Adam Klapka will reach a significant milestone on Tuesday night, appearing in his 100th NHL game as the Calgary Flames face the New York Rangers.
The Praha, Czechia native is in his third season with the Flames and has recorded 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points, along with 145 penalty minutes, through his first 99 NHL appearances.
Klapka’s path to the league wasn’t a traditional one. After going undrafted, the towering forward signed with the Calgary organization in 2022 and spent time developing with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers before carving out a role at the NHL level.
“It's awesome,” Klapka told Flames TV on Tuesday when asked about appearing in his 100th game. “When I signed with the flames four years ago, I never thought it was going to be that many games, so I’m really appreciative for that, and I hope (I’m going to) add a couple hundred more.”
"I hope it's a couple hundred more."
Adam Klapka reflects on his journey to the NHL, as he gets set to play in his 100th career game tonight. pic.twitter.com/Q8Lvrb4MTy
Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 235 pounds, Klapka has grown into a formidable physical presence. His physical style of play has been especially noticeable this season, where he currently ranks third in the NHL with 235 hits.
Adam Klapka will reach a significant milestone on Tuesday night, appearing in his 100th NHL game as the Calgary Flames face the New York Rangers.
The Praha, Czechia native is in his third season with the Flames and has recorded 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points, along with 145 penalty minutes, through his first 99 NHL appearances.
Klapka’s path to the league wasn’t a traditional one. After going undrafted, the towering forward signed with the Calgary organization in 2022 and spent time developing with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers before carving out a role at the NHL level.
“It's awesome,” Klapka told Flames TV on Tuesday when asked about appearing in his 100th game. “When I signed with the flames four years ago, I never thought it was going to be that many games, so I’m really appreciative for that, and I hope (I’m going to) add a couple hundred more.”
"I hope it's a couple hundred more."
Adam Klapka reflects on his journey to the NHL, as he gets set to play in his 100th career game tonight. pic.twitter.com/Q8Lvrb4MTy
Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 235 pounds, Klapka has grown into a formidable physical presence. His physical style of play has been especially noticeable this season, where he currently ranks third in the NHL with 235 hits.
Adam Klapka will reach a significant milestone on Tuesday night, appearing in his 100th NHL game as the Calgary Flames face the New York Rangers.
The Praha, Czechia native is in his third season with the Flames and has recorded 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points, along with 145 penalty minutes, through his first 99 NHL appearances.
Klapka’s path to the league wasn’t a traditional one. After going undrafted, the towering forward signed with the Calgary organization in 2022 and spent time developing with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers before carving out a role at the NHL level.
“It's awesome,” Klapka told Flames TV on Tuesday when asked about appearing in his 100th game. “When I signed with the flames four years ago, I never thought it was going to be that many games, so I’m really appreciative for that, and I hope (I’m going to) add a couple hundred more.”
"I hope it's a couple hundred more."
Adam Klapka reflects on his journey to the NHL, as he gets set to play in his 100th career game tonight. pic.twitter.com/Q8Lvrb4MTy
Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 235 pounds, Klapka has grown into a formidable physical presence. His physical style of play has been especially noticeable this season, where he currently ranks third in the NHL with 235 hits.
The Kings are coming off a 5-4 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. That game was a very important one for the Kings, who are now 1 point behind the Seattle Kraken for the final wild card spot. The Kings take on a very good Boston team, which is coming off a 5-4 comeback loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. So they will be looking to bounce back, especially after blowing a 3-0 lead in that game.
Marat Khusnutdinov - Elias Lindholm - David Pastrnak
Casey Mittelstadt - Pavel Zacha - Viktor Arvidsson
Michael Eyssimont - Fraser Minten - Morgan Geekie
Tanner Jeannot - Sean Kuraly - Mark Kastelic
Jonathan Aspirot - Charlie McAvoy
Nikita Zadorov - Andrew Peeke
Hampus Lindholm - Mason Lohrei
Jeremy Swayman
Joonas Korpisalo
Line Changes and Injuries
The Injuries for the Kings have not changed since yesterday, and Mathieu Joseph and Jacob Moverare are again scratches for tonight's matchup. For the Bruins, they have scratched Alex Steeves, Henri Jokiharju, Jordan Harris and have no injuries listed on the roster.
