The Los Angeles Kings (26-23-14) survived a near-late collapse, avoiding another meltdown in Columbus thanks to a clutch finish from Adrian Kempe, walking away with two points.

Kempe blasted a slap shot from the left circle 2:26 into overtime, giving Los Angeles a dramatic 5–4 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets after a chaotic back-and-forth contest. 

TWO POINTS!#GoKingsGopic.twitter.com/DM4Jlmlofb

— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 9, 2026

Adrian Kempe had a great afternoon, scoring the game-winner and finishing with two goals and two points. Artemi Panarin had another good outing, scoring a goal, assisting on one play, and finishing with two points. 

Brian Dumoulin also played a great game, especially late down the stretch, giving the Kings the lead late in the third period, finishing the game with one goal, two assists, and three points. 

Meanwhile, Anton Forsberg was phenomenal on the defensive side of things, finishing with 29 saves on 33 shots attempted, coming up with multiple key saves early in the game to help pay off Los Angeles on offense. 

Newly acquired Scott Laughton had another strong performance for the Kings, scoring a goal in his second straight game as a member of the Los Angeles Kings and winning the key face-off in overtime, which led to Kempe's game-winning goal. 

Los Angeles struck first in the opening period when the trade deadline addition Scott Laughton continued his string start with the club. Laughton finished the play with a nice coast-to-coast play from Brian Dumoulin down the left side before setting up Laughton for the easy goal. 

LAK Goal - Laugh and Order!

Kings open the scoring against the run of play. Nice activation by Dumoulin, Laughton makes it 2 goals in 2 games as a King at the net. 1-0..

— Zach Dooley (@DooleyLAK) March 9, 2026

Later in the period, Artemi Panarin doubled the score with a goal midway through the period, pushing Los Angeles ahead 2-0, despite heavy pressure and traffic from Columbus. 

The Blue Jackets would answer late in the period when Conor Garland cut the deficit to 2-1, where the momentum really started to shift to Columbus to end the first period. 

Colombus eventually erased the lead in the second period, scoring back-to-back goals in two minutes after both teams were struggling to get a shot up early in the second period. 

Both teams had several chances to score on the power play, but failed, and Columbus eventually broke out of their slump behind Garland scoring his second goal of the game and Denton Mateychuck to give Columbus its first lead, 3-2. 

Faceoffs were starting to kill Los Angeles in a fate that we've seen repeatedly happen this season when games get close. But today, Los Angeles won 65.7% of their face-offs, compared to the Blue Jackets' 34.3%. 

But Los Angeles would respond despite going down by one goal. After a missed shot by Anze Kopitar, the puck bounced right to where Kempe was on the rebound, and he converted the goal, tying things up for Los Angeles. 

LAK Goal - Tie game!

Great shift by the top line to respond. Dumoulin/Ceci involved offensively as well, five-man unit attacking, Kempe buries the rebound. 3-3.

— Zach Dooley (@DooleyLAK) March 9, 2026

Dumoulin later put Los Angeles back in front after it was starting to get very nervous for LA, with the score tied 3-3. Dumoulin, with one of the best plays of the game, moved into the slot, faked the defense on the sustained pressure, and beat Jet Greaves to give the Kings their lead back. 

Brian Dumoulin!!!!! pic.twitter.com/dsa11iPUuJ

— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 9, 2026

However, the Blue Jackets would refuse to go away. 

After a controversial call that didn't give the Kings a two-goal lead late when Alex Turcotte thought he scored the goal, the refs took it away because the whistle had gone. 

This would give Columbus another chance to tie the game up, and they did just that. With under two minutes remaining in regulation, Columbus forced overtime when Kirill Marchenko buried a power-play goal off a feed from Zach Werenski, tying the game 4–4 with just 1:56 left.  

The late rally from Columbus would secure them a point as we headed into overtime. 

But, Los Angeles this time didn't go away in the extra period, winning key faceoffs, and Kempe finally ended the game scoring his 25th goal of the season and his second goal of the afternoon, sending the Blue Jackets home. 

The winger hammered a shot from the left circle off a pass from Panarin, beating Greaves and securing the win.

Key Takeaways

Massive win for Los Angeles, especially after blowing their last game against the Montreal Canadiens. Los Angeles outplayed the Blue Jackets throughout the first two periods, and when the game got close, they shut the door. 

