Matthew Knies is the definition of a playoff performer with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

At 22 years old, Knies is already making massive blocks, scoring crucial goals — including his netfront power play marker in the third period — and playing a team-high 22:19 in Game 1 against the Ottawa Senators.

He's only two seasons removed from playing at the University of Minnesota and doing everything requested of him in the Stanley Cup playoffs — when it matters most.

"Yeah, it means a lot," Knies said on Monday, when asked about his team-high in minutes played. "I want to be able to play in every situation to dominate out there and be a physical component to our team. I think I did a good job of that, and I just want to keep it going."

Let's, though, return to when his key plays in the game came.

'I Can't Say Enough About Matthew Knies and JT In Those Areas': Maple Leafs Explode For 3 Power-Play Goals To Down Senators In Game 1The Toronto Maple Leafs exploded for three power-play goals against the Ottawa Senators in a 6-2 victory in Game 1 of their first-round series in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Ottawa was pushing for a comeback just over midway through the third period. After some time in Toronto's zone, Knies stepped in front of a Thomas Chabot slap shot, which got his teammates going.

"I mean, that’s kind of what you have to do at this time of year, pay the price," he said, when asked about his hand after blocking the shot. "But no, I feel good."

And to score the goal on the power play shortly after: "Felt rewarding for sure."

MATTHEW KNIES 🚨

THE FANTASTIC FIVE WILL NOT BE STOPPED! pic.twitter.com/ByR4aWtWQk

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 21, 2025

Knies' play has been a talking point all season long. He put up career-high numbers (29 goals and 29 assists in 78 games), and since the power forward was drafted, seemed to be suited for the playoffs.

He's big, the heaviest player on the Maple Leafs, in fact, and plays in all situations for the team. 

"He was big last night. He’s so strong. He’s a handful to deal with down low and around their net," Auston Matthews said on Monday.

"He’s just a horse out there, so he was great for us last night. He’s physical on both sides of the puck, and like I said, he’s just hard to deal with down low."

'It's Not That Much Of A Conversation': Why Max Domi Will Shift To Third-Line Center For Maple Leafs Against Senators For Game 2The Toronto Maple Leafs shifted Max Domi from the second-line winger position to the third-line center spot in the second period of their 6-2 victory against the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of their first-round series.  And that adjustment will stick when both teams clash for Game 2.

What stuck out most about Knies' availability on Monday was his discipline. He wasn't getting ahead of himself or satisfied with everything the Maple Leafs did in Game 1. Part of that attitude has come from Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube's coaching style, but also from the player himself understanding there is lots more playoff hockey left.

And if you want to go far in the postseason, you need that mentality.

"I think there’s just a little bit of a different feel to it. It could be the new coach, it could be the new faces in the locker room," Knies said.

"It’s always going to feel a little bit different, but I think we’re ready for the test, and I think we did a good job. But I think it’s just one step, and we gotta keep this going, keep this one going. We don’t expect it to be a short series at all, so we just gotta keep working."

---

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One win down, three more to go.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs is all about being the first team to 16 wins, and taking it one game at a time.

The Colorado Avalanche has been taking a lot of things day by day. One of which has been the potential return of their captain, Gabriel Landeskog.

*See update at the bottom of this story.

Bookmark The Hockey News Colorado Avalanche team site so you never miss the latest news, game day coverage, and information on the Avalanche players.

The pillar of the Avalanche team played two games of a conditioning loan with the Colorado Eagles, where he recorded two points.

Trending Avalanche Stories

GAME PREVIEW: Gabe Landeskog is "an option for Round 1" According to Avalanche Head CoachA riveting revenge matchup is on the horizon as the Colorado Avalanche prepare to face the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Zakhar Bardakov: What The Avalanche Have In New Prospect

Former Avalanche Goalie Will Be Free Agent

'I Can't Say Enough': Jared Bednar Praises Avalanche GM For New Additions

'Now It's All Business': Mikko Rantanen, Ex-Avalanche Forward, On Facing Old Team

A Round One Schedule for the Stanley Cup Playoffs is HereNHL Public Relations announced the full schedule for games 1-4 of round one for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Thursday morning. Dates for games 5-7 were also announced with times listed as TBD, meaning they will be announced once or if they become necessary.

Landeskog hasn’t played a game since June 26th, 2022, when the Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final, winning the Stanley Cup.

Now, all that waiting might turn around on Monday night.

Gabriel Landeskog Returns Tonight?

Head coach Jared Bednar did not confirm or deny that Landeskog would be in the lineup for Game Two. However, that hand might have already been shown.

According to a few media outlets present at the Morning Skate, Landeskog was one of the first skaters to exit the ice for the optional skate. This is important to note because Landeskog has usually stayed out with the extras.

Landeskog is one of the first players off the ice for the optional skate. He’s been staying on with the extras normally.

Do with that what you will.

— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano_) April 21, 2025

Landeskog's return would be massive for the Avalanche. The team has been fantastic without their captain. However, the morale boost of having him in the lineup after almost three calendar years without him would skyrocket through the roof.

Unfortunately, Avalanche fans will have to wait until warmups to see if Landeskog will play or not.

Gabriel Landeskog has been activated from Injured Reserve. pic.twitter.com/TNQ8Mphago

— x - Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 21, 2025

*Update: The Avalanche announced that they have activated Landeskog from Injured Reserve. This all but confirms that he will play in Monday night's game against the Dallas Stars.