The lines for the Kings are the same as yesterday, with the only change in goal: Kuemper is getting the nod today, as Forsberg made 28 saves in the win against Columbus. The Bruins are likely to start Jeremy Swayman, as Korpisalo started in their last game against the Penguins.
Key Factors
The Kings are on their second night of a back-to-back, and the Bruins have been one of the best home teams in the NHL, posting a 24-8-1 home record this season. The Kings on the road this season have a 16-8-7 record, so while they are a better team away from home, they still lose in overtime.
Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe look to continue their impressive play together. In the Blue Jackets game, both had 2 points, with Kempe scoring 2 goals and Panarin adding a goal and an assist.
The Kings will have to be wary of the Bruins' depth offence, but also their physical defence, as the Bruins like to play physical, and the Kings will need an answer for that.
Overall, this game is once again a very important one for the Kings as they look to move back into a playoff spot with a win tonight. My prediction for tonight's matchup is a 3-2 Kings win.
The Kings are coming off a 5-4 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. That game was a very important one for the Kings, who are now 1 point behind the Seattle Kraken for the final wild card spot. The Kings take on a very good Boston team, which is coming off a 5-4 comeback loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. So they will be looking to bounce back, especially after blowing a 3-0 lead in that game.
Marat Khusnutdinov - Elias Lindholm - David Pastrnak
Casey Mittelstadt - Pavel Zacha - Viktor Arvidsson
Michael Eyssimont - Fraser Minten - Morgan Geekie
Tanner Jeannot - Sean Kuraly - Mark Kastelic
Jonathan Aspirot - Charlie McAvoy
Nikita Zadorov - Andrew Peeke
Hampus Lindholm - Mason Lohrei
Jeremy Swayman
Joonas Korpisalo
Line Changes and Injuries
The Injuries for the Kings have not changed since yesterday, and Mathieu Joseph and Jacob Moverare are again scratches for tonight's matchup. For the Bruins, they have scratched Alex Steeves, Henri Jokiharju, Jordan Harris and have no injuries listed on the roster.
The lines for the Kings are the same as yesterday, with the only change in goal: Kuemper is getting the nod today, as Forsberg made 28 saves in the win against Columbus. The Bruins are likely to start Jeremy Swayman, as Korpisalo started in their last game against the Penguins.
Key Factors
The Kings are on their second night of a back-to-back, and the Bruins have been one of the best home teams in the NHL, posting a 24-8-1 home record this season. The Kings on the road this season have a 16-8-7 record, so while they are a better team away from home, they still lose in overtime.
Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe look to continue their impressive play together. In the Blue Jackets game, both had 2 points, with Kempe scoring 2 goals and Panarin adding a goal and an assist.
The Kings will have to be wary of the Bruins' depth offence, but also their physical defence, as the Bruins like to play physical, and the Kings will need an answer for that.
Overall, this game is once again a very important one for the Kings as they look to move back into a playoff spot with a win tonight. My prediction for tonight's matchup is a 3-2 Kings win.
The Kings are coming off a 5-4 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. That game was a very important one for the Kings, who are now 1 point behind the Seattle Kraken for the final wild card spot. The Kings take on a very good Boston team, which is coming off a 5-4 comeback loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. So they will be looking to bounce back, especially after blowing a 3-0 lead in that game.
Marat Khusnutdinov - Elias Lindholm - David Pastrnak
Casey Mittelstadt - Pavel Zacha - Viktor Arvidsson
Michael Eyssimont - Fraser Minten - Morgan Geekie
Tanner Jeannot - Sean Kuraly - Mark Kastelic
Jonathan Aspirot - Charlie McAvoy
Nikita Zadorov - Andrew Peeke
Hampus Lindholm - Mason Lohrei
Jeremy Swayman
Joonas Korpisalo
Line Changes and Injuries
The Injuries for the Kings have not changed since yesterday, and Mathieu Joseph and Jacob Moverare are again scratches for tonight's matchup. For the Bruins, they have scratched Alex Steeves, Henri Jokiharju, Jordan Harris and have no injuries listed on the roster.
The lines for the Kings are the same as yesterday, with the only change in goal: Kuemper is getting the nod today, as Forsberg made 28 saves in the win against Columbus. The Bruins are likely to start Jeremy Swayman, as Korpisalo started in their last game against the Penguins.
