How Bruins can fix roster, return to playoffs in 2026 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Bruins were the most disappointing team in the NHL this season, and the question now is: How do they retool their roster and get back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs as quickly as possible?

Bruins general manager Don Sweeney is about to face the biggest test of his career. He has to achieve two objectives at once.

The first is a quick retool that includes substantial roster improvements so the remaining prime years of David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm and Jeremy Swayman are not wasted. The second is for Sweeney to have an eye toward the future and dominate the 2025 NHL Draft.

Sweeney likely will have a top-five pick in every round this year, which he has never had during his decade-long tenure as B’s general manager. His draft record is average at best, and that must improve for the Bruins to have any sort of success both in the short- and long-term.

Here are five ways the Bruins can try to fix their roster and contend again next season (and beyond).

Jeremy Swayman regains his previous form

The easiest way for the Bruins to get back on track and make the playoffs next season is for starting goaltender Jeremy Swayman to play at the top 10 level he’s shown for most of his career.

Bruins goalie coach Bob Essensa and the rest of the staff need to figure out what went wrong with Swayman and which adjustments need to be made.

Expectations for Swayman went way up after his stellar 2024 playoff run and the offseason trade of Linus Ullmark that made the 26-year-old netminder the undisputed No. 1 in Boston’s crease.

Swayman’s 2024-25 season started with a contract dispute that resulted in him missing all of training camp and the preseason. He finally reached an eight-year, $66 million deal with the B’s a couple days before Opening Night.

Swayman was able to play a career-high 57 games without any injuries, but his performance dipped dramatically. His .920 save percentage from 2020-21 through 2023-24 was the sixth-highest among all goalies. He fell to a career-low .892 save percentage and a 3.12 GAA this season, while also ranking 92nd of 102 qualifying goalies with a minus-9.2 goals saved above expected, per MoneyPuck.

Last season, Swayman ranked fourth in goals saved above expected (plus-18.4).

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It was stunning to see Swayman go from leading the 2024 playoffs in save percentage and GSAA, and then play so poorly this past season.

Swayman is not as bad as he looked in 2024-25. We have multiple seasons of data to support that. And it’s not like the team defended well in front of him, either. But he can’t play this poorly again. He’s the league’s fifth-highest paid goalie. The Bruins don’t have the offensive firepower to overcome bad goaltending, so it’s on Swayman to return to the top 10 level he’s played at for most of his career.

Develop young talent

It’s impossible to retool, especially in a quick manner, without good young players coming through the system. You can’t plug all your roster holes in free agency and the trade market. It’s too expensive and just not feasible.

Teams have to draft and develop young players who make a meaningful impact at the NHL level. And as a bonus, these players are on cheap, team-friendly contracts.

The Bruins have not developed many NHL regulars in recent years, and the ones they have — John Beecher, Jakub Lauko, etc. — are not impact players. Only seven of the 36 players selected by the Bruins in the last seven drafts have played in an NHL game. Only two of those seven — Beecher and Mason Lohrei — have played more than 100 games.

Lohrei has the potential to be a top-four defenseman someday. He’s a gifted offensive player and an excellent skater. He tallied 33 points in his first full season with the B’s. It’s important for the Bruins to give him every chance to improve.

The Bruins also need to figure out the best development path for Casey Mittelstadt — a 26-year-old center acquired in the Charlie Coyle trade. Fraser Minten, who was acquired in the Brandon Carlo trade, has the makings of a very good middle-six forward. Will Zellers, a prospect acquired in the Coyle deal, led the USHL with 44 goals and shows great potential as a scorer.

Fabian Lysell, Boston’s 2021 first-round pick, finally played in the NHL this season and put together a couple encouraging performances late in the year. His speed and skill are desperately needed. Poitras has shown flashes of being a good NHL player despite a disappointing 2024-25 season.

It’s OK to make big moves in free agency and the trade market once in a while, but there has to be a steady flow of young players coming up through the system. That’s how you build championship depth.

Find a legitimate top-six center

The Bruins were able to survive at center last season without Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, both of whom retired after the 2023 playoffs. That wasn’t the case this season. The lack of suitable replacements for Boston’s two longtime centers was a massive problem.

Making matters worse for the Bruins is that there aren’t any good internal options. Matthew Poitras had a nice rookie season in 2023-24, but he underwhelmed this year, tallying one goal in 33 NHL games. He spent most of the 2024-25 campaign in the AHL. Poitras still has potential as an NHL player, but thinking he could fill a top-six role any time soon would be foolish.

There aren’t any other prospects capable of stepping into that position, either, which highlights the importance of the Bruins using their 2025 first-round pick on the best center available.

Elias Lindholm was expected to be a top-six center, especially when he signed for top-six money (seven years, $54.25 million) on Day 1 of free agency last summer. Lindholm largely underwhelmed, often producing at the level of a No. 3 center. He has tallied 65-plus points only once since 2018-19.

The trade market is the best place for the Bruins to find a top-six center in the near future (more on that below).

Swing for the fences in trade market, free agency

The Bruins will have around $28 million in cap space this summer, per PuckPedia. They need to re-sign right wing Morgan Geekie and defenseman Mason Lohrei — both restricted free agents — but Sweeney does have some financial flexibility to chase big-ticket additions in free agency and/or the trade market.