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How long is the Maple Leafs' NHL-record Stanley Cup drought? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Toronto Maple Leafs own the second-most Stanley Cup titles in NHL history. But it’s been well over a half-century since their last championship triumph.

The Leafs saw their record Stanley Cup drought extended with a second-round loss to the defending champion Florida Panthers in the 2025 NHL playoffs.

Toronto, the Atlantic Division’s No. 1 seed, eliminated the wild-card Ottawa Senators in six games this postseason before jumping out to a 2-0 series lead over Florida. The Panthers then responded with three straight wins, but the Leafs won Game 6 on the road to keep their season alive.

But, in a decisive Game 7 at home, the Leafs were booed off the ice as an ugly 6-1 defeat pushed the storied franchise’s championship drought even closer to six decades.

When was the last time the Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup?

The Leafs’ most recent Stanley Cup championship came in the 1966-67 season.

What’s the longest Stanley Cup drought in NHL history?

Toronto’s current championship drought is the longest in NHL history at 58 years.

The Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks both are mired in title droughts of 50-plus years, as well. Buffalo and Vancouver joined the NHL in the 1970-71 season and neither has won a Stanley Cup in the 54 years since. The Canucks have reached three Stanley Cup Finals (1982, 1994, 2011) and the Sabres have reached two (1975, 1999).

When was the last time the Maple Leafs made the Stanley Cup Final?

The Leafs’ 1966-67 championship campaign also stands as their last appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. That means the Original Six franchise hasn’t reached the Cup Final in the expansion era (since the 1967-68 season).

The Leafs last appeared in the conference final in the 2002 postseason.

How many Stanley Cup Finals have the Maple Leafs made?

Toronto has reached the Cup Final 21 times, trailing only the Montreal Canadiens (33 appearances) and Detroit Red Wings (24 appearances) for the most in NHL history.

How many Stanley Cups have the Maple Leafs won?

The Leafs were victorious in 13 of those 21 Cup Finals. Only the 23-time champion Canadiens have won more Stanley Cups than Toronto.

Here’s a full look at Toronto’s Stanley Cup Final history (years listed are when Cup Finals were played):

• 1967: Beat Montreal Canadiens
• 1964: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1963: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1962: Beat Chicago Blackhawks
• 1960: Lost to Montreal Canadiens
• 1959: Lost to Montreal Canadiens
• 1951: Beat Montreal Canadiens
• 1949: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1948: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1947: Beat Montreal Canadiens
• 1945: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1942: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1940: Lost to New York Rangers
• 1939: Lost to Boston Bruins
• 1938: Lost to Chicago Blackhawks
• 1936: Lost to Detroit Red Wings
• 1935: Lost to Montreal Maroons
• 1933: Lost to New York Rangers
• 1932: Beat New York Rangers
• 1922: Beat Vancouver Millionaires
• 1918: Beat Vancouver Millionaires

Editor’s note: This story was first published on April 21.

How long is the Maple Leafs' NHL-record Stanley Cup drought? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Toronto Maple Leafs own the second-most Stanley Cup titles in NHL history. But it’s been well over a half-century since their last championship triumph.

The Leafs saw their record Stanley Cup drought extended with a second-round loss to the defending champion Florida Panthers in the 2025 NHL playoffs.

Toronto, the Atlantic Division’s No. 1 seed, eliminated the wild-card Ottawa Senators in six games this postseason before jumping out to a 2-0 series lead over Florida. The Panthers then responded with three straight wins, but the Leafs won Game 6 on the road to keep their season alive.

But, in a decisive Game 7 at home, the Leafs were booed off the ice as an ugly 6-1 defeat pushed the storied franchise’s championship drought even closer to six decades.

When was the last time the Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup?

The Leafs’ most recent Stanley Cup championship came in the 1966-67 season.

What’s the longest Stanley Cup drought in NHL history?

Toronto’s current championship drought is the longest in NHL history at 58 years.

The Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks both are mired in title droughts of 50-plus years, as well. Buffalo and Vancouver joined the NHL in the 1970-71 season and neither has won a Stanley Cup in the 54 years since. The Canucks have reached three Stanley Cup Finals (1982, 1994, 2011) and the Sabres have reached two (1975, 1999).

When was the last time the Maple Leafs made the Stanley Cup Final?

The Leafs’ 1966-67 championship campaign also stands as their last appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. That means the Original Six franchise hasn’t reached the Cup Final in the expansion era (since the 1967-68 season).

The Leafs last appeared in the conference final in the 2002 postseason.

How many Stanley Cup Finals have the Maple Leafs made?

Toronto has reached the Cup Final 21 times, trailing only the Montreal Canadiens (33 appearances) and Detroit Red Wings (24 appearances) for the most in NHL history.

How many Stanley Cups have the Maple Leafs won?

The Leafs were victorious in 13 of those 21 Cup Finals. Only the 23-time champion Canadiens have won more Stanley Cups than Toronto.