Key Factors
The Kings are on their second night of a back-to-back, and the Bruins have been one of the best home teams in the NHL, posting a 24-8-1 home record this season. The Kings on the road this season have a 16-8-7 record, so while they are a better team away from home, they still lose in overtime.
Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe look to continue their impressive play together. In the Blue Jackets game, both had 2 points, with Kempe scoring 2 goals and Panarin adding a goal and an assist.
The Kings will have to be wary of the Bruins' depth offence, but also their physical defence, as the Bruins like to play physical, and the Kings will need an answer for that.
Overall, this game is once again a very important one for the Kings as they look to move back into a playoff spot with a win tonight. My prediction for tonight's matchup is a 3-2 Kings win.
A major career milestone awaits Calgary Flames forward Ryan Strome on Tuesday night as he prepares to skate in the 900th game of his NHL career when the Calgary Flames face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
The veteran forward is no stranger to the building. Strome spent four seasons with the Rangers from 2018 to 2022 and also played earlier in his career across town with the New York Islanders, giving him nearly a decade of experience playing in New York.
Originally selected fifth overall in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Islanders, Strome has built a long and steady career that has included stops with the Islanders, Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and now the Flames.
Reaching the 900-game mark is something the veteran forward doesn’t take lightly.
“Been lucky to do this for a long time and feel very privileged,” Strome told the FlamesTV media on Tuesday. “Every hundred games seems to have its new challenges and I think it’s a great time to reflect for a quick second and just see where you’re at and look forward to the next hundred.”
"Been lucky to do this for a long time."
Ryan Strome speaks on getting to play in his 900th career game tonight in New York. pic.twitter.com/xMajr68wgT
Playing the milestone game in New York makes the moment even more meaningful given his history in the city.
“Anytime you get to come to New York, it’s a special place, playing for the Islanders and the Rangers I spent almost 10 years here so… anytime you get (to play) a former team it brings that extra joy and excitement and you bring that little extra passion to the game.”
Strome’s start in Calgary has been a strong one. Since joining the Flames, the forward has recorded three points — including a goal and two assists — in his first two games with the club. He made an immediate impact in his debut against the Carolina Hurricanes, finding the back of the net and finishing with a two-point performance.
The opportunity in Calgary also provides Strome with a larger role than he held earlier this season in Anaheim. With the Flames navigating a transition and focusing on a younger roster, the experienced forward has quickly stepped into a leadership role while logging increased minutes.
Now, with game No. 900 on the horizon, Strome will mark the milestone in a city where much of his career unfolded — and against a team that played a major part in his NHL journey.
A major career milestone awaits Calgary Flames forward Ryan Strome on Tuesday night as he prepares to skate in the 900th game of his NHL career when the Calgary Flames face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
The veteran forward is no stranger to the building. Strome spent four seasons with the Rangers from 2018 to 2022 and also played earlier in his career across town with the New York Islanders, giving him nearly a decade of experience playing in New York.
Originally selected fifth overall in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Islanders, Strome has built a long and steady career that has included stops with the Islanders, Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and now the Flames.
Reaching the 900-game mark is something the veteran forward doesn’t take lightly.
“Been lucky to do this for a long time and feel very privileged,” Strome told the FlamesTV media on Tuesday. “Every hundred games seems to have its new challenges and I think it’s a great time to reflect for a quick second and just see where you’re at and look forward to the next hundred.”
"Been lucky to do this for a long time."
Ryan Strome speaks on getting to play in his 900th career game tonight in New York. pic.twitter.com/xMajr68wgT
Playing the milestone game in New York makes the moment even more meaningful given his history in the city.
“Anytime you get to come to New York, it’s a special place, playing for the Islanders and the Rangers I spent almost 10 years here so… anytime you get (to play) a former team it brings that extra joy and excitement and you bring that little extra passion to the game.”
Strome’s start in Calgary has been a strong one. Since joining the Flames, the forward has recorded three points — including a goal and two assists — in his first two games with the club. He made an immediate impact in his debut against the Carolina Hurricanes, finding the back of the net and finishing with a two-point performance.
The opportunity in Calgary also provides Strome with a larger role than he held earlier this season in Anaheim. With the Flames navigating a transition and focusing on a younger roster, the experienced forward has quickly stepped into a leadership role while logging increased minutes.