The No. 1 player who could hit unrestricted free agency is Toronto Maple Leafs wing Mitch Marner. The 27-year-old forward is an elite offensive player who has averaged 95.3 points over the last four seasons, including a career-high 100 this year. It’s unknown whether the Leafs will let Marner get to free agency, but if he does hit the open market, the Bruins would be wise to make a run at him.

A center is Boston’s No. 1 need, but Marner is one of the league’s top playmakers. His 73 assists ranked tied for third-most with Connor McDavid.

Nikolaj Ehlers also could become a UFA. The Winnipeg Jets forward has scored 20-plus goals in eight of the last nine seasons, and he’s hit the 60-point mark in each of the last two seasons. The Bruins need a top-six left wing with Brad Marchand no longer on the roster, and Ehlers certainly would be able to fill that role.

The best center who could become a UFA is Florida Panthers veteran Sam Bennett. He scored 25 goals — the second-highest total of his career — in 76 games. He’ll be 29 years old in June. Bennett is a solid player and a winner, but he’s not the type of player who the Bruins should spend major money to acquire. Marner is far better offensively and a little younger.

Outside of Marner, there aren’t any real game-changers in free agency. So that leaves the trade market as perhaps the best place to make substantial upgrades.

The Bruins, as a result of their trade deadline deals, have a lot of good trade assets to use in the offseason. For starters, they have more early-round draft picks coming up than they’ve owned in a long time. That haul includes four first-round picks and five second-round picks over the next three drafts.

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Top-six forwards are quite expensive to acquire via trade, and the Bruins might have to be creative to find a good deal. But the Bruins now have some talented prospects and a bunch of future draft picks, so they have the ammo to make a bold swing.

Hire the right coach

Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images

The Bruins have had some really good head coaches over the last 10 years, but they’ve ended up firing all of them.

They fired Claude Julien during the 2016-17 season, which, in fairness, made sense at the time. They fired Bruce Cassidy after the 2022 playoffs and he won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights the very next season. They fired Jim Montgomery 20 games into this season and he helped the St. Louis Blues drastically improve and make the playoffs. Montgomery might actually receive some Jack Adams Award (coach of the year) votes.

This next hire — assuming it’s not interim head coach Joe Sacco — has to be able to develop young players and fix the special teams. The Bruins had the 29th-ranked power play and the 24th-ranked penalty kill this season.

The Bruins could look at an internal candidate such as Jay Leach, who has four years of assistant coach experience in the NHL. He also has four seasons of AHL head coaching experience with the Providence Bruins. Jay Pandolfo is the Boston University head coach, but before joining the Terriers, he was a Bruins assistant coach for several seasons. He would be a good candidate to pursue.

University of Denver head coach David Carle, who has done a tremendous job with that program (two national titles), should be ready for an NHL job. If the Pittsburgh Penguins move on from Mike Sullivan, would the B’s be interested in bringing back the Massachusetts native? Sullivan is an excellent coach who has won two Stanley Cup titles in Pittsburgh and also coaches Team USA.

The next coach will be the third that Sweeney has hired as GM. If he gets this one wrong, he might not get a fourth chance.

Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks post-game analytics report. This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on Vancouver's most recent 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

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The Canucks wrapped up their season with a decent night from an analtyics perspective. Vegas won the even-strength scoring chances battle 18-17, while also holding a 7-6 advantage in even-strength high-danger chances. Overall, Vancouver was able to stay in this game for two periods, but were unable to hold off the Golden Knights during the third period.

The heatmap is a good representation of why the Canucks only scored one goal on Saturday. Vancouver elected to take most of their shots from distance, and struggled to create second-chance opportunities in the crease. The hope is that next season, the Canucks can become a team with a stronger net-front presence, which should lead to more goals and chances.

To wrap things up, Nils Höglander had a strong game for Vancouver. During his 13:22 of ice time, he recorded an assist and finished with an xGF% of 61.85. In the end, Höglander finished the season on a high and showed that he deserves a spot in the top six next year.

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

The Calgary Flames (40-27-14) will travel to the City of Angels to face the Los Angeles Kings (48-24-9) for their final regular-season game.

This game was originally scheduled for Jan. 8, but was postponed due to the wildfires in Los Angeles.

With the playoff pursuit now over, the Flames are expected to set shape their future by suiting up Zayne Parekh, Sam Morton, Hunter Brzustewicz and Aydar Suniev for their debuts against L.A. Full article on these skaters here.

The Kings on the hand have already qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and are slated to face the Edmonton Oilers in the first round. Several of their top players have been listed as day-to-day including defensemen Drew Doughty, Joel Edmundson, Mikey Anderson, center Anze Kopitar, wings Quinton Byfield and Tanner Jeannot.  It will not be a surprise to see them not in action, in hopes of being rested and ready for the post-season.

HEADS 2 HEAD

At even-strength, Calgary’s save percentage is the third-highest against Los Angeles. They average 30.5 shots on goal per game against the Flames, which is the ninth in the league. The Kings’ power play is ranked tenth based on the performance of the last 30 days. With L.A. not being at full strength, expect those numbers to be different.

Dustin Wolf is expected to suit up for his ninth-consecutive game and to his relief, his final of an outstanding season.

