Connor Bedard was one of the league’s most productive players over the first chunk of the season.
While he’s gone a little quiet since returning from injury, my Blackhawks vs. Wild predictions expect him to get back on track and find the net in Minnesota.
Let’s break down my NHL picks for Tuesday, January 27.
Blackhawks vs Wild prediction
Blackhawks vs Wild best bet: Connor Bedard anytime goalscorer (+175)
Connor Bedard has scored 20 goals in 39 appearances, putting him on pace for 42 goals over a full season. That would shatter his previous best of 26 goals per 82 games.
He’s only scored once since returning from injury, but it’s not for a lack of opportunity. Bedard has recorded at least three shots in seven of eight games, leading the Chicago Blackhawks during that span.
Bedard’s calling card is his unique release, and he's scoring on more than 15% of his shots. It goes without saying goals should follow when he’s consistently generating strong volume.
Getting looks should not be an issue against the Minnesota Wild, who rank second in pace and 26th in shot suppression over the past 10 games.
Bedard took advantage of this matchup the last time he faced the Wild, adding a goal, an assist, and three shots while attempting eight.
Blackhawks vs Wild same-game parlay
Teuvo Teravainen is expected to skate alongside Bedard at 5-on-5 and on the power play in his return to the lineup. He's more of a playmaker than a shooter and should help get the puck to Bedard in good spots.
Veteran winger Vladimir Tarasenko has generated multiple shots on goal in seven straight games. I don’t see him slowing down against a Chicago team that sits 30th in 5-on-5 shot suppression over the past 10 games.
Connor Bedard has scored in two of his past three meetings with Minnesota. Find more NHL betting trends for Blackhawks vs. Wild.
How to watch Blackhawks vs Wild
Location
Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul, MN
Date
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Puck drop
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN, FDSN-NO
Blackhawks vs Wild latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
When the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired forward Egor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets a little more than a month ago, it seemed like a worthwhile bet. Far from a guarantee to work out, but it was taking a talented player that had shown some goal-scoring ability in the NHL that may have simply needed a fresh start and change of scenery. Sometimes things just click for those guys. Especially if you put them into a good situation. Maybe you catch lightning in a bottle.
So far, things are clicking for Chinakhov and the Penguins.
More specifically, they are really clicking for Chinakhov and Evgeni Malkin.
Since that duo has been put together on the Penguins’ line, they have been one of the most productive duos in the NHL from a goal-scoring perspective.
In more than 100 minutes together the Malkin-Chinakhov duo has outscored teams by an 8-1 margin during 5-on-5 play. Take it down to a per minute basis, and they are averaging 4.34 goals per 60 minutes and 3.09 expected goals per 60 minutes. Those are elite numbers.
When you add Tommy Novak into the mix that trio also becomes one of the best in the NHL with a 7-1 goal differential and more than five expected goals per 60 minutes. Also elite numbers.
How much so? Here are the goal-differential leaders for the best forward trios in the NHL this season with a minimum of 75 minutes played together:
Now their rank in goals scored per 60 minutes.
Those rankings are out of 216 different line combinations.
They are still relatively small sample sizes (both for Malkin and Chinakhov, and Malkin-Chinakhov-Novak), but they are extremely promising results, both in terms of production and process.
While so much of Chinakhov’s game revolves around his shot and ability to score goals, he has impressed in a lot of other areas beyond that. The goals obviously get the attention, but he has also demonstrated playmaking skills and not been a total liability away with the puck. I do not know that anybody is ever going to confuse him with a Selke Trophy candidate, but his all-around game has been better and more impressive than originally thought. He has simply done everything well so far and been an instant fit on that second line.
It has all just further balanced out the Penguins’ forward lines and made them a really tough team to defend. You know the Sidney Crosby line is going to produce. The fourth line has been a spark plug for the team in terms of its ability to tilt the ice, and even contribute some goals. The Ben Kindel line seems to have found some chemistry with the two big veteran forwards (Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha). Now you have a second line with a future Hall of Famer that is still playing at a high level, and two shrewd additions in Chinakhov and Novak complementing him. Not only are they complementing him, they are making a huge impact. Individually and as a group.
There are no liabilities here. There is not a single line you do not want on the ice. It is an encouraging development to watch.
It is the start of trade deadline season and discourse always centers around which players an organization can hope to buy but never about what they can give up. With the Colorado Avalanche looking for finishing pieces on their upcoming Stanley Cup run, they’ll certainly be adding players over the next month, but what can they realistically afford to part with?
The organization got the party started on January 20th by moving out one of our targeted trade chips in depth defenseman Ilya Solovyov. Can the Avalanche sneak one more transaction in before the February 4th trade freeze? If so, one of the following five assets may be involved.