Now, with game No. 900 on the horizon, Strome will mark the milestone in a city where much of his career unfolded — and against a team that played a major part in his NHL journey.
A major career milestone awaits Calgary Flames forward Ryan Strome on Tuesday night as he prepares to skate in the 900th game of his NHL career when the Calgary Flames face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
The veteran forward is no stranger to the building. Strome spent four seasons with the Rangers from 2018 to 2022 and also played earlier in his career across town with the New York Islanders, giving him nearly a decade of experience playing in New York.
Originally selected fifth overall in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Islanders, Strome has built a long and steady career that has included stops with the Islanders, Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and now the Flames.
Reaching the 900-game mark is something the veteran forward doesn’t take lightly.
“Been lucky to do this for a long time and feel very privileged,” Strome told the FlamesTV media on Tuesday. “Every hundred games seems to have its new challenges and I think it’s a great time to reflect for a quick second and just see where you’re at and look forward to the next hundred.”
"Been lucky to do this for a long time."
Ryan Strome speaks on getting to play in his 900th career game tonight in New York. pic.twitter.com/xMajr68wgT
Playing the milestone game in New York makes the moment even more meaningful given his history in the city.
“Anytime you get to come to New York, it’s a special place, playing for the Islanders and the Rangers I spent almost 10 years here so… anytime you get (to play) a former team it brings that extra joy and excitement and you bring that little extra passion to the game.”
Strome’s start in Calgary has been a strong one. Since joining the Flames, the forward has recorded three points — including a goal and two assists — in his first two games with the club. He made an immediate impact in his debut against the Carolina Hurricanes, finding the back of the net and finishing with a two-point performance.
The opportunity in Calgary also provides Strome with a larger role than he held earlier this season in Anaheim. With the Flames navigating a transition and focusing on a younger roster, the experienced forward has quickly stepped into a leadership role while logging increased minutes.
Now, with game No. 900 on the horizon, Strome will mark the milestone in a city where much of his career unfolded — and against a team that played a major part in his NHL journey.
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Jaroslav Chmelař.
For any fifth-round pick, it’s an uphill battle to eventually crack an NHL roster, and it was no different for Chmelař, who was selected by the New York Rangers with the 144th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Over the years, Chmelař has climbed the Rangers’ prospect rankings, culminating in this season, where he earned some NHL time.
While he may have yet to carve out a permanent role with the Blueshirts, the 22-year-old forward expressed his gratitude for his time in the NHL thus far.
“Really, really special,” Chmelař said of the nine NHL games he’s played in. “If you would have told me that in the summer, I would have told you, ‘I’m going to do my best.’ Now that I've been up here a couple of times, it's a dream come true. Being around the guys, learn from them, see what they do on the ice it’s been awesome.”
Chmelař has been called up a couple of times throughout the 2025-26 campaign, as Mike Sullivan was informed earlier in the season that Chmelař was the Hartford Wolf Pack's best and most consistent player.
Spending most of his time in the American Hockey League over the course of the season, Chmelař has thrived, playing top-six minutes in a prominent role with the Wolf Pack.
In 46 games with the Wolf Pack, the Czech native has recorded eight goals, 17 assists, and 25 points.
It’s taken quite a while for Chmelař to make a name for himself, but he always knew making the NHL was within his reach.
“I think it’s just dedication,” Chmelař said of the strides he’s made. “Everybody has that goal, to come up here and stay. I’ve been doing my best the past few years to achieve that goal.”
Chmelař has been playing a bottom-six role with the Rangers, averaging 8:14 minutes in nine games.
On March 5 in the Rangers’ 6-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chmelař scored his first NHL goal in grand fashion on a breakaway, and the celebration said all you needed to know about the young rookie’s emotions.
“I can't really describe how special it was. It was insane,” Chmelař emphasized. “Scoring the first one at Madison Square Garden, where all the people went crazy, it’s just a feeling I will never forget.”
Given the Rangers’ current situation, in the midst of a “retool” as Chris Drury put it in his Jan. 16 letter to fans, Chmelař, along with other prospects, have a real opportunity to audition for a permanent spot in New York’s lineup moving into the future.
“Every time I step on the ice, I want to put my name up there, and put the best game for everybody to see,” Chmelař said. “I want to be helpful for teammates, so hopefully good things come out of that.”
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Jaroslav Chmelař.