Meanwhile, the Kings’ save percentage is the fifth-best against the Flames of all teams. However, Calgary averages a league-low 23 shots on goals per game to L.A. Both those numbers could look also look different with a younger Flames lineup. It will also be interesting to see how the power play turns out. Before a rare two-power-play-goal night against Vegas on Tuesday, the Flames were 3-for-20 in the man-advantage.

TALE OF THE TAPE (SKATERS)

TALE OF THE TAPE (GOALIES)

Puck drops at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles tonight at 7:30 MT/9:30 ET.

The Vancouver Canucks wrapped up their 2024-25 season with a 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Pius Suter scored the only goal while Kevin Lankinen stopped 19 of the 20 shots he faced through two periods. Nikita Tolopilo was credited with the loss, as he made six saves on eight shots in the third period.

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Despite a strong first period, Vancouver was unable to gain momentum as they were outscored 4-0 in the second and third periods. The Canucks could not match the Golden Knights speed, as they fell for the 16th time this season in regulation at home. In the end, it felt as though the only people in Vancouver who had energy in the third were the fans, as they started multiple chants near the end of the game.

Games like Saturday are a good reminder of how much the Canucks need to improve their roster ahead of next season. Yes, getting players like Elias Pettersson, Filip Chytil, and Tyler Myers will help, but the difference in speed and skill was on full display during the 4-1 loss. Despite neither team having anything to play for, Vancouver was still outshot 29-17, with the team once again recording more missed shots (20) than those that hit the net.

Shifting off the ice, Saturday was long-time equipment manager Pat O'Neill's final game with the organization. O'Neill has been working in the NHL for over 40 years, and has been with the Canucks since the late 80's. Not only did O'Neill receive a standing ovation, but every player on the Golden Knights roster ensured they went by the bench after the game to shake his hand.

"He's just a terrific person," said Quinn Hughes post-game. "We've had some great years, some tough years here through the six years I've been here. He's one guy that, no matter what, you come in and he's got a smile on his face. He's the same person to everyone. He acts the same every single day. So he's a legend in Vancouver, a pillar for the organization. He's seen so much, so many great players, great people, coaches and captains. He's definitely a legend here, and he'll be missed. I talked to him today. I know he's planning to still be around the rink a little bit. It's gonna be probably hard to go cold turkey for him, but yeah, just a tremendous, tremendous human being."

In the end, Vancouver's season ends with more questions than answers. They will miss the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five seasons, and may be on the verge of losing key contributors in free agency in Brock Boeser, Pius Suter, Derek Forbort and Rick Tocchet. Ultimately, the next few months will be challenging for the organization as this management group looks to build a roster that can compete for a spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Stats and Facts:

- Pius Suter sets a new career high with 25 goals
- Conor Garland hits the 50-point mark for the second time in his career
- Kiefer Sherwood finishes the season with 462 hits
- The Vancouver Canucks finish the 2024-25 season with a 38-30-14 record

Scoring Summary:

1st Period:

8:23- VAN: Pius Suter (25) from Conor Garland and Nils Höglander

2nd Period:

18:33- VGK: Victor Olofsson (15) from William Karlsson and Shea Theodore

3rd Period:

7:59- VGK: Pavel Dorofeyev from Victor Olofsson and Ben Hutton
10:45- VGK: Jack Eichel (28) from Ben Hutton and Brett Howden
18:28- VGK: Cole Schwindt (1) from Shea Theodore (ENG)

Up Next:

Year End Media- Friday, April 18, 2025

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

NHL Public Relations announced the schedule for the Opening Day of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday evening. Playoffs are set to begin on Saturday, April 19th, and will broadcast two games on Saturday evening.

Per an email from NHL PR, game 1 of the first round series between the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars is set for Saturday, April 19th at 6:30 pm MT/8:30 pm ET. The series will begin in Dallas at American Airlines Center for the first two games before both teams travel to Denver to play out games 3 and 4 at Ball Arena. TNT, TruTV, and Max will broadcast the games in the United States, while Sportsnet, SN360, and TVA Sports will host the game broadcast in Canada.

This will not be the only game set to air on Saturday. The series between the St. Louis Blues and the Winnipeg Jets is set to begin with game 1 in Winnipeg at Canada Life Centre. Puck drop is set for 4:00 pm MT/6:00 pm ET. The game will be on Sportsnet, CBC, and TVA Sports in Canada. In the United States, the game will be on TNT, truTV, and Max.

The Carolina Hurricanes had a memorable night Wednesday even despite a 4-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens as the team had a pair of rookies making their NHL debuts.

Forward Skyler Brind'Amour, son of head coach Rod Brind'Amour, and defenseman Domenick Fensore got to suit up for their first NHL games after both putting in good years in the AHL.

"I think they acquitted themselves well," Rod Brind'Amour said. "I really do. It's a tough environment to walk into, but I thought all of them did a nice job."

Brind'Amour, 25, logged 15:28 centering William Carrier and Logan Stankoven and finished the night with a block and a hit as well as going 8-for-10 in the dot.

"There's been a lot of emotions," Brind'Amour said on his debut. "Kind of all over the place. It was a lot of fun. Obviously it's the best league in the world so it's tough to jump in and get your feet wet in that kind of environment with playoffs on the line for them, but it was really cool to be able to do that and really grateful for everybody that's helped me get to this point."

There were still a few learning moments for the rookie, namely the opening goal where he found himself accidently screening Pyotr Kochetkov.