Five Trade Chips
Ross Colton
Upgrading the third line center position is something even Jared Bednar admitted is on his wish list. This isn’t going to be an easy task to accomplish with Colorado holding limited assets and cap space plus most of the NHL would love to add another center. That’s where Ross Colton comes into play as he is the likeliest candidate to move out if General Manager Chris MacFarland can find a dance partner. His $4 million Average Annual Value contract ends after the 2026-27 season with a 12 team no trade list, but those limitations should not be too prohibitive.
Colton is an experienced and versatile player with 20 points on the year but he just never found a great fit or consistency in the Avalanche lineup. Bednar does not like to keep him at center for any length of time and when he’s down the lineup Colton has a tough time producing. The 29-year-old went 11 games in December without a point and hasn’t scored a goal since November. Lately he was on the second line in Gabe Landeskog’s absence, before suffering a minor injury, which hints at a trade showcase. The Avalanche won’t just dump Colton without an impact return but adding anyone with significant salary or term beyond this year likely means he has to go the other way.
Ivan Ivan
Every organization has a plethora of prospects languishing in the AHL unable to graduate, however other GMs also find value in the validation that someone else’s prospect has seen a notable amount of time in the NHL. If the Avalanche have anyone that fits this description it’s Ivan Ivan with his 47 games of big league experience. The 23-year-old’s handful of random recalls in January isn’t a coincidence only supports the idea that he was called up for a trade showcase especially as he played for the Avalanche at center. The versatile forward is also a Restricted Free Agent this summer with arbitration rights and the circumstances are lining up to move Ivan before he’s due a raise.
Zakhar Bardakov
Similar to the Ivan Ivan situation, depth forward Zakhar Bardakov is also set to become a Restricted Free Agent with arbitration rights this summer. The 24-year-old has spent the vast majority of the season in the NHL with only one day and game spent in the AHL. Bardakov has been a useful depth piece for the Avalanche at fourth line center and wing but we’ve seen this movie before. Nikolai Kovalenko was moved to acquire Mackenzie Blackwood last season and without a likely commitment coming this summer, Bardakov is an easy player to move out for an upgrade even if the return isn’t substantial.
2027 Draft Picks
Surely the Avalanche see a real path toward the Stanley Cup this season and won’t be shy about utilizing the buy-now-pay-later plan. It depends on how far out into the future the Avalanche want to mortgage their assets and there’s little to offer from the 2026 draft other than a handful of 4th, 5th and 7th round picks. That’s where the 2027 draft comes into play for any impact move as the Avalanche still have their first round pick to go along with an extra 2nd and 5th rounder. If Chris MacFarland has to dip into the 2028 there’s the time value of money factor to keep in mind coiffure then the return on those picks will be deeply discounted, which is also why the 2027 picks are most likely in play.
Sam Malinski
This one is admittedly complicated. Malinski has taken a step forward as a valuable depth piece on the back end that has contributed meaningful production with three goals and 24 points from a third pair role. The issue is he is an Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of the season and the Avalanche missed the window to sign him to a reasonable extension instead choosing to execute just a one-year pact over the summer. The 27-year-old right handed defenseman wouldn’t get moved for a minimal futures in return, it would have to be a true upgrade and hopefully for someone with term beyond this season. It’s an unlikely deal to make happen, but it’s also not impossible.
Four Non-Trade Chips
Never say never because there’s few untouchables in the league let alone on a single team but the following players don’t make much sense to move out without a substantial upgrade in return.
Samuel Girard
The internet traded him five years ago but yet Samuel Girard is still in Colorado as one of the longest tenured Avalanche at this point. Another Stanley Cup run doesn’t feel right without him but the true issue with his potential availability is that Colorado needs all the defensive depth it can muster. Right now they are one injury away from replacement level defense and Girard can play in any pairing down the stretch. The questions about the 27-year-old’s future are fair since the left shot defenseman’s affordable $5 million AAV contract ends after the 2026-27 season but moving on from him without a significant upgrade in return doesn’t make sense. Girard has enjoyed a fairly productive season since an early season injury return with 11 points in 35 games.
Ilya Nabokov
A popular idea is to leverage Nabokov for win-now assets as the situation in net is set with both Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood under contract to Colorado through at least the 2026-27 season. That’s probably not what Nabokov had in mind when he signed his Entry Level Contract last year and it’s unclear what really the Avalanche plan to do with their young netminder who isn’t going to leave Russia to hang out in Loveland for long. The premise of moving Nabokov for help now isn’t faulty but the value just isn’t there on a goalie with zero North American experience, let alone any in the NHL. At this point Nabokov is worth more in the Avalanche system so they can figure out what he can provide before selling him to another organization who surely already has one or more of their own goalies in a similar situation.