This win now gives Los Angeles 66 points on the year, and now they're just one point behind Seattle for the final playoff spot in the Pacific Division. 

A very great game overall from the team, arguably one of its most complete wins of the season, playing great defense behind Forsberg and getting contributions on offense from multiple forwards. 

Los Angeles will continue their five-game road trip tomorrow, taking on the Boston Bruins at 7:00 PM EST. 

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Sunday evening marked the Detroit Red Wings' debut for defenseman Justin Faulk, who was acquired on Friday from the St. Louis Blues. 

Known as an offensive-minded defenseman who can play in all situations, Faulk showed poise in his first game with the Red Wings, playing in just under 20 minutes while also firing three shots on goal and blocking four Devils shots. 

He had a golden chance to score after partially breaking in alone into the Devils' zone on a broken play during the second period, but his attempt was gloved by goaltender Jacob Markstrom. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Faulk is already a fan of how the Red Wings play, and is looking forward to doing what he can to help them get over the hump. 

“It’s a good group, I like the way we play, guys like to make some plays and play with some pace," Faulk said afterward. "It’s a hungry group, I can tell. There’s definitely some veterans in here, too, that’ll help lead the way with that.

I’m excited to be a part of it, get going, and then try and play my part.”

For Faulk, it's the second time in his NHL career that he's been traded. A former 2010 second-round (37th overall) pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, he was dealt to the Blues in September 2019 for Joel Edmundson, Dominik Bokk, and a 2021 seventh-round pick.

"I've been traded before, so I have a little experience with it," he said. "It's definitely a unique time of year for it, but I'm not the only one to go through it by any means, and won't be the last.

It's a challenge, but it's an exciting challenge coming to a team that's trying to do some damage and get to the playoffs and win a lot of games. It's exciting." 

While he had a sense that the Blues could move him, he didn't get the official word until after the 3:00 p.m. ET deadline had passed. 

"I got the call a couple of minutes after the Deadline, I was waiting all day," Faulk said with a laugh. "

One of the biggest needs of the Red Wings was a right-handed defenseman with some offensive upside, and they fulfilled that need with the acquisition of Faulk.

He and his new teammates will continue their road trip by taking on the Florida Panthers on Tuesday evening. 

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The Buffalo Sabres passed a difficult and challenging test in their quest to make and succeed in the postseason, battling through five fights, blowing an early three-goal lead, before staging a late comeback to win 8-7 over the Tampa Bay Lightning at a raucous KeyBank Center on Sunday. The victory is the Sabres 13th in the last 16 games, and propelled Buffalo into sole possession of top spot in the Atlantic, and perhaps set the stage for an exciting second-round matchup with the veteran-laden Tampa squad.

The Lightning clearly took a page out the playbook of their division rival, the Florida Panthers, attempting to push around the Sabres, instigating five fights, and specifically targeting Sabres team captain Rasmus Dahlin and defenseman Bowen Byram. Dahlin dropped the gloves with Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh early in the game, and then was assaulted by Tampa’s Brandon Hagel, earning the former Sabre draftee a double-minor for roughing and a $5,000 fine from the NHL on Monday, while Byram tussled with Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous. 

"I'm not a referee, but I mean a situation like that, usually a guy gets kicked out, he doesn't get four (minutes). He probably should get two for every punch, and it probably would lead to at least 20 minutes," Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said after the win. 

Other Sabres Stories

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

Tampa responded with three goals in the middle frame, and took a 7-5 lead in the third, but goals from Dahlin and Jason Zucker tied the game, and Josh Doan scored the Sabres fourth power play goal with 4:17 left to give the Sabres the victory. 

"I think the group has got real tight, and it showed tonight. They answered every call. They were there in every play, and even getting down. You're up 4-1., you get down by a couple, just how hard we worked to get back in the game. There was no quit. The desire to finish this thing the right way. I thought every guy was on board.” Ruff said "We're playing for a playoff spot. That's what we're playing for. Both teams are still playing for a playoff spot. That's really what it was all about. We know how tight this conference is, we know how tight the division is. It's one game at a time, but knowing that we're looking for a playoff spot."