 "He was fine," Rod Brind'Amour said. "Had the one big mess up on the first goal, covered the wrong guy and kind of took him too far in and then screened the goalie on a long shot, which as I said, if there's no screen, it's not going in. But other than that, I think he handled himself pretty well.

"I was happy for him because he's earned it. He's earned it, played solid. He's not a guy who's going to score three, four goals a night, but I think he was good on the faceoffs and that's kind of the little things that he does, kill penalties, that kind of role and I think he did a good job."

Fensore, 23, played 17:13 and had five shots on goal, a block and two hits.

The defender showcased his smooth skating, being unafraid to carry and transition the puck and his defending was nothing to scoff at either.

"It's been kind of crazy," Fensore said. "Got the news yesterday and flew here last night. Just being jumped into a big game like this was pretty special."

Both players also got time on the penalty kill, which was a perfect 3-for-3 on the night for Carolina.

In total, the pair brought the Canes' rookie number to five in Montreal as they skated also alongside Bradly Nadeau, Scott Morrow and Logan Stankoven and they all will probably have the chance for one more game too in Ottawa on Thursday.

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ST. LOUIS -- The quest for the Stanley Cup begins on Saturday for the St. Louis Blues, who will open their Western Conference First Round series against the Winnipeg Jets at 5 p.m. (CT). 

The game will be televised on TNT, truTV and Max in the U.S. and Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports in Canada for those Blues fans north of the border. Of course, it can also be heard on ESPN 101.1-FM.

Games 1 and 2 will be played at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, with Games 3 and 4 slated for Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Game 5, if necessary, would be back in Winnipeg; Game 6, if necessary, would be in St. Louis and Game 7, also if necessary, would close the series in Winnipeg.

The NHL will release its full playoff schedule soon and the remainder of dates between the Blues and Jets will be released.

It's the first time the teams have squared off in the playoffs since the Blues, as the third seed in the Central Division, knocked off the No. 2-seeded Jets in six games in 2019, en route to the franchise's first Stanley Cup championship.

Winnipeg took three of the four matchups this season, with the Blues going 1-2-1, with their lone win on Dec. 3, 4-1. The Jets won the most recent matchup, 3-1, April 7 in Winnipeg.

The Blues (44-30-8) finished as the second wild card from the Western Conference, while the Jets (56-22-4) won the Presidents' Trophy for the first time ever and claimed the Central Division title.

Carolina Hurricanes forward and top prospect Bradly Nadeau registered his first NHL point Wednesday night in the team's 4-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. 

It was just the second career NHL game for the 2023 first-round pick, having made his debut in the final game of the season last year.

"I thought, as the game got on, he was actually starting to be really noticeable," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "Made a couple of nice plays, had a good tip there on the goal. Had a couple shots on the power play there. He did a good job."

Nadeau grew more and more noticeable as the game went on and finally, late in the third period, the winger was fighting for position in front of the Montreal net and managed to get his stick on a Dmitry Orlov shot.

The puck nearly found its way into the net on its own, but it needed a little help and luckily Tyson Jost was there to poke it home.

Bradly Nadeau sets up Tyson Jost😭 pic.twitter.com/4L9hgR6oBT

— Penticton Vees-xyz (@PentictonVees) April 17, 2025

"There's a lot of emotions that go through it," Nadeau said on picking up his first NHL point. "Obviously your team scored, so you're back in the game there and then also you get your first NHL point. I think just a lot of emotions, but hopefully it's one of many."

Nadeau, 19, has been lighting up the AHL in his first professional season, pacing all AHL rookies with 30 goals on the season.

The New Brunswick native has shown a penchant for producing at every level of his career so far and I don't think it will be too long before we see him doing it consistently at the NHL level either.

"Every chance you get to play for an NHL team you kind of embrace and play as hard as you can," Nadeau said. "Learn from mistakes and the experience. Had a lot of fun. Unfortunately we came up short, but I think there was a lot to like."

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The Carolina Hurricanes fell 4-2 to the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday night at Centre Bell, as the Habs punched their ticket to the postseason.

Taylor Hall and Tyson Jost each scored, Bradly Nadeau registered his first NHL point and Skyler Brind'Amour and Domenick Fensore made their NHL debuts.

After the game, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour along with Skyler Brind'Amour and Nadeau spoke with the media in Montreal. Here's what they had to say:

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Rod Brind'Amour

On the game: We had a couple coverage issues and they ripped them in the net. I think the game was pretty even. Haven't looked at the scoring chances, but zone time and all that felt like, after the first period, we did a real nice job. And we controlled the faceoff dot. Like there were little areas that we were doing well in and then, like I said, the skill... Suzuki was all alone in front and you can't leave the best player all alone and he ripped it into the net. That's what they do. A couple little breakdowns and they took advantage of it. But overall, I thought we did pretty well considering what we were walking into and with the guys we were missing.

On Bradly Nadeau: I thought, as the game got on, he was actually starting to be really noticeable. Made a couple of nice plays, had a good tip there on the goal. Had a couple shots on the power play there. He did a good job.

On how he felt the callups performed: I think they acquitted themselves well. I really do. It's a tough environment to walk into, but I thought all of them did a nice job.

On the way the team played despite missing some key guys: We were shorthanded for sure, but I think the compete level was pretty high. That's what allowed us to at least hang in there and make it an even game. It could have went either way, but their skill got us at the end of the day. A couple of good plays. But we were just competing hard. We killed a couple of penalties and kept ourselves in the game.