Gavin Brindley
Championship teams need contributions from young cost-effective players and with Gavin Brindley’s recently signed dirt cheap two-year extension, Colorado would be wise to hold on to him. It remains to be seen what role awaits him after the Avalanche make their deadline trade acquisitions, therefore the 21-year-old’s value might become more evident long-term, but he’s also shown he can play higher in the lineup if needed. Hopefully MacFarland resists temptation to cash in on a bit of early success Brindley has enjoyed especially because any potential return isn’t moving the needle anyway.
AHL Players
Just like Ivan Ivan, every organization has their own replacement level players and without notable NHL experience there just isn’t value in a trade that could entice another organization to give up NHL level assets. The laundry list of such Colorado Eagles players includes Jason Polin, Chase Bradley, Tye Felhaber, Tristen Nielsen, Matt Stienburg, Nikita Prishchepov, and even the likes of Sean Behrens and Trent Miner. Colorado would be looking more for an AHL for AHL swap in their cases and therefore should not be Avalanche trade deadline candidates.
The Vancouver Canucks welcome the San Jose Sharks to Rogers Arena this evening for a Pacific Division showdown. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.
Elias Pettersson is finding a rhythm as a playmaker lately, and my Sharks vs Canucks predictions are eyeing him to keep it rolling tonight.
Read more in my NHL picks for Tuesday, January 27.
Sharks vs Canucks prediction
Sharks vs Canucks best bet: Elias Pettersson Over 0.5 assists (+140)
Elias Pettersson may not be putting up the huge numbers he has in the past, but the Swede is still one of the Vancouver Canucks’ better players. He's compiled 18 helpers this season, cashing the Over in assists in back-to-back appearances.
The 27-year-old set up a goal in a loss to the New Jersey Devils on Friday evening, and he registered another helper on Sunday in another defeat to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Pettersson is playing with more confidence right now, and he’ll play his part in helping Vancouver keep this contest competitive against the San Jose Sharks.
Sharks vs Canucks same-game parlay
Drew O’Connor has cashed the Over in shots in six consecutive appearances.
He’s also hit the Over in shots on net in five games in a row at Rogers Arena, and O’Connor has four SOG in two meetings with the Sharks.
We shift over to Jake DeBrusk, who is averaging 2.78 SOG. The former Bruin found the back of the net on Sunday and had five shots on target. He’s cashed the Over in SOG in two of his previous four outings.
The Vancouver Canucks have hit the game total Over in 15 of their last 25 home games (+4.95 Units / 18% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Sharks vs. Canucks.
How to watch Sharks vs Canucks
Location
Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC
Date
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Puck drop
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSCA, SNP
Sharks vs Canucks latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
We have 10 games on the schedule, and I’ve dug deep to find the best NHL player props. The red-hot Cole Caufield starts things off, followed by Ryan O’Reilly and Lucas Raymond.
Read more in my NHL picks for Tuesday, January 27.
Cole Caufield has been on fire this season for the Montreal Canadiens, and he currently ranks fourth in the league with 29 goals. The 25-year-old has had a huge January, scoring 10 times already.
The Habs star has found the back of the net in five straight, netting eight times. On Saturday against the Boston Bruins, Caufield scored a hat-trick, despite Montreal losing 4-3.
Caufield and the Canadiens will face the Vegas Golden Knights this evening, and he already scored against them earlier in the campaign. He’ll stay hot.
Nashville Predators forward Ryan O’Reilly has a productive 18 goals and 32 assists this season. We’ll focus on his playmaking here. The 34-year-old has hit the Over in helpers in six of his last seven outings.
O’Reilly didn’t tally an assist on Saturday, but the game before that, he had three helpers. The Preds will take on the Boston Bruins tonight at the TD Garden, and O’Reilly has been efficient away from home. He’s compiled 15 helpers in 23 road games.
Also, last season, O’Reilly posted two assists in two meetings with Boston.
Lucas Raymond continues to prove his worth for the Detroit Red Wings, scoring 18 goals and registering 40 assists this season. The Swede is an irreplaceable figure on this roster, and he’s truly doing it all in 2025-26.
The 23-year-old has five helpers across his last five games, and he’s cashed the Over in assists in four of his previous seven appearances. Raymond had a goal and an assist on Saturday against the Jets.
Raymond and the Red Wings are at home tonight against the Los Angeles Kings, and he’s posted 25 assists in 25 home contests.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Roope Hintz has averaged close to a point per game on the year and is showing no signs of slowing down, having picked up eight over his last nine contests.
My Stars vs. Blues predictions expect him to have another productive outing against a St. Louis team he always seems to cause problems for.
Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for Tuesday, January 27.
Stars vs Blues prediction
Stars vs Blues best bet: Roope Hintz Over 0.5 points (-145)
Roope Hintz is somewhat of a St. Louis Blues killer. He has points in four of the past five head-to-head meetings, piling up eight along the way. His success should continue in this matchup, as Hintz is extremely well rested.
We don’t have much data to work with on that kind of rest, but he has eight points over eight games following two off days this season. He's also hit the scoresheet in four of the last five under those circumstances.
The Blues rank 28th in goals against and have struggled to get saves all year. Their struggles on the penalty kill, where they rank 29th, also play a major role in their inability to keep the puck out.
Hintz and the Dallas Stars are certainly equipped to take advantage, as the Stars rank No. 2 in power-play percentage at 29.1%.
Stars vs Blues same-game parlay
Miro Heiskanen has played 10 games against teams that rank in the Bottom 5 in shots allowed to defensemen. He recorded multiple shots in seven of them, including a two-shot effort vs. the Blues less than a week ago.
Mikko Rantanen has scored 11 goals over his past 10 games against the Blues. Given their struggles in net and on the penalty kill (Rantanen ranks fifth in power play points), he’s a real threat to score again.
Stars vs Blues SGP
Roope Hintz Over 0.5 points
Miro Heiskanen Over 1.5 shots
Mikko Rantanen anytime goalscorer
Stars vs Blues odds
Moneyline: Stars +130 | Blues -150
Puck Line: Stars -1.5 (+160) | Blues +1.5 (-190)
Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-115) | Under 5.5 (-105)
Stars vs Blues trend
Roope Hintz has points in 13 of his last 20 road games. Find more NHL betting trends for Stars vs. Blues.
How to watch Stars vs Blues
Location
Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO
Date
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Puck drop
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN Select, Hulu
Stars vs Blues latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
Pavel Zacha has piled up the points at home all season long.
Facing a poor defensive team in his own building, my Predators vs. Bruins predictions expect that trend to continue.
Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for Tuesday, January 27.
Predators vs Bruins prediction
Predators vs Bruins best bet: Pavel Zacha Over 0.5 points (-115)
Pavel Zacha owns some of the most drastic home/road splits you will find. He has been lights out at TD Garden this season, hitting the scoresheet in 21 of 27 games (78%) and only going back-to-back games without a point once.
The Boston Bruins forward has just 10 points through 25 road games and has only produced in nine of those games. His Over rate of 36% on the road is not even half of what he’s managed at home.
Zacha is not only home Tuesday night but is facing a bad Nashville Predators defense to boot. They have allowed 3.41 goals per game this season (fourth-most) and rank 22nd in shots allowed.
While they have won a lot more frequently of late, it’s not due to improved defensive play – at least not at 5-on-5.
The Predators sit 31st in shot suppression and 29th in goals against, and have played at the third-fastest pace over their last 10.
Zacha has excelled in similar spots this season, picking up a point in 11 of 12 home dates against teams that rank Bottom-10 in shots against, goals against, or both.
Predators vs Bruins same-game parlay
David Pastrnak has shot the lights out in back-to-backs this season. He has played in five of them and posted gaudy totals, averaging 9.8 attempts per game. That’s well above his season average of 7.7.
When Pastrnak posts high-volume shooting performances, goals usually follow. He has scored 16 times spanning 25 games in which he generated four shots or more.
Pavel Zacha has points in 11 of his last 14 home games. Find more NHL betting trends for Predators vs. Bruins.
How to watch Predators vs Bruins
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-SO, NESN
Predators vs Bruins latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to get absolutely no breaks from the rest of the NHL when it comes to their hunt for a playoff spot.
Following games played on Jan. 26, the Toronto Maple Leafs fell to six points out of a playoff spot after the Boston Bruins picked up a single point in a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Rangers on Monday.
It was a disappointing result for the Bruins, who had a 3-2 lead in the third period against the openly rebuilding New York Rangers before Will Borgen tied the game with 6:17 to go in regulation time.
That additional point means the Leafs were pushed further down to six points out the second wild card spot. They went into Monday's action down five points out of a playoff spot. It turns out that had the Bruins won the game, it wouldn't have impacted the Leafs' deficit at all, since the Montreal Canadiens would have moved down to the second wild card position ahead of the Leafs by the same six points.
The Leafs certainly have their work cut out for them with five games remaining before the NHL schedule pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
NHL Eastern Conference Wild Card Chase
The Maple Leafs host the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. The Sabres are six points up on the Leafs, but hold the third-place spot in the Atlantic Division by virtue of fewer games played over Boston and Montreal (both with 63 points). Needless to say, this game is big for Toronto, who are on a four-game losing streak and needs to pick up some points before heading west, where they will embark on a four-game road trip against the Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames and wrap up against the Edmonton Oilers.