Although the fact that goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen gave up seven goals on 28 shots, and the Sabres surrendered a significant lead, it is tough to ignore the momentum that Buffalo continues to build on. The win over Tampa has the Sabres at an .806 winning percentage (28-6-2) since December 9, when they were at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. This is reminiscent of the St. Louis Blues magical run in 2019, when the Blues went 30-10-5 in the final 45 games after being in last place in the NHL on New Year’s and that resulted in a Stanley Cup victory.  

At this point, the Sabres are concerned with clinching their first postseason berth since 2011, but their winning ways have their long-starving fanbase hungering for more. 

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It didn't appear that Timothy Liljegren wanted to leave San Jose, but that didn't matter.

The San Jose Sharks moved the defenseman at the deadline, sending the 26-year-old to the Washington Capitals for the Vegas Golden Knights’ 2026 fourth-round pick.

Although Liljegren never publicly made it clear he wanted to move, the Sharks were already planning to let him go in free agency at the end of the season anyway, so it made sense to make a trade and try to salvage something out of it.

Evander Kane and Timothy Liljegren go at it and drop the mitts 💥 pic.twitter.com/JdWn2R8i7G

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 28, 2026

“We just thought it was good value,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said.

In many ways, the decision reflects a combination of motives. San Jose was open to giving Liljegren a fresh opportunity elsewhere, but it also wasn’t interested in moving him without receiving something of value in return.

“Hopefully, it’s a good thing for Lily, too,” Grier said. “Maybe he gets a chance to play a little bit more going into his UFA year.”

Liljegren will now look to strengthen his market ahead of July 1 while helping the Capitals address the absence of recently traded defenseman John Carlson.

Off to Washington! 🦅

Timothy Liljegren is joining the @Capitals! #NHLTradeDeadline

Powered by @SAPpic.twitter.com/u2CFJvcYzl

— NHL (@NHL) March 6, 2026

The Sharks originally acquired Liljegren from the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, in exchange for third- and sixth-round draft picks. At the time, the organization hoped the 2017 first-round pick could solidify himself as a reliable top-four defenseman in San Jose.

Instead, his tenure in teal was marked by inconsistent performances, and he had been a healthy scratch in each of the team’s last three games before the trade.

The move could also create an opportunity for Shakir Mukhamadullin, another former first-round pick who is still working to establish himself as a full-time NHL regular, to take on a larger role in the Sharks’ lineup.

We wish the best to Mr. Liljegren in his future endeavors.

Following a nine-game homestand, with a two-and-a-half-week Olympic break between, the Anaheim Ducks will head on the road for a four-game road trip to Canada to face the Winnipeg Jets before taking on the three Eastern Conference Canadian teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens.

The Ducks left Orange County on a sour note, losing 4-0 to the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, their fourth time being shutout this season and first time since Jan. 29.

The Ducks head on the road, sitting in first place in the Pacific Division, one point ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights and three points ahead of the Edmonton Oilers, with a game in hand on each.

Anaheim Ducks 2026 Trade Deadline Review

Takeaways from the Ducks 6-5 Shootout Win over the Canadiens

In perhaps the most surprising move during the NHL’s March 6 trade deadline and the days leading up to it, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek seemingly recognized an opportunity to win their division and perhaps afford his team the easiest (on paper) road to the Conference Final of any of the four divisions when he parted with a first-round pick and a third-round pick in exchange for veteran defenseman John Carlsson from the Washington Capitals.

Carlson (36) is a pending UFA in the final year of an eight-year contract with an AAV of $8 million. When the trade was made, the Ducks were guaranteed a maximum of 21 regular season games with Carlson in the lineup, in addition to any number of potential playoff games they’d play this spring.

However, Carlson had sustained a lower-body injury on Feb. 5, when he was forced from the ice after logging 7:03 TOI in Washington’s game against the Nashville Predators. He missed the Caps’ three games heading into the Olympic break and the one they played upon return, before he was traded to Anaheim on March 5.

“As soon as we kind of agreed to the deal, in these types of situations, you’re always having the medical staffs reach out to each other,” Verbeek said following the trade. “We actually got permission to go through his medical records, which was important to us.

“We’re not too concerned about it. Hopefully, when we get going on the trip, he’ll be able to join sometime on the trip with us, to be 100% healthy. “When you get in these certain circumstances, would he be healthy enough to play in a playoff game? Yeah, probably. But we don’t want to get in those situations.

“We want to make sure that John’s 100% and ready to contribute to our group, which we’re really excited to add him to our group.”