On Pyotr Kochetkov: You can't fault him on the goals. Guys were right in front of him so he couldn't see the shots. If he saw those, he's probably saving them as they're wristers from well out, but he didn't get good looks at them. Tip your hat to their team for getting traffic. But he made a couple good saves that allowed us to keep hanging in there.

On Skyler's performance: He was fine. Had the one big mess up on the first goal, covered the wrong guy and kind of took him too far in and then screened the goalie on a long shot, which as I said, if there's no screen, it's not going in. But other than that, I think he handled himself pretty well. Like I said, all the guys did a good job.

On his feelings watching his son out there: I was happy for him because he's earned it. He's earned it, played solid. He's not a guy who's going to score three, four goals a night, but I think he was good on the faceoffs and that's kind of the little things that he does, kill penalties, that kind of role and I think he did a good job.

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Skyler Brind'Amour

On making his NHL debut: There's been a lot of emotions. Kind of all over the place. It was a lot of fun. Obviously it's the best league in the world so it's tough to jump in and get your feet wet in that kind of environment with playoffs on the line for them, but it was really cool to be able to do that and really grateful for everybody that's helped me get to this point.

On the differences between the NHL and AHL: It's a little bit of a different pace obviously. A little bit faster and I think the biggest thing was guys finding the open guy right away. You can't take a breath. It's a learning experience for me. Just a little blown coverage or if you're a half-second late and then the guy gets it and it's in the back of your net. Just one of those things. It's a learning experience. You kind of wish it didn't happen that way, but you have to learn somehow.

On his biggest areas of focus for growth and development: I think it's always just been about work ethic and having a positive attitude. Trying to stay positive. My first year pro in the AHL was a tough year for mem but again, just got right back to work. Had a chance to go to Chicago this year and it's been great. The coaching staff down there has been fantastic. I just try to keep a positive attitude and work my way and here we are.

On having his family in attendance: Obviously it's cool to have your family here. They're the people that have helped you along the way so much and so many people back home watching. I could go on for hours about all the people that have helped me get to this point and just playing pro hockey in general. It's been a crazy couple days and I'm just grateful for everybody.

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Bradly Nadeau

On his first NHL point: Just got a stick on it and got fortunate that it went kind of like behind Montembault and Josty just came in and cleaned up the rebound. 

On the emotions of getting his first NHL point: When that happens, there's a lot of emotions that go through it. Obviously your team scored, so you're back in the game there and you get your first NHL point. I think just a lot of emotions, but hopefully it's one of many.

On the experience being back up in the NHL again: It's unbelievable. Every chance you get to play for an NHL team you kind of embrace and play as hard as you can. Learn from mistakes and the experience. Had a lot of fun. Unfortunately we came up short but I think there was a lot to like.

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The New York Islanders have clinched their first bottom-11 finish since the 2017-18 NHL season.

The team went 35-37-10 and finished 22nd out of 31 teams that season.

This season, they sit at 35-34-12 heading into Game 82.

If the Islanders manage a win against the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Rangers fall to the Tampa Bay Lightning in regulation, the Islanders will finish 22nd in the standings.

Any other outcome in either game will result in the Islanders finishing 23rd.

Regardless of the result, the Islanders have clinched a chance to land the first overall pick in the lottery, as only the bottom 11 teams are able to move into the No. 1 position.

The last time a team outside the top 10 moved up in the draft lottery was in 2020 during the pandemic, when "Team E," a placeholder that had just a 2.5% chance of winning the lottery, landed at No. 1. 

That pick eventually went to the New York Rangers following a subsequent lottery.

Before that was 2019, when the Chicago Blackhawks went from pick No. 13 to No. 3 to select Kirby Dach.

The year prior, the Carolina Hurricanes jumped from No. 11 to No. 2 to select Andrei Svechnikov, while the Philadelphia Flyers jumped from No. 13 to No. 2 to select Nolan Patrick the year before that.

The Islanders will have a 7.2% chance to land a top-two pick if they finish 23rd in the standings and a 6.2% chance if they finish 22nd.

Needless to say, it is absolutely possible the Islanders move into a top-two selection.

The draft lottery is set to take place on either May 5 or May 6.

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

The St. Louis Blues have announced that they have reassigned forward Dalibor Dvorsky to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. 

Dvorsky played in his first two NHL games this season with the Blues, where he recorded zero points and two shots on goal. His last appearance with the Blues was on April 9 against the Edmonton Oilers, where he had 8:09 of ice time. 

The Thunderbirds will certainly be happy to have Dvorsky back on their roster, as he has had a strong first season with the AHL squad. In 59 games, the 19-year-old forward posted 20 goals and 44 points. Due to his impressive play, he was also named to the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic.

Dvorsky was selected by the Blues with the 10th overall pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. With this, he is one of the team's most promising prospects and is viewed as a big piece of their future. 

It will be fascinating to see how much of an impact Dvorsky can make back with the Thunderbirds from here. 