MoneyPuck.com opened Monday by listing the probability of the Leafs making the playoffs at 7.6 percent.
The Montreal Canadiens have now lost their last two games and four out of five crucial divisional matchups in just over two weeks. As a result, they now find themselves in the first wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, although the Boston Bruins now have 63 points as well after their overtime loss against the New York Rangers on Monday night. Montreal remains ahead thanks to having a game in hand, but it now has its back right up against the wall. This team needs a spark, something that will allow it to right the ship and get back on the right trajectory.
The last time it needed that in December, the Habs brass was forced to call up Jacob Fowler from the Laval Rocket, and unless the goaltenders find a way to step up, that may soon be in the cards as well. After Samuel Montembeault failed to make the big saves in the last two games, Jakub Dobes will be given the net tonight against a strong Vegas Golden Knights side.
The Nevada outfit is comfortably installed atop the Pacific Division and has a 7-3-0 record in its last 10 games, but it is coming off a humiliating 7-1 blowout loss against the Ottawa Senators. It likely means the players will be absolutely pumped when they jump on the Bell Centre Ice on Tuesday night. While the Habs have won the last duel between the two sides, they’ve only beaten Vegas three times in their previous 10 meetings.
Tuesday night’s tilt will be Dobes’ first game against Vegas, and he’s got a 15-5-3 record on the season with a 3.01 goals-against average and a .887 save percentage. Meanwhile, Montembeault has a 2-2-2 career record against the Knights with a 3.20 GAA and a .910 SV. The Becancour native was in net for the first game between the two teams this season, a 4-1 win in which he made 30 saves on 31 shots, which was perhaps his best performance of the year.
Based on Monday’s practice, it’s unlikely that there will be any other changes to the Canadiens’ lineup since Patrik Laine, Samuel Blais, Joe Veleno and Jayden Struble were taking rotations as extras.
Meanwhile, the Knights have yet to confirm who will be manning their net. Aidin Hill, who has recently come back from injury, was in the net for the entirety of Sunday night’s 7-1 blowout loss, and it will be interesting to see if he’s given a chance to get back on the horse right away. He’s 5-2-0 against the Canadiens with a 2.71 GAA and a .900 SV. Meanwhile, Akira Schmid has a 1-1-0 record with a 2.02 GAA and a .905 SV against the Habs. As for Carter Hart, who signed with Vegas earlier this season, he’s currently out with a lower-body injury and is being evaluated every week.
Up front, Phillip Danault is the Canadiens’ most productive forward against the Knights, thanks to playing them a lot when he was a member of the Los Angeles Kings. He has 17 points in 20 games against Bruce Cassidy’s men. Captain Nick Suzuki comes in second place with 11 points in as many games, followed by Mike Matheson, who has eight points in 13 duels. Cole Caufield sits right outside the top three, but he’s still a point-per-game player against the Knights with seven points in as many games. The sniper is red hot lately; he has goals (8) in his last five games and 10 points in that span. Suzuki is also on a five-game point streak with two goals and seven assists, while Matheson has an assist in each of the last four games.
Meanwhile, Mitch Marner is the visitors' most productive player against Montreal with 40 points in 39 games, followed by Jack Eichel (24 points in 25 games) and Mark Stone (24 points in 28 games). What do the three have in common? They all took on Montreal regularly when they played in the Atlantic Division for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, and Senators, respectively. Newly acquired defenseman Rasmus Andersson is the only player currently running a point streak, with two assists in as many games as a member of the Golden Knights.
If the Canadiens hope to win the game, they’ll have to provide a real 60-minute effort; the Knights have a plus-23 differential in the third frame, meaning the Habs can’t afford to let up in the final frame, even if they have the lead. That has been an issue for the Habs lately, and it was discussed at the team meeting after practice on Monday.
The game is set for 7:00 PM, and you can catch it on RDS, TSN2, and SCRIPPS. Mike Sullivan and Jon McIsaac will be the referees, while Michel Cormier and Jeremy Faucher will be the linemen.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander apologized twice for pointing his middle finger during the broadcast of his team’s 4-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.
First, he did it on his Instagram account via a story. He later addressed the issue with the media, speaking to reporters when he normally wouldn’t be available due to team policy for injured players.
During the scrum, he apologized again for the gesture, explaining he was frustrated over the injury that had kept him out for five games. He will also miss a sixth game this Tuesday when the club hosts the Buffalo Sabres.