For any fifth-round pick, it’s an uphill battle to eventually crack an NHL roster, and it was no different for Chmelař, who was selected by the New York Rangers with the 144th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Over the years, Chmelař has climbed the Rangers’ prospect rankings, culminating in this season, where he earned some NHL time.
While he may have yet to carve out a permanent role with the Blueshirts, the 22-year-old forward expressed his gratitude for his time in the NHL thus far.
“Really, really special,” Chmelař said of the nine NHL games he’s played in. “If you would have told me that in the summer, I would have told you, ‘I’m going to do my best.’ Now that I've been up here a couple of times, it's a dream come true. Being around the guys, learn from them, see what they do on the ice it’s been awesome.”
Chmelař has been called up a couple of times throughout the 2025-26 campaign, as Mike Sullivan was informed earlier in the season that Chmelař was the Hartford Wolf Pack's best and most consistent player.
Spending most of his time in the American Hockey League over the course of the season, Chmelař has thrived, playing top-six minutes in a prominent role with the Wolf Pack.
In 46 games with the Wolf Pack, the Czech native has recorded eight goals, 17 assists, and 25 points.
It’s taken quite a while for Chmelař to make a name for himself, but he always knew making the NHL was within his reach.
“I think it’s just dedication,” Chmelař said of the strides he’s made. “Everybody has that goal, to come up here and stay. I’ve been doing my best the past few years to achieve that goal.”
Chmelař has been playing a bottom-six role with the Rangers, averaging 8:14 minutes in nine games.
On March 5 in the Rangers’ 6-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chmelař scored his first NHL goal in grand fashion on a breakaway, and the celebration said all you needed to know about the young rookie’s emotions.
“I can't really describe how special it was. It was insane,” Chmelař emphasized. “Scoring the first one at Madison Square Garden, where all the people went crazy, it’s just a feeling I will never forget.”
Given the Rangers’ current situation, in the midst of a “retool” as Chris Drury put it in his Jan. 16 letter to fans, Chmelař, along with other prospects, have a real opportunity to audition for a permanent spot in New York’s lineup moving into the future.
“Every time I step on the ice, I want to put my name up there, and put the best game for everybody to see,” Chmelař said. “I want to be helpful for teammates, so hopefully good things come out of that.”
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Jaroslav Chmelař.
For any fifth-round pick, it’s an uphill battle to eventually crack an NHL roster, and it was no different for Chmelař, who was selected by the New York Rangers with the 144th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Over the years, Chmelař has climbed the Rangers’ prospect rankings, culminating in this season, where he earned some NHL time.
While he may have yet to carve out a permanent role with the Blueshirts, the 22-year-old forward expressed his gratitude for his time in the NHL thus far.
“Really, really special,” Chmelař said of the nine NHL games he’s played in. “If you would have told me that in the summer, I would have told you, ‘I’m going to do my best.’ Now that I've been up here a couple of times, it's a dream come true. Being around the guys, learn from them, see what they do on the ice it’s been awesome.”
Chmelař has been called up a couple of times throughout the 2025-26 campaign, as Mike Sullivan was informed earlier in the season that Chmelař was the Hartford Wolf Pack's best and most consistent player.
Spending most of his time in the American Hockey League over the course of the season, Chmelař has thrived, playing top-six minutes in a prominent role with the Wolf Pack.
In 46 games with the Wolf Pack, the Czech native has recorded eight goals, 17 assists, and 25 points.
It’s taken quite a while for Chmelař to make a name for himself, but he always knew making the NHL was within his reach.
“I think it’s just dedication,” Chmelař said of the strides he’s made. “Everybody has that goal, to come up here and stay. I’ve been doing my best the past few years to achieve that goal.”
Chmelař has been playing a bottom-six role with the Rangers, averaging 8:14 minutes in nine games.
On March 5 in the Rangers’ 6-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chmelař scored his first NHL goal in grand fashion on a breakaway, and the celebration said all you needed to know about the young rookie’s emotions.
“I can't really describe how special it was. It was insane,” Chmelař emphasized. “Scoring the first one at Madison Square Garden, where all the people went crazy, it’s just a feeling I will never forget.”
Given the Rangers’ current situation, in the midst of a “retool” as Chris Drury put it in his Jan. 16 letter to fans, Chmelař, along with other prospects, have a real opportunity to audition for a permanent spot in New York’s lineup moving into the future.