Recent Blues News 

Blues Top Prospect Jimmy Snuggerud Scores First NHL GoalDuring the St. Louis Blues' April 15 contest against the Utah Hockey Club, top prospect Jimmy Snuggerud scored his first career NHL goal. It was a significant one, too, as it gave the Blues a 3-0 lead in the first period.  Exciting Blues Goalie Prospect Continuing To ThriveSt. Louis Blues goalie prospect Colten Ellis is enjoying an excellent season down in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Springfield Thunderbirds. In 41 appearances, the 24-year-old netminder has a 22-13-3 record, a 2.62 goals-against average, and a .922 save percentage.  However, what's more encouraging about Ellis' strong play is that he is only continuing to thrive as the campaign carries on. In his last appearance against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on April 12, he stopped 40 out of 43 shots, which equates to a .930 save percentage. Furthermore, he has had a .900 save percentage or better in six out of his last seven appearances. This includes a 36-save shutout against the Iowa Wild on March 28. Blues Star Is Heating Up In A Big WaySt. Louis Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich is one of the team's most important players. When playing at his best, the 29-year-old is a big difference-maker because of his high offensive skill. 

The Nashville Predators (30-44-8, 68 points) ended the 2024-25 season on a high note with a 5-1 defeat of the Dallas Stars (50-26-7, 107 points) at Bridgestone Arena.

The Predators will finish seventh in the Central Division this season, ahead of only the Chicago Blackhawks. Dallas is locked into second place in the Central Division and will have home ice advantage over the third-place Colorado Avalanche when the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs begins Saturday.

How the Predators Lined Up vs. Dallas

Bunting-O'Reilly-Evangelista
Forsberg-Stamkos-Marchessault
L'Heureux-Svechkov-Wood
Smith-McCarron-Vrana

Skjei-Blankenburg
Oesterle-Barron
Englund-Del Gaizo

Saros
Annunen

Extra: Sissons (week-to-week, lower-body)
IR: Lauzon, Wilsby, Josi

Predators vs. Stars: Live Updates

First Period (NSH 3, DAL 1)

It took just 16 seconds for Dallas to jump out to a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal from Mason Marchment. He was assisted by his line mates, former Predators forward Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin – the latter of whom was making his return to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 1 after undergoing hip surgery.

Nashville was able to get out of some early penalty trouble and tie the game on a one-timer from Jordan Oesterle at the 13:02 mark of the first period.

Starting off with a defenseman goal?? YES PLEASE! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ePbSX3HQWK

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 17, 2025

Jakub Vrana gave the Predators their first lead of the game less than a minute later on a deflection at the top of the crease to make it 2-1. 

TIP TIP GOAL! pic.twitter.com/VTibtMG8pf

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 17, 2025

With 15 seconds remaining in the first period, Justin Barron shoveled a loose puck under a sprawling Jake Oettinger to give the Predators a 3-1 lead heading into the first intermission.

JB just sneaking it across 🤫 pic.twitter.com/3WAGHpLAIw

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 17, 2025

Second Period (NSH 5, DAL 1)

Jonathan Marchessault extended the Predators' lead to 4-1 when he tapped in a backdoor pass from Steven Stamkos at the 6:31 mark of the second period.

A Brendan Smith cross-checking penalty put the Predators on the man advantage near the halfway point of the second period, and it took Ryan O'Reilly just 20 seconds to capitalize with a power-play goal to give Nashville a 5-1 lead.

WIDE OPEN O'REILLY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ahC49lsPkW

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 17, 2025

Third Period (NSH 5, DAL 1)

Casey DeSmith came in to mind the Dallas net for Jake Oettinger in the third period. He stopped all 12 shots he faced for the 5-1 final.

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have reassigned defenseman Ryan Ufko to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. 

Ufko, 21, made his NHL debut with the Predators on April 14 against the Utah Hockey Club. During the matchup, the 6-foot defenseman threw one hit in 15:37 of ice time. Now, after making his debut, he is heading back to the AHL. 

Ufko has been solid for the Admirals this season, so they will certainly be happy to have him back. In 71 games this campaign with the AHL squad, he has posted eight goals, 21 assists, 29 points, and a plus-3 rating. 

Ufko was selected by the Predators with the 115th overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. 

Nashville Predators Place Defenseman On WaiversThe Nashville Predators have placed defenseman Marc Del Gaizo on waivers,  PuckPedia reports. New Predators Forward Michael Bunting Is Heating UpAt the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the Nashville Predators acquired forward Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. Schenn was then quickly flipped by the Penguins to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick. Predators Top Prospect Is Heating Up In AHLNashville Predators prospect Joakim Kemell is considered one of the team's most promising youngsters. The 20-year-old forward is continuing to develop his game at the American Hockey League (AHL) level with the Milwaukee Admirals and is in the middle of a solid season that saw him play in the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic.

Breaking down the best value bets, futures to take and strategies to look out for ahead of the first round matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators

The Battle of Ontario is officially happening with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators facing off in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, starting with Game One this Sunday. It'll be a highly-anticipated matchup that should re-ignite an age old rivalry.

Toronto has faced off against Ottawa 171 times with their first meeting dating back to 1891, when the Senators beat the then-Toronto St. George's to win the Ontario ice hockey title.

Flash forward 134 years and both teams still hate each other as they head into their fifth postseason head-to-head with the Maple Leafs winning all four series and holding a 16-8 record. It should make for must-see tv and a series of games that every hockey fan won't want to miss.

We want to add to your viewing enjoyment by providing a couple betting options that you could take to enhance the experience and win money along the way.