Despite these apologies, the NHL Department of Player Safety decided to fine Nylander $5,000 for the act. “Nylander directed an inappropriate gesture at a television camera operator while the camera was directed at Mr. Nylander and his teammates in the press box," NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety George Parros said in a statement. "This serves as a reminder that the code of conduct governing players extends throughout the arena at NHL games and in public game situations”.
Many were quick to point out that when Utah Hockey Club defenseman Mikhail Sergachev seemingly pointed his middle finger in front of a camera during a game last season, he escaped without a fine. This has prompted Leafs fans and conspiracy theorists to wonder if Parros is issuing the fine simply because the incident involved a Leaf.
On the surface, I don’t disagree with the fine. Is there an inconsistency in terms of how the NHL’s Department of Player Safety hands out discipline? Absolutely. While there is certainly outrage, it’s just a fine; Nylander is not missing any games because of it. Did he do something dumb? Yeah, I think so.
Toronto’s William Nylander has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for making an inappropriate gesture while in the press box during NHL Game #819.
He apologized twice, and that should have been enough to put things to an end. And yet, the NHL extended the issue by issuing a fine. The Leafs didn’t have to make Nylander available to speak on the matter, and they should be commended for doing so. Ultimately, the fine doesn’t accomplish anything other than inciting more debate. I suppose the NHL could have imposed a suspension had he not apologized, although that would have subjected the discipline department to even more scrutiny—something they clearly do not care about.
The upcoming Olympic break could potentially be coming at a good time for a few banged-up Penguins players.
The biggest concern likely involves Evgeni Malkin, who appeared to be in pain on the bench Sunday night following a seemingly light shoulder tap from Anthony Mantha.
When asked about that moment after the game, head coach Dan Muse said there was “no update” regarding Malkin.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski reported that Muse told reporters afterward when asked again about Malkin’s injury status: “No, there’s nothing there.”
There’s less reassuring than it might have been otherwise given that Muse described Malkin as “day-to-day” shortly before he was sidelined for a month with a shoulder injury in December.
Malkin said earlier this month he felt normal immediately after the Dec. 4 game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in which he was initially injured, but woke up in pain the next morning. After a Feb. 5 game at the Ottawa Senators, the Penguins don’t play again until Feb. 26.
The upcoming schedule break could be a problem for the Penguins in terms of disrupting their momentum, but could also provide some respite if Malkin is dealing with any lingering issues.
Speaking of potentially injured players: Jack St. Ivany left Sunday’s win over the Vancouver Canucks with an upper-body injury. The Athletic’s Josh Yohe identified it as a left hand injury and said St. Ivany “is expected to miss sometime.”
That one could sting for the Penguins. After some struggles earlier this season, St. Ivany has been part of the reason for the blue line’s success while missing Erik Karlsson and/or Kris Letang during this recent stretch.
The Penguins didn’t provide any updates on either player’s status Monday, so it’ll be something to keep an eye out today. Injury updates will at least come before Thursday’s home game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Penguins will also be looking out for news regarding Bryan Rust. NHL Player Safety said he is scheduled to have a hearing for his hit on Canucks captain Brock Boeser this morning.
Pittsburgh’s Bryan Rust will have a hearing tomorrow morning for an illegal check to the head against Vancouver’s Brock Boeser. https://t.co/K8cMz139Hz
The Penguins have five games remaining before the Olympic break, starting with a three-game homestand against the Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Senators and finishing out with a two-game road trip against the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres.
Potential updates today on Malkin, St. Ivany and Rust will determine if the Penguins are missing any starters for that stretch.
The Pens will especially hope to have as healthy a lineup as possible against the Islanders and Sabres, two teams who could possibly be in direct competition for a playoff spot down the stretch.
As the city digs out from a major winter storm that dumped over a foot of snow on the region, the Pittsburgh Penguins were out west taking care of business to remain one of the hottest teams in hockey. Now they will return home and enjoy a few days off before starting a five-game stretch over the next week and half leading into the Olympic break. This stretch run into the break is highlighted by a three-game homestand and a special Stanley Cup reunion for the 2016 squad this weekend.
