-game road games to start the season, scoring three or fewer goals in each of them. 

Their current road struggles signify the importance of winning the Pacific Division and ensuring they have home-ice advantage in the first two rounds. Chasing down the Winnipeg Jets for first in the Western Conference is becoming nearly impossible, trailing by 12 points with 15 games remaining. At the moment the Golden Knights sit in third place in the conference, trailing the Dallas Stars by a point. 

With eight road games on the schedule, the Golden Knights have limited time to fix their struggles, but finding a solution will go a long way when the playoffs begin.

Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Kick off a new week with rapid-fire NHL and hockey discussions on The Hockey News Wraparound Show.

What's Most Concerning About The Maple Leafs Right Now? by The Wraparoundundefined

Here's what Emma Lingan and Michael Augello discussed in this episode:

0:00 What to make of Connor Bedard’s 10-minute misconducts in back-to-back games

3:41: Is Sam Bennett more likely to stay with the Florida Panthers or hit free agency?

5:41: Will the Panthers keep Brad Marchand or Aaron Ekblad this off-season?

7:42: What has been the most concerning part of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ recent slump?

10:10: Which goaltender in the 2025 free agent class will be the most sought-after?

12:48: What are the biggest changes NHL GMs will advocate for at the GM meetings?

15:41: Which NHL prospect traded at the deadline will fit best with their new organization?

18:12: How much money could Nikolaj Ehlers get on the open market this summer?

20:33: Even without Mikko Rantanen or Martin Necas, should the Carolina Hurricanes still be considered a Stanley Cup contender?

23:24: Could Jonathan Huberdeau’s resurgence signify great things to come for the Calgary Flames?

See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.

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Goalie Darcy Kuemper has been named NHL 1st Star of the Week for his outstanding play during the week of March 10-16.

The 34 year-old native of Saskatoon went 3-0, including back-to-back shutouts against the Washington Capitals and Nashville Predators.  Kuemper stopped 78 of 79 shots during the week, good for an almost invisible to the naked eye GAA of 0.33.

In addition to helping the Kings gain ground on Pacific Division rivals Edmonton and Vegas, Kuemper also etched a place in LA Kings' history. 

Kuemper now has a home point streak of 13 games dating back to December 7th, which is the longest such streak since Kelly Hrudey's 12 game run in 1991.

A Stanley Cup winner in 2022 with the Colorado Avalanche, Kuemper's consistent excellent play for Los Angeles has the Kings within striking distance of Vegas for a Pacific Division banner. 

Although not really mentioned as a serious Vezina Trophy candidate, one wonders if he should be. Kuemper currently ranks second in goals-against average at 2.16 and is third in save percentage at .919.

Given backup goalie Dave Rittich's lackluster play in his last dozen starts, LA is counting on Kuemper to maintain this stellar level of goaltending well into the playoffs. 

Tomáš Klouček, a former pro hockey defenseman who played 141 NHL games, died from injuries sustained in a skiing accident on Sunday in his native Czechia at age 45, according to multiple Czech media reports.

The news was confirmed in an Instagram post by his wife, according to Hokej.cz.

“We were hit by sad news – Tomáš Klouček died following a tragic accident,” Oceláři Třinec, one of his former teams, tweeted on X. “The tough defenseman played a total of 90 games for us. We wish his family and loved ones a lot of strength. Our sincere condolences.”

According to reports, Klouček skied into a power pole on the edge of the slope and was pronounced dead on the scene. The incident occurred in Špindlerův Mlýn, a popular ski resort in the north of the country near the border with Poland.

Klouček was born in Prague and grew up playing for local club Slavia. He was drafted in 1998 in the fifth round, 151st overall, by the New York Rangers, then went overseas to play for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in the QMJHL.

Between 2000 and 2006, Klouček played 141 NHL games for the Rangers, Nashville Predators and Atlanta Thrashers, scoring two goals and adding eight assists for 10 points with 250 penalty minutes. He spent the rest of the time playing for those teams AHL affiliates in Hartford, Milwaukee and Chicago.

A large, physical defenseman, Klouček was 6’4” and weighed 245 lbs.

From 2007 until his retirement in 2017, Klouček played in Czechia, in the KHL and in Slovakia, finishing with his last two seasons for Epinal in France.