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

More NHL: Safe Bets to Close Out the NHL Season: Top Picks for Parlays and Futures

Maple Leafs Series Spread -1.5 (+122)

Ottawa has won five straight over Toronto heading into the playoffs but they have a young, unexperienced roster that could have a hard time adjusting to a playoff environment. The Maple Leafs have the fourth-oldest roster in the NHL with a average age at 29.8 tied with the Golden Knights and Hurricanes.

Toronto's stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have lived through the playoffs with some wins but more regularly heart-breaking losses. The Maple Leafs have been able to bounce back from it and put themselves in a position to redeem themselves with this year being their biggest triumph yet thanks to their third division title in team history.

The confidence with this team is rolling high and with their recent additions of playoff-type players like Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton, they should be able to take advantage of a Senators team that is the tenth-youngest with an average age at 27.8 years old.

I expect the Sens to be able to edge out at least one game in the series after beating Toronto four consecutive times this season but the second win will be the challenge. Either way, this bet covers both ends with the only loss being if the Sens push the series to Game 7 but the Leafs playoff experience shouldn't let that happen.

More NHL: NHL Betting Roundup: Demidov and Nikishin To Make Debut, Landeskog Return

John Tavares - Series Leading Goal Scorer (+800)

The favourite to score the most goals in the Battle of Ontario is Auston Matthews, which makes sense as the near-70 goal scorer is tied with William Nylander for the team-lead in goals with 18 over the last seven postseasons. Both forwards are great choices at +340 and +500 respectively but we look at a much better value with the player behind the two in John Tavares.

Toronto's former captain has 12 goals over his last 38 playoff games but has been scorching hot, entering the postseason. With 11 goals over his last 13 games, no player in the NHL is hotter than Johnny Toronto.

The 34-year-old veteran centre rides a four-game point drought versus the Senators but I expect him to turn this around in the postseason. He's been playing for a new contract and should get a big one after recording 38 goals this season, his highest goal total since his first year in Toronto in 2019.

Betting Strategies: Offence to Stay Hot

There has been six or more goals in 15 of the last 25 meetings between the Maple Leafs and Senators, which promises more explosive games in the postseason. If we do catch most of the game lines coming out at over/under 6.5 goals, that would be tight but still doable as that number hit in six of their last 12 matchups.

More NHL: Blues Enter Stanley Cup Playoffs As Dark Horse Contender

The most ideal situation for us would be to wait till the games start and hope for no early goals and then getting the over 5.5 with a live bet at a better price tag.

Matchup Trends: Potential Player Prop Targets

Toronto Maple Leafs:

• Auston Matthews has 16 goals, 17 assists for 33 points in his last 25 games against the Senators, including goals in two of the last three matchups. Nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points in his last 16 games and has second-best playoff point-per-game average on the team at 0.87 through 55 games.
• Mitch Marner has just four goals and six assists for ten points in his last 16 games versus the Senators. Six goals and 14 assists for 20 points in last 15 games and has the best playoff point-per-game average on the team at 0.88 through 57 games. 
• Matthew Knies has a pair of goals and an assist for three points in his last four games versus Senators. Plays on a line with Matthews and Marner, Potential Value Bet Option. 
• William Nylander has nine goals and six assists for 15 points in his last 16 games against the Senators. 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points in last 26 games.
• John Tavares has three goals and 12 assists for 15 points in his last 19 games against the Senators (four-game point drought). Bounce back should come with red hot play as of late - Potential Value Bet Option.

Ottawa Senators:

• Tim Stutzle has four goals and nine assists for 13 points in his last ten games against the Maple Leafs. Has been shown to lack toughness and could struggle in playoff-type atmosphere - Potential Fade Option.
• Brady Tkachuk has a goal and an assist for just two points in his last eight games versus the Maple Leafs. Has shown to have playoff-type build but untested, will need wait-and-see approach.
• Drake Batherson has two goals and four assists for a point-per-game average in his last six games versus the Maple Leafs. No playoff experience but could fly under the radar - Potential Value Bet Option.
• Shane Pinto has three goals and four assists for seven points in his last eight games versus the Maple Leafs. Four goals and two assists for six points over last seven games. 

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

Projected Series Schedule for Toronto Maple Leafs vs Ottawa Senators

• Game 1: Sunday, April 20, Ottawa at Toronto
• Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, Ottawa at Toronto
• Game 3: Thursday, April 24, Toronto at Ottawa
• Game 4: Saturday, April 26, Toronto at Ottawa
• Game 5: Monday, April 28, Ottawa at Toronto
• Game 6: Wednesday, April 30, Toronto at Ottawa
• Game 7: Friday, May 2, Ottawa at Toronto

From the first day they strap on a pair of skates, aspiring NHL players dream of hoisting the Stanley Cup. 

When they make it to the league, the dream gets even closer. But championships can be elusive, and some NHL stars can play well into their 30s or even 40s while still striving to sip from the silver chalice.

Last summer, the Florida Panthers’ roster was rich with veterans who finally realized their Stanley Cup dreams, from Sergei Bobrovsky to Kyle Okposo, through Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Dmitry Kulikov and on down the line. 

Here’s a look at this year’s longest-tenured veterans who are looking for their storybook ending in 2025 and, for many, a boost that will help them maximize their bargaining power for next season.