Pens Points…
Coming off a perfect 4-0 Western Conference road trip, the Penguins return home for a three-game homestand beginning on Thursday night. These will be their final three home games before the Olympic break and it’s another big opportunity to bank some points. [Pensburgh]
Not only did the Penguins sweep their western road trip, they did so in relatively dominating fashion. Besides a few late hiccups against the Canucks, the Penguins dominated play over the course of four games, showing us that this team might very well be for real. [PPG]
There is a chance the Penguins are without Bryan Rust when they return to game action on Thursday night against the Chicago Blackhawks. For once this is not an injury related situation with Rust, but he could potentially be suspended following a hit against the Cancucks. [Pensburgh]
With January wrapping up, it’s a good time to check in on some young prospects to see how they are faring in their development. Prospects are spread across several different leagues right now both in North American and even over in Europe. [Pensburgh]
It’s been a difficult in this native Sweden for Penguins prospect Melvin Fernstrom and the team is stepping in to help with his development. On Monday, the Penguins recalled Fernstrom from his SHL side Orebro and he heading to North America to continue the season. [Trib Live]
With the Penguins preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their 2016 Stanley Cup triumph this weekend, the team website is doing a round-by-round lookback of that playoff run. On Monday, it was a flashback to a thrilling six game victory over the Washington Capitals. [Penguins]
Goalie masks have turned into their own art form over the years with many artists specializing in making masks for the NHL’s best. For Penguins goalies, they turn to a local artist for all their goalie mask needs, including the newest Penguins netminder, Stuart Skinner. [Trib Live]
Expectations were low when the Penguins acquired Stuart Skinner back in December, many viewing him as a placeholder for the rest of the season. With a strong run of play since Christmas, Skinner has suddenly shifted the conversation to perhaps a longer stay in Pittsburgh. [Daily Faceoff]
NHL News and Notes…
Nine points in three games set the pace for all players this week and it was done by Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov who was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week on Monday. Joining Kaprizov as weekly award winners were Nikita Kucherov and Lukas Dostal. [NHL]
Colorado Avalanche (35-6-9, in the Central Division) vs. Ottawa Senators (24-21-7, in the Atlantic Division)
Ottawa, Ontario; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Colorado Avalanche visit the Ottawa Senators after Brock Nelson's hat trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Avalanche's 4-1 win.
Ottawa is 24-21-7 overall and 12-10-4 in home games. The Senators have a 4-10-3 record in games their opponents commit fewer penalties.
Colorado has a 15-4-5 record on the road and a 35-6-9 record overall. The Avalanche have a +80 scoring differential, with 197 total goals scored and 117 given up.
Wednesday's game is the second meeting between these teams this season. The Avalanche won 8-2 in the last matchup. Josh Manson led the Avalanche with two goals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tim Stutzle has scored 23 goals with 29 assists for the Senators. Jake Sanderson has two goals and nine assists over the past 10 games.
Nathan MacKinnon has 38 goals and 50 assists for the Avalanche. Nelson has scored nine goals and added four assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Senators: 4-4-2, averaging 3.7 goals, 6.7 assists, 4.5 penalties and 11.4 penalty minutes while giving up 3.6 goals per game.
Avalanche: 4-4-2, averaging 3.4 goals, 6.2 assists, 2.8 penalties and 6.2 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game.
INJURIES: Senators: None listed.
Avalanche: None listed.
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Bruins host the Nashville Predators after Elias Lindholm scored two goals in the Bruins' 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Rangers.
Boston has gone 19-8-1 in home games and 30-20-3 overall. The Bruins have committed 257 total penalties (4.8 per game) to rank first in the league.
Nashville has gone 10-11-2 in road games and 24-23-4 overall. The Predators have a -29 scoring differential, with 145 total goals scored and 174 given up.
The teams meet Tuesday for the first time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: David Pastrnak has scored 21 goals with 45 assists for the Bruins. Charlie McAvoy has three goals and nine assists over the last 10 games.
Steven Stamkos has 25 goals and 12 assists for the Predators. Ryan O'Reilly has seven goals and eight assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bruins: 8-1-1, averaging four goals, 7.2 assists, 3.7 penalties and 10 penalty minutes while giving up 2.3 goals per game.
Predators: 5-5-0, averaging 2.9 goals, 4.7 assists, 3.3 penalties and 6.9 penalty minutes while giving up 3.5 goals per game.
INJURIES: Bruins: None listed.
Predators: None listed.
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
The Boston Bruins had the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference standings on Dec. 30, which was the product of a six-game losing streak. They were in danger of digging themselves a hole that would be tough to climb out of.
But since then, they have won 10 of their last 13 games (10-2-1 record), and as a result the B’s enter Tuesday in the second wild card playoff spot.
What’s behind the Bruins’ impressive turnaround in January?
Let’s look at some of the key factors.
Charlie McAvoy’s fantastic two-way play
McAvoy had a tough start to the season after suffering a jaw injury in mid-November that kept him sidelined for about a month. But he has kicked it into high gear in January with 14 points (three goals, 11 assists). He had just 20 points in the previous three months combined.
He’s making more of an impact than just scoring, though. McAvoy defends at a high level, he blocks shots, he dishes out huge hits, he kills penalties — everything you’d expect from a true No. 1 defenseman.