Here’s a full look at Toronto’s Stanley Cup Final history (years listed are when Cup Finals were played):

• 1967: Beat Montreal Canadiens
• 1964: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1963: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1962: Beat Chicago Blackhawks
• 1960: Lost to Montreal Canadiens
• 1959: Lost to Montreal Canadiens
• 1951: Beat Montreal Canadiens
• 1949: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1948: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1947: Beat Montreal Canadiens
• 1945: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1942: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1940: Lost to New York Rangers
• 1939: Lost to Boston Bruins
• 1938: Lost to Chicago Blackhawks
• 1936: Lost to Detroit Red Wings
• 1935: Lost to Montreal Maroons
• 1933: Lost to New York Rangers
• 1932: Beat New York Rangers
• 1922: Beat Vancouver Millionaires
• 1918: Beat Vancouver Millionaires

Editor’s note: This story was first published on April 21.

After being informed he’ll be let go this summer, San Jose Sharks goalie Alexandar Georgiev is now available to the Philadelphia Flyers in free agency. But should the Flyers even have any interest?

Georgiev, 29, has seen better days in his NHL career. The formerly undrafted Bulgarian has posted a save percentage north of .900 just once since the 2020-21 season.

And that one time was in the 2022-23 season, when Georgiev was 40-16-6 with the high-flying Colorado Avalanche, doing his part with a 2.53 GAA, a stellar .919 save percentage, and a career-high five shutouts.

Notably, Georgiev also had save percentages of .910 or higher in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons with the New York Rangers, appearing in 33 and 34 games, respectively, in those seasons.

The Flyers, in search of any kind of goaltending help, are actually a strong fit for Georgiev.

It’s no secret that Georgiev has the ability to play at a high level throughout a full season; he’s done so multiple times in his eight-year NHL career.

The former NHL All-Star has a career save percentage of .903, which is neither great nor terrible, but an upgrade for the Flyers by all accounts.

If the Flyers were to take a chance on Georgiev for one year, for example, and he rebounds from the form that saw him post a .875 save percentage this season, they would have rehabbed his trade value to the point where they could get an asset for him at the NHL trade deadline.

Or, Georgiev could simply stay in Philadelphia to platoon with Sam Ersson and/or a Flyers goalie prospect until a true heir apparent emerges.

Naturally, the Flyers and fans will have a great deal of concern about Georgiev’s propensity to self-immolate and meltdown to lose games.

If Georgiev reprises his role as the pumpkin he turned out to be the 2024-25 season, it’s tantamount to the Flyers keeping Ersson, Ivan Fedotov, and Aleksei Kolosov as their bloc of goalies.

And in that case, the Flyers would be, whether they wanted to or not, positioning themselves well for the 2026 NHL Draft, which is loaded with potentially franchise-altering talents like Gavin McKenna, Keaton Verhoeff, Ivar Stenberg, Dylan Roobroeck, and Viggo Bjorck.

The Flyers would still be heading back to square one at the goalie position if that is how things played out with Georgiev, but it wouldn’t be for nought. McKenna, Stenberg, Roobroeck, and Bjorck all have the potential to set Matvei Michkov up with a running mate for the next two decades with a proper development plan and supporting cast.

Georgiev won’t be the only external goalie option available to the Flyers this summer, but this year’s free agent goalie class is a thin one, and Georgiev is one of the most unlikely to receive a contract offer from a Stanley Cup contender.

His implosion in Colorado nearly upended the Avalanche’s season before GM Chris MacFarland intervened with haste.

Without Georgiev, the Sharks will turn the keys over to top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov, someone who represents what the Flyers should be looking at with respect to the future at the position.

That someone is not readily apparent within the Flyers’ organization, but signing Georgiev could buy the Flyers some time to figure that all out in the end.

Breaking down the best value bets, futures to take and strategies to look out for ahead of the first round matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals

The Montreal Canadiens scratched and clawed their way into the postseason only to be greeted by the top team in the East in the Washington Capitals. Unlike the Battle of Ontario or round four of the Oilers and Kings, this is a matchup we don't get to see too often. 

Washington has met Montreal just once in the first round of the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs, where the Habs overcame a 3-1 deficit to win the series in seven games.

This series could go seven games once again as the Caps have lost four of their final six games since Alex Ovechkin became the NHL's all-time leading scorer. 

This series promises to be a thrilling showdown, headlined by the clash between the Canadiens’ rising Russian star, Ivan Demidov, and the greatest Russian hockey player of all time, Alex Ovechkin, leading the Capitals.

More NHL:Predicting Which Wild Card Team Can Upset Top Divisional Seed in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

All betting lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.

Nick Suzuki - Series Leading Goal Scorer (+1000)

If you've kept up with the Habs hot streak since the Four Nations Face-Off, you would be aware of how prolific Montreal captain Nick Suzuki has been.

After being snubbed from Team Canada, the London, Ontario native has been red hot with the fourth-most points during that span with 37 through 26 games. His 15 goals during this time had his name among the likes of David Pastrnak, Artemi Panarin and Jason Robertson. 

Suzuki finished the season with eight goals over his final ten games and could easily continue scoring against a slumping Capitals defence. Since Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's record, Washington has struggled to find the same motivation going into every game especially on the defensive end. 

The Capitals once-top three defence has now managed a 4.25 goals against average in their final 12 games and could struggle against a blazing hot Habs team.

Suzuki has the second-most career playoff points of anyone on Montreal with 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points through 32 postseason games. 

More NHL:The Battle of Ontario Betting Guide: Best Bets, Strategies and Futures for Maple Leafs versus Senators

Habs +1.5 - Series Spread (+106) or Habs +2.5 (-250)

Washington has a notable history of struggling in the playoffs with a long standing rivalry with the Pittsburgh Penguins that they eventually overcame to win their franchise's first Stanley Cup in 2019. 