Carlson has now been on the Ducks’ roster for two games, but was ruled out for each. Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville stated after Sunday’s game that Carlson will travel with the team on their upcoming four-game road trip, but isn’t expected to play until the end of it.

“I would say that we hope he can play at the end of the trip,” Quenneville said. “That’s what we’re kind of targeting.”

Carlson has played 55 games this season, scoring 46 points (10-36=46) and averaging 22:52 TOI per game.

Carlson will now likely play a maximum of 17 regular season games with Anaheim before his contract expires. Parting with a first-round pick, along with a third, for a player who is that limited in terms of output he can provide for a team is typically reserved for teams that feel they’re in contention to win the Stanley Cup that season. As stated, that may be how the Ducks view themselves at this juncture.

When acquired, Verbeek stated his desire to re-sign Carlson at the conclusion of the Ducks’ season. A contract extension would only further justify the price he paid to acquire Carlson at this year’s deadline.

Another Ducks player who will be unavailable for the foreseeable future is winger Troy Terry, who has only played six of the Ducks’ 23 games since the new year with a confirmed recurring upper-body injury.

He played in the Ducks’ two games leading into the Olympic break and the one following, but has been ruled out for the team’s last six. He’s been confirmed to be on the Ducks’ four-game road trip, but isn’t expected to play.

“Yes, he is,” Quenneville said when asked if Terry would join the team on the trip. “Not sure he’ll play.”

Despite having been sidelined for 16 games this season, Terry still ranks fourth on the Ducks in scoring, with 45 points (13-32=45) in 46 games and averages 18:21 TOI per game.

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek on 2026 Trade Deadline Moves

Ducks Acquire John Carlson from Capitals

Ducks Trade Ryan Strome to Flames

Much has changed since the last USA TODAY Sports NHL power rankings in early February.

There were the Olympics in which the United States picked up its first men's hockey gold medal in 46 years by defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime during the final.

There was a coaching change in Los Angeles, and most importantly, the NHL trade deadline on March 6.

There had been a roster freeze during the Olympics, so it was a rush to get trades done. Big names moved, such as Nazem Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar, Brayden Schenn and John Carlson.

This version of the NHL power rankings recaps trades and hands out grades.

NHL power rankings

Numbers in parentheses reflect the change from the most recent power rankings. Statistics and standings are as of March 8.

1. Colorado Avalanche (0)

They were busy in the leadup to the deadline, adding forward Nicolas Roy and defenseman Brett Kulak. But they saved the best for the last minute, bringing back 2022 Stanley Cup winner Nazem Kadri. They gave up Victor Olofsson, Samuel Girard and draft picks in the deals, but they're deeper down the middle and grittier. Grade: A

2. Dallas Stars (+3)

Tyler Myers, a 6-foot-8 defenseman, is joining 6-foot-7 Lian Bichsel on the blue line. He's a right shot, too. Forward Michael Bunting will help make up for the loss of Tyler Seguin to season-ending knee surgery. Grade: A

3. Minnesota Wild (0)

The Quinn Hughes trade in December was the big one, and he has been a marvel. But Bill Guerin didn't stop there. He added forwards Michael McCarron, Bobby Brink and Nick Foligno (he'll join brother Marcus) and depth defenseman Jeff Petry. Vinnie Hinostroza and prospect David Jiricek were moved out. The Wild's bottom six is better and McCarron kills penalties. Grade: A

4. Carolina Hurricanes (0)

They could have used more center depth (along with the rest of the league), but their only acquisition was tough guy Nicolas Deslauriers. Still the Hurricanes are a threat to reach the Eastern Conference final again. Grade: C

5. Buffalo Sabres (+4)

The Sabres took off after Jarmo Kekalainen replaced Kevyn Adams as general manager, and the new GM rewarded the team with some moves. He added Sam Carrick to help the league's worst faceoff team. He also changed course after Colton Parayko didn't waive his no-trade clause and brought in defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn, giving the Sabres a physical third pairing. Schenn and fellow newcomer Tanner Pearson are Stanley Cup winners. Grade - B

6. Tampa Bay Lightning (-4)

The Lightning brought back pesky forward Corey Perry, who has a recent habit of getting to the Stanley Cup Final. The Lightning have lost in the first round the past three seasons, so they'll appreciate his presence even if he hasn't won a Cup since 2007. Grade: B-