“Every time I step on the ice, I want to put my name up there, and put the best game for everybody to see,” Chmelař said. “I want to be helpful for teammates, so hopefully good things come out of that.”
DENVER — Brett Kulak won’t need much of a scouting report tonight.
Few players in the league know the inner workings of the Edmonton Oilers quite like the veteran defenseman, who spent years inside their locker room and helped them reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. Now, after a whirlwind season that has already taken him through three organizations, Kulak finds himself on the opposite side again — armed with firsthand knowledge of one of the NHL’s most explosive offenses.
This matchup carries a unique wrinkle: it will be Kulak’s third time facing Edmonton this season, and his second different team while doing it.
Kulak began the year with the Oilers before being traded in December to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the deal that sent goaltender Tristan Jarry to Edmonton. His Penguins debut came against his former club on Dec. 16, and just over a month later he lined up across from them again.
Brett Kulak speaks to the media on facing his old team yet again.
Now the journey has taken yet another turn.
Just before the trade deadline, Pittsburgh dealt Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round pick. The move placed him on his third team in as many months — and set up yet another reunion with the franchise he once helped push to consecutive Western Conference titles.
Inside Knowledge
Kulak knows exactly what kind of challenge awaits.
"They're a high-octane offense, obviously very dangerous; they know how to put the puck in the net. I'm just looking...to limit time and space, have good gaps, and make sure your legs are ready to work."
And that starts with the league’s most dangerous weapon.
Connor McDavid, the Oilers’ captain, leads all NHL skaters this season with a top speed of 24.61 mph, according to NHL EDGE tracking. His pace is matched only by his production: McDavid has piled up 35 goals and a league-leading 73 assists for a league-best 108 points.
Connor McDavid is one of the greatest hockey players of this generation. Credit: Neville E. Guard
Containing that kind of firepower requires a full-team effort.
If Colorado hopes to slow Edmonton down, it will take more than Kulak’s familiarity with his former teammates. Every Avalanche skater will need to stay disciplined, manage gaps, and be prepared for the relentless pace the Oilers bring every night.
Colorado’s Focus: Play Their Game
Still, even with his insider knowledge, Kulak said the Avalanche’s approach isn’t built around tailoring the game plan to one opponent — or worrying about what his former teammates might know about his tendencies.
The Hockey News asked Kulak whether facing a team so familiar with his style requires strategic adjustments. He said the focus remains largely internal.
"Lots of our meetings here is pretty much all about us and the style we want to play," he explained. "Those are the things I take from the meetings. There's a couple things you're obviously keeping in mind on the style of play, the team you're playing against brings in, but for the most part, I think we're playing our game."
No Secrets in the Modern NHL
Head coach Jared Bednar echoed that philosophy, noting that in today’s NHL, information is readily available — basically Spygate 2.0, now with 4K video and no sneaky cameras.
"There's just so much information out there," he told The Hockey News. "The best way to break down the Oilers or any other team is just watch. We have every shift of every game available to us. So you spend the time, you watch it, you learn tendencies of individuals of their team, what the structure of their team is. You give your team the pertinent information and you go from there.
"On a day like today, I go through it all and ask Brett, 'Did I miss anything that's important?' He's like, 'Pretty much nailed it.' The information is there for you to watch and learn and all the coaches kind of do the same thing in their respective areas. So there's no real secrets nowadays."
For Kulak, the situation almost feels like a spy returning to familiar territory — only now he’s wearing different colors.
And against an Oilers team built on speed and skill, that knowledge could prove valuable, even in a league where, as Bednar put it, there are no secrets left.
DENVER — Brett Kulak won’t need much of a scouting report tonight.
Few players in the league know the inner workings of the Edmonton Oilers quite like the veteran defenseman, who spent years inside their locker room and helped them reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. Now, after a whirlwind season that has already taken him through three organizations, Kulak finds himself on the opposite side again — armed with firsthand knowledge of one of the NHL’s most explosive offenses.
This matchup carries a unique wrinkle: it will be Kulak’s third time facing Edmonton this season, and his second different team while doing it.
Kulak began the year with the Oilers before being traded in December to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the deal that sent goaltender Tristan Jarry to Edmonton. His Penguins debut came against his former club on Dec. 16, and just over a month later he lined up across from them again.