However, since then they've found themselves in a similar problem as the Toronto Maple Leafs with severe troubles making it out of the first round. Since their Stanley Cup win, the Capitals haven't won a series in fact with five straight losses in the first round. 

This bolds well for a Montreal team that looks to extend the history of a wild card team advancing. Since introducing the current playoff format, a wild card team has advanced to the second round in seven of the last ten seasons.

The Blues, Wild and Senators are all behind in their respective series with the Habs looking like the best available option.

More NHL:Edmonton Oilers vs LA Kings Round 4 Betting Guide: Best Bets, Strategies and Future Options

We must not forget that this Montreal team has more experience than we expect as they went to the Stanley Cup finals just a few years ago in 2021.

Suzuki and other young players gained valuable experience then and it should help propel them to keeping this series closer than people may expect.

I like the idea of adding the Habs series spread at +2.5 and parlaying it with the Carolina Hurricanes to down the New Jersey Devils in five or six games at -370 odds.

The Canes have won at least one playoff series in six straight seasons and when added with Montreal, gives us a very solid parlay with -129 odds.

More NHL:Top NHL Prospect Expected to Join Michigan Wolverines Next Season

Matchup Trends: Potential Player Prop Targets

Washington Capitals:

• Alex Ovechkin has 19 goals and 15 assists for 34 points over his last 25 games against the Canadiens. The Capitals captain old age has shown in recent years as he rides a five-game point drought in the postseason.
• Dylan Strome has five goals and eight assists for 13 points over his last ten games against the Canadiens. The Mississauga native has been red hot with six goals and eight assists for 14 points in his last ten games entering the postseason.
• John Carlson has the second-most playoff points on the Capitals with 20 goals and 55 assists for 75 points through 127 games. He finished the season strong with four assists in as many games.
• Tom Wilson is red hot with 29 points and a team-best 84 hits over his last 30 games. He enters a playoff atmosphere that he excels in with 34 points and 347 hits in 87 career playoff games. 

Montreal Canadiens: 

Fresh blood is a good thing.

For NHL contenders, it’s even better.

The Colorado Avalanche have added many new faces this season. Mackenzie Blackwood, Scott Wedgewood, Brock Nelson, Ryan Lindgren, Charlie Coyle, and Jack Drury are all new to the Avalanche organization.

Bookmark The Hockey News Colorado Avalanche team site so you never miss the latest news, game day coverage, and information on the Avalanche players.

On Sunday, April 20th, the Avalanche signed KHL forward Zakhar Bardakov. The two parties agreed to a one-year entry-level contract that goes into effect next season

Trending Avalanche Stories

Avalanche Get Great Gabriel Landeskog NewsOne win down, three more to go.

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'Now It's All Business': Mikko Rantanen, Ex-Avalanche Forward, On Facing Old Team

POSTGAME: Mackenzie Blackwood Puts on Goaltending Clinic in Avalanche Win Over the Stars in Game OneTo cap off the first day of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Colorado Avalanche put up five goals to the Dallas Stars' one to take Game 1 in their first-round series against the Dallas Stars.

The 24-year-old forward was originally a New Jersey Devils draft pick in the 2021 draft. Bardakov was traded to the Avalanche along with a 2024 7th-round draft pick for Kurtis MacDermid.

Bardakov is coming off a solid year in the KHL. He just finished his third season in Russia’s top league, collecting 35 points in 53 games. He averaged 16:10 per game while firing 122 shots on goal, playing for SKA St. Petersburg.

He saw his responsibilities increase during the playoffs. Bardakov’s ice time rose over four minutes to 21:51 per game. He recorded two points in six playoff games.

Considering that Bardakov was a 7th-round draft pick (203rd overall), if he plays any NHL games, that would be a slam dunk for the organization.

Bardakov’s contract officially expires on May 31st of this year. That, combined with him signing his ELC, suggests he’s ready to cross the pond for next season. The young forward could push for an NHL position; however, an AHL assignment is more likely.

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This was a difficult season for the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks. They improved marginally over their 2023-24 campaign amid concerns of growing frustration from franchise star Connor Bedard.

Bedard denied rumors that he was unhappy playing for Chicago, acknowledging the club was in the process of growth and learning. Nevertheless, there's no question he needs some help, especially offensively. The Blackhawks rose from a league-worst 2.17 last season to 2.73, but they still finished 26th overall in that category. 

The Blackhawks have plenty of salary cap space if management wants to add scoring punch. PuckPedia indicates they have a projected cap space of $30.9 million with 20 active roster players under contract next season.

Mark Lazerus and Scott Powers of The Athletic believe the Blackhawks could be first in line if Mitch Marner goes to free agency on July 1. They acknowledged the 27-year-old two-way right winger prefers staying in Toronto but wondered if the Maple Leafs can make the money work.

Marner reached the 100-point plateau for the first time this season. He'd become the best player potentially available in this summer's UFA market. 

Lazerus and Powers believe the Blackhawks' favorable cap situation gives them more money to throw toward Marner than any other club. They speculated it could cost between $12 million and $14 million annually, but felt it would be worth it. 

That's assuming Marner would join a rebuilding club instead of a playoff contender.

Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Shows Up In Game 1 – The 4 Nations Experience Played A PartDespite the fact the Toronto Maple Leafs came into the playoffs as the Atlantic Division champions, there were questions (ohh the questions) about how their first-round series against the Ottawa Senators would kick off.