7. Pittsburgh Penguins (-1)

Their big move was the goalie swap in December. They got out of Tristan Jarry's contract, and Stuart Skinner is doing better than he was in Edmonton. Egor Chinakhov, acquired in December, has been a great addition. Girard hasn't done much since arriving from Colorado and the Penguins also added 6-foot-8 forward Elmer Soderblom. Grade: B+

8. Montreal Canadiens (-1)

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said the Canadiens were working on something big but weren't able to pull it off. Nothing happened, and the goaltending remains inconsistent and they didn't find a taker for Patrik Laine. Grade: D

9. Detroit Red Wings (-1)

Popular David Perron, recovering from hernia surgery, has returned to the Red Wings. He totaled 41 goals in his two seasons in Detroit. Right-shot defenseman Justin Faulk, acquired from St. Louis, will move into the second pairing. Grade: B+

10. New York Islanders (+2)

They added forward Brayden Schenn, moving out underperforming Jonathan Drouin in the deal. They did the same earlier by moving out Maxim Tsyplakov in the Ondrej Palat deal. Grade: B

11. Boston Bruins (-1)

They were relatively quiet, adding Lukas Reichel. They're sticking with a team that's in a playoff position earlier than expected after last season's sell-off. Grade: B-

12. Anaheim Ducks (+4)

Adding veteran John Carlson was a nice move for a team that appears poised to make it back to the playoffs. If they don't, they'll give their 2027 first-round pick to the Capitals rather than this year's. They also moved out Ryan Strome's $5 million cap hit, which will help with restricted free agents Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, plus unrestricted free agents Carlson and Radko Gudas, needing new contracts this summer. Grade: B+

13. Columbus Blue Jackets (0)

Conor Garland was a solid deadline pickup, as was Mason Marchment earlier. Chinakhov is thriving since being dealt to Pittsburgh, but he had requested a trade. Grade: B+

14. Utah Mammoth (0)

The team has been beefing up its blue line since moving from Arizona and MacKenzie Weegar is the latest arrival. The right-shot defenseman will fit nicely in the top four. They didn't have to give up Tij Iginla, former Flames standout Jarome Iginla's son, or a first-round pick (three second-rounders instead) to land a player with five years left on his deal. Grade: A-

15. Ottawa Senators (+2)

Forward Warren Foegele had only seven goals in Los Angeles, but scored in his first game in Ottawa. They also traded pending unrestricted free agent Perron. Grade: C

16. Vegas Golden Knights (-5)

They added forward depth and penalty killing at the deadline with Nic Dowd and Cole Smith. Defenseman Rasmus Andersson, acquired earlier, helps replace injured Alex Pietrangelo. They didn't do anything at the deadline to upgrade their goaltending. Grade: B

17. Edmonton Oilers (+1)

They moved out Skinner, who was tremendous or mediocre during two trips to the Stanley Cup Final. Jarry hasn't worked out in Edmonton. GM Stan Bowman gave up a first-round pick to move out disappointing Andrew Mangiapane. They landed Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach in that trade. Connor Murphy, acquired from Chicago in a separate trade, was a good pickup. Grade: C

18. Philadelphia Flyers (+3)

They moved out 5-foot-8 forward Brink, who's a pending free agent with arbitration rights, and brought in 6-foot-4 defenseman Jiricek. Perhaps the Flyers will help with his development. Rasmus Ristolainen was in the rumor mill but didn't move. Grade: D+

19. San Jose Sharks (+5)

Their biggest move was trading for Kiefer Sherwood earlier in the season. GM Mike Grier got him signed to an extension during trade deadline week. He also re-signed goalie Alex Nedeljkovic. Grade: B

20. Seattle Kraken (-5)

The Kraken need more scoring. Bobby McMann, acquired from Toronto, becomes the team's second-leading scorer. They moved on earlier from Marchment, receiving a second- and fourth-round pick after giving up a third- and fourth-rounder to land him in the offseason. Seattle also signed captain Jordan Eberle to an extension. Grade: B

21. Washington Capitals (-2)

It was a tough week for Capitals players as they parted ways with franchise defenseman Carlson, plus Dowd, who had been with Washington since 2018-19. They received a first-round pick for pending UFA Carlson and later dealt for Timothy Liljegren and David Kampf. Not the same. Grade: D+

22. Florida Panthers (+1)

The back-to-back champions' run is all but over because of major injuries. But they wisely held on to their free agents, outside of Petry. If they can get Sergei Bobrovsky and others re-signed, their core remains championship material, assuming they can stay healthy and rest up from three runs to the Final and heavy representation at the 4 Nations Face-Off and Olympics. Grade: B-

23. New Jersey Devils (+3)

They traded Palat, added Nick Bjugstad and held on to Dougie Hamilton. A disappointing season for the Devils, even if Jack Hughes became a national hero for his golden goal at the Olympics.