Ryan Suter, St. Louis Blues, 1,526 games

At 40, Ryan Suter has been the oldest skater in the NHL this season, 54 days younger than goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. After signing in St. Louis on a one-year, league-minimum contract following his buyout by the Dallas Stars, the 2003 seventh-overall pick appeared in all 82 games for the Blues and skated nearly 20 minutes a night. 

Suter’s 1,526 games played lead all active players, and he hasn’t missed a game since 2018. His personal ironman streak stands at 535 games and counting. 

But in 20 NHL seasons, Suter has not yet appeared in a Stanley Cup final. He has been getting closer — his longest runs to date came in his last two playoffs, when he got to the Western Conference final with Dallas.

After the Blues’ storybook run through the second half of the season, Suter now gets another chance to see if this is the year.

Cam Fowler is another veteran St. Louis defender who’s looking to make the most of this opportunity. 

At 33, the longtime Anaheim Duck has 1,042 games on his resume. With 36 points in 51 games since his December trade to St. Louis, he has been a crucial addition to the Blues’ top pair. Under contract for one more year, Fowler is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2017. His best playoff run came in 2015, when the Ducks lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference final. 

Brent Burns, Carolina Hurricanes, 1,495 games

With 923 consecutive games played, Brent Burns is the NHL’s reigning active ironman and the only man ahead of his fellow quadragenarian, Suter. 

Burns has been to the Stanley Cup final once, putting up 24 points in 24 games before the San Jose Sharks fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016. With 120 total playoff games, Burns also reached the Western Conference final with the Sharks in 2019 and the Eastern Conference final with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2023.

The Hurricanes are making their seventh straight playoff appearance – one of the NHL’s longest active streaks. With free agency looming for the bearded one, is this the year that Carolina finally puts it all together and raises the Cup for the second time in franchise history?

Claude Giroux, Ottawa Senators, 1,262 games

As a 22-year-old, Claude Giroux put up 21 points in 23 games during the Philadelphia Flyers’ Cinderella run to the 2010 Stanley Cup final. He’s been trying to get back ever since, but his last attempt fizzled in the second round when he joined the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Panthers for their 2022 playoffs – a couple of years too early, as it turned out.

Now, at 37, Giroux is back where he grew up in Canada’s Capital Region. This spring, he’ll chase the Cup in front of an Ottawa Senators fan base that’s thrilled to finally put its seven-year playoff drought to bed in just the second season under new owner Michael Andlauer.

Giroux is also on the cusp of free agency, finishing out the three-year deal he signed with Ottawa in 2022.

Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars, 1,191 games

The pattern continues. At 35, Jamie Benn is in the final season of the eight-year extension that he signed all the way back in 2016. His Art Ross Trophy days are nearly a decade in the rearview mirror, and he has been excruciatingly stuck on 399 career goals for more than a month. But since Benn took over the captaincy from Brenden Morrow in 2013, his Stars have gone to the Stanley Cup final in the 2020 bubble and, more recently, had back-to-back appearances in the final four.

The Stars’ Matt Duchene also sits high on the list of Cupless vets at 1,137 games. After making his first-career trip to a Conference final last year, he re-upped with Dallas in hopes of finishing the job. This season, Duchene has played some of his best hockey, cracking the 80-point mark for just the second time in his 16 years.

NHL Playoffs: Skinner, Tkachuk Headline New Faces To Watch In The Cup ChaseWith just over a week to go in the 2024-25 NHL regular season, our 16 playoff competitors look about set.

John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs, 1,183 games

For every pundit who predicted that John Tavares’ seven-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs would be an albatross in its later stages, the 34-year-old silenced them with yet another point-per-game campaign, ace face-off work and 18 reliable minutes a night under new taskmaster coach Craig Berube, consistent with his ice-time average in Toronto.

Both team and player have indicated they’d like to continue the relationship, but as always, the Leafs’ future plans will hinge on their playoff results. Though he ceded the captaincy to Auston Matthews last summer, Tavares might end up being named a Leaf for Life if he and his teammates can find a way to erase the curse of 1967 this spring.

James van Riemsdyk, Columbus Blue Jackets, 1,081 games

He’s not in yet. But the fact that James van Riemsdyk could still qualify for the playoffs with the Columbus Blue Jackets after 81 games deserves a mention. 

Just a few weeks before he turns 36, van Riemsdyk has played an important leadership role in Columbus as part of the feel-good story of the season. The Blue Jackets refuse to go away, and he has been skating in the top six while chipping in five points in his last four games.

In 16 NHL campaigns, van Riemsdyk has only made the playoffs eight times so far. His best run came all the way back in his rookie year, with Giroux on the 2010 Flyers team that fell to the Blackhawks.

Signed to his second-straight one-year deal at a bargain-basement rate, van Riemsdyk has shown he can still make a meaningful contribution at the NHL level.

Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets, 567 games

Approaching age 32 with six years to play on his current contract, Connor Hellebuyck’s situation is different from most of the players on this list. 

He still has plenty of runway left to chase a Cup. But as the favorite to win his third-career Vezina while part of a Presidents’ Trophy-winning team, there’s no time like the present for him to check a championship off his to-do list.

Last year, Bobrovsky was the goalie who’d played the most games without a Cup win — and got it done. Semyon Varlamov (621 games) is now the only active Cup-less goalie with more games played than Hellebuyck, but his New York Islanders didn’t qualify for the dance.

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