Turning to the San Jose Sharks, their last-place finish in the overall standings gives them the best odds of winning the upcoming NHL draft lottery for the second straight year. They selected promising center Macklin Celebrini in last year's draft, who's gone on to become a favorite to win the Calder Trophy.

Sheng Peng of NBC Sports Bay Area reported Sharks GM Mike Grier could be open to trading that pick if the lottery balls bounce their way again this year. He said he wouldn't say no if he received a really good offer of young, established players. 

Grier believes defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the OHL's Erie Otters is the prospect currently considered the consensus first-overall pick. After him, this year's draft is mostly forward-heavy. 

It's possible Grier trades that pick for the right price. So could any other GM who wins the draft lottery. However, it's unlikely to happen. 

The last time the first-overall pick was traded was in the 2003 NHL draft, when the Florida Panthers sent it to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Mikael Samuelsson, the third-overall pick and a second-rounder. The Penguins used that pick to select future Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury.

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The last three playoff series for the Minnesota Wild that started with two road games, resulted in the Wild winning game one. 

Minnesota opened the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on the road again, this time in Vegas to face the Golden Knights. The Wild opened the 2021 playoffs in Vegas and won 1-0 in overtime on a Joel Eriksson Ek goal. 

This game was a little different.

Thomas Hertl opened the scoring in the first period after he outworked Brock Faber in the slot and fired a shot over Filip Gustavsson's right shoulder, short side, 

Matt Boldy was able to answer back not long after and tie the game up at 1-1. Vegas got the next two goals to make it 3-1 before Boldy scored to make it a one-goal game. 

Vegas was able to score with the empty net, on the power play, with 0.1 seconds left. They walked away with a 4-2 win. 

In the second period, Eriksson Ek was called for a high-stick. This sent Vegas on the power play. Five seconds later, Pavel Dorofeyev, who was making his NHL Playoffs debut, scored to give Vegas a 2-1 lead. 

Dorofeyev unloads a bomb 5 seconds in to the powerplay! 💣 pic.twitter.com/p3gNClyV48

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 21, 2025

It came after Hertl beat Freddy Gaudreau on the face-off. Gaudreau then went to go to the point but was interfered with by Hertl. This left Marcus Foligno and Jake Middleton out of position trying to make up for Gaudreau on the ice after Hertl took him out. 

Vegas controlled the puck on the point, with no attacker because he was on the ice, and found Dorofeyev wide open at the top of the circle for the one-timer. 

Wild head coach John Hynes was asked if he thought that was interference on Gaudreau.

"Yes," Hynes said bluntly. 

In the first period, Ryan Hartman was skating through the Wild's defensive zone, without the puck-I might add, he was blindsided by Ivan Barbashev. No penalty call. Hartman skated to the bench very slowly and didn't take his next shift for a little bit.

Wild bench wanted a penalty but never got one.

Later in that period, Eriksson Ek was interfered with in the offensive zone after he got picked by one of the Vegas players.

A pick is when an opposing player just happens to skate right in front of the other team and causes that player not to make a play. 

Harmless play to say the least, but it is an interference penalty if we are looking at the rule book. 

Later in the third, Hartman is battling along the boards with Vegas defenseman Nicolas Hague. The puck is to the right of Hartman. Hague then turns around and sticks the shaft of his stick into Hartman's face and follows through with a body slam. 

WWE Wrestlemania was on Saturday and Sunday night in Vegas. Maybe Hague was inspired and wanted to try a move of his own.

No penalty call by referee Furman South, who could not have been closer to the play.

This was not called a penalty pic.twitter.com/tTjvdwfqsu

— World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) April 21, 2025

The Wild showed up to play. They were more physical and had their chances. According to MoneyPuck, the Wild had 2.43 expected goals to Vegas's 2.67. They had their chances, but weren't able to put it together. 

Credit to Adin Hill, he played a great game in net for the Golden Knights. 

Vegas led the league in the fewest penalty minutes during the regular season. Whether that be a testament to their discipline or penalties that just weren't called, the Wild need to put that behind them for game two on Tuesday or they are in danger of being down 2-0 coming back home were they went 22-17-2 in the regular season. 

How long is the Maple Leafs' NHL-record Stanley Cup drought? originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Toronto Maple Leafs own the second-most Stanley Cup titles in NHL history. But it’s been well over a half-century since their last championship triumph.

The Leafs saw their record Stanley Cup drought extended with a second-round loss to the defending champion Florida Panthers in the 2025 NHL playoffs.

Toronto, the Atlantic Division’s No. 1 seed, eliminated the wild-card Ottawa Senators in six games this postseason before jumping out to a 2-0 series lead over Florida. The Panthers then responded with three straight wins, but the Leafs won Game 6 on the road to keep their season alive.

But, in a decisive Game 7 at home, the Leafs were booed off the ice as an ugly 6-1 defeat pushed the storied franchise’s championship drought to nearly six decades.

When was the last time the Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup?

The Leafs’ most recent Stanley Cup championship came in the 1966-67 season.

What’s the longest Stanley Cup drought in NHL history?

Toronto’s current championship drought is the longest in NHL history at 58 years.

The Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks both are mired in title droughts of 50-plus years, as well. Buffalo and Vancouver joined the NHL in the 1970-71 season and neither has won a Stanley Cup in the 54 years since. The Canucks have reached three Stanley Cup Finals (1982, 1994, 2011) and the Sabres have reached two (1975, 1999).

When was the last time the Maple Leafs made the Stanley Cup Final?

The Leafs’ 1966-67 championship campaign also stands as their last appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. That means the Original Six franchise hasn’t reached the Cup Final in the expansion era (since the 1967-68 season).

The Leafs last appeared in the conference final in the 2002 postseason.

How many Stanley Cup Finals have the Maple Leafs made?

Toronto has reached the Cup Final 21 times, trailing only the Montreal Canadiens (33 appearances) and Detroit Red Wings (24 appearances) for the most in NHL history.

How many Stanley Cups have the Maple Leafs won?

The Leafs were victorious in 13 of those 21 Cup Finals. Only the 23-time champion Canadiens have won more Stanley Cups than Toronto.

Here’s a full look at Toronto’s Stanley Cup Final history (years listed are when Cup Finals were played):

• 1967: Beat Montreal Canadiens
• 1964: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1963: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1962: Beat Chicago Blackhawks
• 1960: Lost to Montreal Canadiens
• 1959: Lost to Montreal Canadiens
• 1951: Beat Montreal Canadiens
• 1949: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1948: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1947: Beat Montreal Canadiens
• 1945: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1942: Beat Detroit Red Wings
• 1940: Lost to New York Rangers
• 1939: Lost to Boston Bruins
• 1938: Lost to Chicago Blackhawks
• 1936: Lost to Detroit Red Wings
• 1935: Lost to Montreal Maroons
• 1933: Lost to New York Rangers
• 1932: Beat New York Rangers
• 1922: Beat Vancouver Millionaires
• 1918: Beat Vancouver Millionaires

Editor’s note: This story was first published on April 21.

Mitch Marner shimmied left and right before flipping the puck over Linus Ullmark's shoulder and celebrating his first goal of the playoffs with his Toronto Maple Leafs teammates.

Although the Maple Leafs have had playoff heartbreak in the past, their experience paid dividends in their Game 1 win over the Ottawa Senators.

The big four of Marner, Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander combined for nine points in Sunday's 6-2 win. Seven other Maple Leafs tallied one point in the win, which began with Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Marner finding the back of the net in the first period.

'I Can't Say Enough About Matthew Knies and JT In Those Areas': Maple Leafs Explode For 3 Power-Play Goals To Down Senators In Game 1The Toronto Maple Leafs exploded for three power-play goals against the Ottawa Senators in a 6-2 victory in Game 1 of their first-round series in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

There were questions about how Toronto's top players would play in this series. The big four combined for 12 points in their first-round exit last spring against the Boston Bruins and have, at moments, not produced at key times.

One player in particular, though, has been under the microscope more than any other on the Maple Leafs this season, and that's Marner. He had three points in seven games against the Bruins last playoffs and entered this season without renewing his contract.

If there was anyone who needed a strong season, which he had, and a great start to the playoffs, it was him. One goal and two assists later, Marner is already tied for the most points among players in the playoffs, albeit it's only one game.

'He Made Big Saves': How Anthony Stolarz Won Game 1 Of The Goalie Battle Against Senators' Linus UllmarkAnthony Stolarz showed up and showed out against the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of the Battle of Ontario, which the Toronto Maple Leafs won commandingly, 6-2.

The experience of the 4 Nations Face-Off with Canada in February, where Marner tallied an overtime-winning goal and set up another overtime-winner against Team USA, helped him enter his ninth playoffs with Toronto with a sense of "calmness," he said.

"That tournament was pretty quick. It was obviously very, very intense, and that's kind of what playoffs is," Marner admitted after taking a 1-0 series lead over the Senators.

"It kind of happens quickly, games go by fast, and then you've got to look forward to the next one and realize that it's going to be even harder. So, yeah, I don't know, just calmness and confidence, obviously, from that tournament, which helps."

MITCH MARNER 🚨

BREAKAWAY GOAL! IT'S 2-0! pic.twitter.com/DHdwUKtdNb

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 20, 2025

It wasn't just filling the back of the net, though, where Toronto's playoff experience shone through. Ottawa took penalty after penalty in the game, allowing the Maple Leafs to score three power play goals, two more than they had all last series against the Bruins.

Entering the final minutes of the third period, the Maple Leafs had seven power plays to the Senators' two. This game was proof that Toronto had more playoff experience than Ottawa.

"Like I said, we're disciplined. We're going to keep being disciplined. We're going to play hard between the whistles, the right way, and keep being physical, but we're not going to get involved in all the antics after the whistles or whatever," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said.

"Listen, refs call games, they call penalties for whatever reasons. I thought we checked well with our feet and our sticks tonight. We were hard on our net, doing things right to stay out of the box.

"You put yourself in the penalty box when you get on the wrong side of things and have to make desperate situations, and like I said, we're pretty clean overall with our physicality part of the game. And we gotta keep doing that."

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On Monday night, the puck will drop on a Montreal Canadiens playoff hockey game for the first time in four years. The visiting Habs are kicking off the Spring dance by taking on the Eastern Conference champions, the Washington Capitals. They are wearing the underdog tag, which doesn’t scare Martin St-Louis, because you still have to play the games.