Brett Kulak speaks to the media on facing his old team yet again.
Now the journey has taken yet another turn.
Just before the trade deadline, Pittsburgh dealt Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round pick. The move placed him on his third team in as many months — and set up yet another reunion with the franchise he once helped push to consecutive Western Conference titles.
Inside Knowledge
Kulak knows exactly what kind of challenge awaits.
"They're a high-octane offense, obviously very dangerous; they know how to put the puck in the net. I'm just looking...to limit time and space, have good gaps, and make sure your legs are ready to work."
And that starts with the league’s most dangerous weapon.
Connor McDavid, the Oilers’ captain, leads all NHL skaters this season with a top speed of 24.61 mph, according to NHL EDGE tracking. His pace is matched only by his production: McDavid has piled up 35 goals and a league-leading 73 assists for a league-best 108 points.
Connor McDavid is one of the greatest hockey players of this generation. Credit: Neville E. Guard
Containing that kind of firepower requires a full-team effort.
If Colorado hopes to slow Edmonton down, it will take more than Kulak’s familiarity with his former teammates. Every Avalanche skater will need to stay disciplined, manage gaps, and be prepared for the relentless pace the Oilers bring every night.
Colorado’s Focus: Play Their Game
Still, even with his insider knowledge, Kulak said the Avalanche’s approach isn’t built around tailoring the game plan to one opponent — or worrying about what his former teammates might know about his tendencies.
The Hockey News asked Kulak whether facing a team so familiar with his style requires strategic adjustments. He said the focus remains largely internal.
"Lots of our meetings here is pretty much all about us and the style we want to play," he explained. "Those are the things I take from the meetings. There's a couple things you're obviously keeping in mind on the style of play, the team you're playing against brings in, but for the most part, I think we're playing our game."
No Secrets in the Modern NHL
Head coach Jared Bednar echoed that philosophy, noting that in today’s NHL, information is readily available — basically Spygate 2.0, now with 4K video and no sneaky cameras.
"There's just so much information out there," he told The Hockey News. "The best way to break down the Oilers or any other team is just watch. We have every shift of every game available to us. So you spend the time, you watch it, you learn tendencies of individuals of their team, what the structure of their team is. You give your team the pertinent information and you go from there.
"On a day like today, I go through it all and ask Brett, 'Did I miss anything that's important?' He's like, 'Pretty much nailed it.' The information is there for you to watch and learn and all the coaches kind of do the same thing in their respective areas. So there's no real secrets nowadays."
For Kulak, the situation almost feels like a spy returning to familiar territory — only now he’s wearing different colors.
And against an Oilers team built on speed and skill, that knowledge could prove valuable, even in a league where, as Bednar put it, there are no secrets left.
He brings snarl. He knows what it takes to win a Stanley Cup, and he plays a two-way game that makes the Islanders just harder to play against.
Serving as the No. 2 center, he was also brought in to mentor 21-year-old forward Calum Ritchie. That mentoring has already begun.
"[Ritchie] cannot have a better mentor than Brayden Schenn," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy told local reporters on Tuesday morning. "I mean, he's exactly the type of player Ritchie is. So I feel like it's going to be good for Cal. He's such a good hockey player. Great hands, great skills, sees the eyes well, moves the puck well. So, I mean, I feel like it's a great fit for him."
For Schenn, he had some great mentors show him the ropes and loves paying it forward whenever he can.
“When I was young, I had a lot of guys look after me — Danny Briere, Claude Giroux, Scott Hartnell, Wayne Simmonds, Kimmo Timonen, the list goes on," Schenn said. "When I came to St. Louis, I had a lot of guys in my corner helping me out, too.
"When you’re young in this league, you need help. It’s a man’s game, and it comes at you fast. When I got to St. Louis, I felt like I owed it to the next guy. Jake Neighbours lived at my place. Jimmy Snuggerud lived at my place. You help the young guys as much as they want help.
Schenn's locker room stall is right next to Ritchie's -- that's by design. And the mentorship has
"Playing with Cal, he’s extremely talented," Schenn said. "He’s a high pick with a lot of skill. You can tell he’s just getting his feet wet in the NHL, and there’s a lot of untapped potential there."
Quotes are courtesy of New York Islanders (@NYIslanders).