“He’s been outstanding as of late, for a while now,” Bruins head coach Marco Sturm said after a win over the Vegas Golden Knights last week. “He’s like a horse out there. It’s almost like you want to play him for 60 minutes because he does everything. Blocking shots is part of his game, too. I’m just very happy with the way he’s playing right now, especially in those crucial moments in the game where we need to stay calm and be in the right spot. He’s been there for us all year long.”
McAvoy logs a lot of tough minutes against the opposing team’s top forwards, and yet the B’s still have a positive goal differential and an edge in scoring chances during his even-strength minutes this month.
Whether it’s 5-on-5, the power play or the penalty kill, McAvoy is making a positive impact all over the ice, and that’s what you expect from a player who is top 10 at his position when healthy.
Morgan Geekie is back
After going 12 straight games without scoring a goal from Dec. 21 through Jan. 17, Geekie has tallied six points (four goals, two assists) in the last four matchups.
Geekie scored twice against the Canadiens on Saturday night, including the game-winning tally with 5:53 left in the third period.
Geekie RIPPED it so hard it got lodged in the back of the net, BUT NO ONE KNEW HE SCORED BESIDES HIMSELF AT FIRST!!!! 😱🚨 pic.twitter.com/FtOvdx18df
Geekie was shooting 28.2 percent right before that 12-game goalless drought began. He wasn’t going to maintain that percentage forever — some kind of regression was coming. But Geekie’s success is no fluke. He’s a tremendous goal scorer with an excellent shot and a high hockey IQ without the puck.
If the Bruins are going to remain in the playoff race past the Winter Olympics, they’ll need Geekie to be a consistent goal scorer at even strength and the power play.
Power play is much improved
One of the primary reasons why the Bruins finished with the fifth-worst record in the league last season was their horrendous power play, which ranked 29th with a 15.2 percent success rate.
The power play has been much improved this season, and one man who has been influential in that turnaround is assistant coach Steve Spott. He was brought in after Marco Sturm was hired as head coach, and one of his main responsibilities was fixing the power play.
It’s hard to argue with the results.
The puck movement is more crisp. There’s more traffic in front of the net and the zone entries are cleaner.
The Bruins have the NHL’s third-best power play right now at 27.5 percent. The only teams ahead of them are the Edmonton Oilers (31.8) and Dallas Stars (29.1) — two squads with loads more elite offensive talent than Boston.
The Bruins scored three times on the power play versus the Canadiens on Saturday, and in January they’re scoring on a league-best 37.5 percent of their opportunities with the man advantage.
Korpisalo’s inability to give the Bruins quality outings as the backup goalie for much of the season was a huge burden on the team’s playoff chances. He posted a sub-.900 save percentage in October, November and December.
But to his credit, Korpisalo has been awesome in January with a 4-0-1 record, a .931 save percentage and a 1.89 GAA in six appearances (five starts).
If Korpisalo can be more consistent and allow Jeremy Swayman to get some much-needed rest in the second half of the season, that would be a huge boost for the Bruins.
window.addEventListener(“message”,function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[“datawrapper-height”]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(“iframe”);for(var t in a.data[“datawrapper-height”])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data[“datawrapper-height”][t]+”px”;r.style.height=d}}});
Fraser Minten making Maple Leafs look foolish
The Toronto Maple Leafs included Fraser Minten as part of the Brandon Carlo trade with the Bruins last season, and it’s a decision they probably regret.
Minten has been a key player for Boston with a career-high 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 53 games. His 13 goals would be the fifth-most on the Leafs roster and one more than 23-year-old forward Matthew Knies, who has a $7.75 million salary cap hit.
Minten has really started to hit his stride in January with 10 points — including a team-leading seven goals — in 12 games this month.
The Bruins have a plus-10 goal differential and a plus-22 edge in scoring chances during Minten’s 5-on-5 ice time this season. His two-way skill set, including an ability to kill penalties (third-most shorthanded ice time per game among B’s forwards), has given the Bruins much-needed depth.
David Pastrnak quietly having another elite season
Pastrnak has been a force all season, especially in January. He has tallied 23 points (four goals, 19 assists) in 12 games this month. For the full season, he leads the team with 67 points (21 goals, 46 assists) in 48 games. No one else on the roster has more than 48 points.
The veteran right wing currently is on pace for 101 points, which would get him past the century mark for four consecutive seasons.
Pastrnak is one of the league’s most talented goal scorers, but he’s also a superb passer. His playmaking skills have been on full display this season, evidenced by his 2.87 assists per 60 minutes, which would easily be a new career high. Pastrnak set up a Geekie goal on Saturday with a brilliant assist.
Cole Caufield anytime goal
Ryan O'Reilly Over 0.5 assists
Lucas Raymond Over 0.5 assists