Playoffs Primer: Canadiens Vs. Capitals
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For St-Louis, the playoffs are sure to help Juraj Slafkovsky play to his identity. When asked where he saw the most significant growth in the former first-overall pick’s game this season, the pilot replied:

Understanding his biggest asset is his size and his physicality. When that’s at the forefront of his game, the rest comes with it.

- Martin St-Louis on Juraj Slafkovsky's biggest growth. 

For the Canadiens to win this series, they will need a significant contribution from their first line. If Slafkovsky is engaged and dialed in physically, Nick Suzuki’s and Cole Caufield’s jobs become much easier.

Washington won the season series between the two teams, winning twice and losing once. That loss came after the Canadiens had turned a corner and become a much more confident team.

After a few tough seasons injury-wise, it looked like the 2024-25 campaign would be more of the same for the Habs when Patrik Laine and David Reinbacher went down to knee injuries in a preseason game. Still, thankfully for St-Louis’ men, those and Kaiden Guhle’s skate cut were the most significant injuries of the season.

The Canadiens are ready to go on Monday and have no significant injuries, while it looks like the Capitals will be without Aliaksei Protas at least to start the series. The fourth-year center had a coming-out party this season with 66 points in 76 games, playing a significant part in Washington’s offense. However, he suffered a skate cut at the start of April and only started skating again on Sunday.

There has also been no confirmation about goaltender Logan Thompson’s availability, and not having your number one goaltender in the playoffs is hardly a comfortable position to be in.

There’s no uncertainty on the Canadiens’ net as Samuel Montembeau will get the nod. The netminder has played six times against the first-round foe and has a 2-3-0 record against them, alongside a 3.49 goals-against average and a .893 SP.

Samuel Montembeault pic.twitter.com/vPt9jgWgjG

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) March 18, 2025

Thompson is 1-0-1 against the Canadiens with a 3.04 GAA and a .889 SP, while Lindgren, a former Hab, is 3-1-0 against them with a 2.51 GAA and a .899 SP. Goaltenders Clay Stevenson and Hunter Sheppard have each played a game for the Caps this season, with the former allowing five goals and the latter seven. One can safely assume Carbery would likely prefer not to go there.

Throughout the season series, Cole Caufield has been the Canadiens’ top scorer with five points in three games, followed by Nick Suzuki and Lane Hutson, who both have four. Brendan Gallagher, Alex Newhook, Christian Dvorak, David Savard, Josh Anderson, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Kaiden Guhle had a single point while everyone else was kept off the scoresheet. Needless to say, the Habs will need to spread the offense around if they want to win.

The attack was much more spread out for Washington, with gritty winger Tom Wilson and youngster Protas leading the way with four points apiece in three games. Ovechkin, center Dylan Strome, and right winger Taylor Raddysh all had three points, but the captain did it in two games, missing one of the duels. Connor McMichael, Pierre-Luc Dubois, John Carlson, Jacob Chychrun, and Trevor Van Riemsdyk all scored two points in the season series, demonstrating that the Capitals have more offensive contributors.

St. Louis has already announced his lineup, and there will be no change from the end of the season. In other words, there's still no room for Arber Xhekaj on the blueline. With Wilson playing for the Caps, it's an interesting decision. 

The puck drop is set for 7:00 PM and this is one match-up you won’t want to miss…

Lights Will Guide You Home

A little something to get everyone ready and excited for Monday. Something special about this team.

First Habs playoff run in 4 years, thought I’d come out of video editing retirement,

Hope you all enjoy! And #GoHabsGo ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qsUSekdDRX

— x - danielle (@d_lapidated) April 18, 2025

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Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

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The Minnesota Wild have recalled forward Devin Shore from the Iowa Wild, it was announced Sunday. 

Shore, who is in his first season with the Wild organization, has split time this year between the NHL and AHL. In 55 games with Minnesota, Shore has scored one goal and added four assists for five points while collecting two goals and 10 points in 15 games with Iowa. 

Drafted by the Dallas Stars in the second round of the 2012 NHL Draft, Shore has played in 498 career NHL games with the Stars, Wild, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers and the Seattle Kraken. Across that time, Shore has put up 52 goals and 92 assists for 144 points. 

With Shore being recalled to the Wild, he could potentially draw into the lineup for the Wild at some point in the series if things aren't going their way. While Shore only has four career NHL playoff games under his belt, the Wild know what they are getting with him and could put him into the lineup if they are in need of an energy boost. 

Despite the fact the Toronto Maple Leafs came into the playoffs as the Atlantic Division champions, there were questions (ohh the questions) about how their first-round series against the Ottawa Senators would kick off.

The Senators are a scrappy bunch who had tons of success against the Leafs in the regular season, and of course, there is the narrative that Toronto's stars don't play up to expectations in the post-season.

One of the players often mentioned is Mitch Marner, but if Game 1's 6-2 victory was any indication, Marner is gonna be just fine.

Each member of the "Core Four" – Marner, Auston Matthews, John Tavares and William Nylander – got on the scoresheet in Game 1. One of the most emphatic moments in Toronto's offensive onslaught was Marner's first-period breakaway goal.

It was a big-moment tally that, while not as important as the talented right winger's OT-winner for Canada over Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off, at least brought back the memory of Marner's performance at that international tournament.

Marner does believe it helped playing in that previous pressure-packed showdown this season.

"Maybe with calmness and confidence," he said. "That tournament was pretty quick, obviously very, very intense, and that's what the playoffs are. It happens quickly, games go by fast, and you look forward to the next one and realize it will be even harder."

But the goal wasn't the only good thing Marner did in Game 1.

For a player who had been criticized in some circles for not being a playoff performer, Marner showed off a variety of positive traits against Ottawa, from outmuscling defenseman Jake Sanderson to a puck in the first period to nearly getting a breakaway on the penalty kill in the second. As it was, Marner did enough on that breakout to get the puck to Matthews, wasting valuable Senators power-play time in the process.

Overall, Marner played Game 1 with the poise, patience and skill you would expect from a 102-point player who will also likely get a number of Selke votes this year. With three points in Game 1, the Leafs superstar is nearing point-per-game status in his NHL playoff career. In total, the "Core Four" totalled nine points on the night, though it wasn't top of mind for the players themselves.

"I don't think we think about it that way – we think about wins," Marner said. "To start off with a win is great. Now, we have to look forward to the next one, and that will be even harder to win. But we'll try to figure out how to be even better on Tuesday."

It's a great team sentiment, but the fact Toronto's top guns have been unleashed early is great news for the Leafs.

"Yeah, they were dialled in," said goalie Anthony Stolarz. "I liked how all four of our lines played."

It's also a troubling harbinger for the Senators. Few teams could slow down Marner this season, and in Game 1 of the playoffs, that trend certainly continued.

NHL Playoffs Are Here: Most To Prove, Cinderella Runs, Early Exits, Traditions And MoreThe NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs are full of storylines and tradition.

The 4 Nations was a fascinating NHL experiment that went very right, but the ramifications on the players who took part won't truly be known until the Stanley Cup is awarded again this summer. When Canada won gold over Team USA, it was Marner setting up Connor McDavid for the winner. Could Marner earn similar glory with a different color of maple leaf on his chest in June?

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LAS VEGAS -- It takes 16 wins to hoist Lord's Stanley Cup.

One down, 15 to go.

The Golden Knights opened their 2025 postseason campaign with 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Sunday night to take a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-seven set.

Brett Howden scored twice and Adin Hill made 18 saves for the Knights. Pavel Dorofeyev also scored for Vegas, his first career playoff goal, while Tomas Hertl found the slimmest of margins for his 26th career playoff score.

Matt Boldy scored both of Minnesota's goals while Filip Gustavsson made 23 saves.

Vegas opened the scoring late in the first period when Hertl simply outmuscled Minnesota's Brock Faber to grab the puck and lift it short side and beat Gustavsson.

WHO WANTS IT MORE THAN TOMAS HERTL????? pic.twitter.com/BH0wkCxQae

— y-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 21, 2025

Boldy tied the game a little more than two minutes later when he one-timed Kirill Kaprizov's cross-ice pass to the doorstep past Hill.

The Knights retook the lead late in the second period, just five seconds into a power play, when Shea Theodore dragged the puck down the line, faked a shot and fed Dorofeyev, who fired a missile into a wide-open net to make it 2-1.

Howden pushed the lead to two goals early in the third period when he took a pass from Nic Roy inside the blue line during an odd-man rush and lasered a wrist shot from the bottom of the left circle.

The Wild closed the gap again when Kaprizov's shot caromed behind the net, and Boldy was there to gather the puck on one side and deliver a nifty wraparound to the other and make it a one-goal game.

Howden's second of the evening, into an empty net as time expired, provided the final margin.

Here are three takeaways from Sunday's game:

NO PRESSURE: Dorofeyev, who led the Golden Knights with 35 goals during the regular season, may have done himself a favor by notching his first-ever playoff goal in his second career playoff game. One, the jitters are out after getting on the stat sheet, and two, any confidence that poured in from the regular season was exemplified when his blast beat Gustavsson.

"I think it's important to get that out of the way, so good for him," Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. "Real good play by Hertl all around, wins the draw, picks, releases, screens a goalie. He's done that a number of times this year, opened up plays for the guys. And Pav, I mean, he didn't miss. Even if the goalie does track the puck and get across, it might still go in. ... Happy for Pav as a young guy that has scored a lot, you don't want that to have to answer those questions as a playoff goes along, if you can help it."

THE FIRST #StanleyCup PLAYOFF GOAL OF HIS CAREER!!!!! 🚪 pic.twitter.com/RGLgJtR0x7

— y-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 21, 2025

MINNY MUSCLE: The Wild played an exceptionally physical game, looking to establish their presence immediately while hoping to bully the Knights. Minnesota outhit Vegas, 54-29, marking the Wild's second-highest postseason total in franchise history. The highest? That came on May 16, 2021, also against Vegas, with 71.

"Yeah, obviously, I think they were pretty physical today," Vegas forward Nic Roy said. "But we got a big team. We're not just gonna look for a number of hits. I think we're always gonna be a physical team. We're gonna win our battles. That's the most important thing. And I think the guys that have that in them to be physical are gonna be physical. And the guys that are going to make plays, are going to make plays and obviously raise their the intensity and winning their battles. It's just the way we approach it."

PLAYOFF ADIN: In his 20th career playoff appearance, and 18th start, Hill faced his second-fewest shots (20). The only time he faced fewer shots was his first-ever appearance, when he relieved Laurent Brossoit on May 6, 2023, and played just the third period. Hill has now allowed two or fewer goals in 12 of his 20 playoff games. He has a career goals-against average of 2.08 and a save percentage of .931.

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