24. Los Angeles Kings (-2)

The Kings made a huge splash before the Olympic break by trading for Artemi Panarin. Then they lost Kevin Fiala to a broken leg at the Olympics. A slump after the Games cost coach Jim Hiller his job and they traded Foegele and Perry and added Scott Laughton. Grade: B-

25. Toronto Maple Leafs (-5)

The Maple Leafs were sellers during a disappointing season. Toronto got a third-round pick (a second if the Kings make the playoffs) for Laughton after giving up a first-rounder and a prospect to land him at last year's deadline. GM Brad Treliving did get a first-rounder in the Roy trade, plus draft picks for McMann. Grade: D

26. Winnipeg Jets (+3)

The Jets moved out pending UFA defensemen Stanley and Luke Schenn and got promising prospect Izak Rosen as part of the return. They got a seventh-round pick for Pearson. Grade: B

27. Nashville Predators (-2)

The Predators weren't far from a playoff spot when they decided to sell. McCarron, Cole Smith, Bunting and Nick Blankenburg were among those moved, mostly for draft picks. They didn't move Ryan O'Reilly, who had no trade protection. GM Barry Trotz is retiring and left a lot of work for his eventual successor. Grade: D

28. St. Louis Blues (+3)

The St. Louis rumor mill featured most of the core. The trade of Parayko to the Sabres leaked out (the Blues said it wasn't them), and he exercised his right not to waive his no-trade clause. Brayden Schenn and Faulk did move and St. Louis got first-round picks and prospects in those deals. Grade: C+

29. Calgary Flames (-1)

They moved out Kadri, Weegar and Andersson in a rebuild. They added defensemen Olli Maatta and Zach Whitecloud, prospects Jonathan Castagna and Max Curran, plus lots of draft picks. Grade: B+

30. Chicago Blackhawks (-3)

They get a first-round pick in the Dickinson/Dach deal and also moved out Murphy and team captain Foligno. That seems to set the stage to naming Connor Bedard captain next season. He has to sign first. Grade: C

31. New York Rangers (0)

Announcing a pending retool put management at a disadvantage. The return for Artemi Panarin, who had to waive a no-trade clause, was just OK. GM Chris Drury held onto Vincent Trocheck rather than get less than he wanted. Carrick was dealt and they moved out former first-round pick Brennan Othmann. Grade: C-

32. Vancouver Canucks (0)

The return for Quinn Hughes in December (Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren and a first-rounder) will help the team best in the long run. They added more draft picks by moving out Myers, Garland and Kampf. Grade: C

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL power rankings, grades for trade deadline moves

All three of the St. Louis Blues first-round picks from the 2023 NHL Draft are now in the NHL.

The Blues recalled forward Otto Stenberg and defenseman Theo Lindstein from Springfield of the American Hockey League on Monday, joining Dalibor Dvorsky.

Dvorsky has spent the majority of the season  in St. Louis, playing in 53 games (15 points; nine goals, six assists), and Stenberg had his first NHL stint in St. Louis prior to the Olympic break playing in 18 games (eight points; one goal, seven assists). 

This will be Lindstein's first call-up and first stint in the NHL having played in 56 games for the Thunderbirds (14 points; six goals, eight assists).

Dvorsky was the No. 10 pick in the draft, Stenberg was the 25th pick and Lindstein was selected at No. 29.

Stenberg has also played in 33 games with Springfield (15 points; four goals, 11 assists).

Rosters may now be unlimited after the NHL Trade Deadline and with the Blues making trades to ship out Brayden Schenn (New York Islanders) and Justin Faulk (Detroit Red Wings), as long as a team is cap-compliant, rosters can be unlimited.

Observations From Blues' 4-0 Win Vs. DucksTeam continues to build momentum in sweeping road trip of four or more games for third time in franchise history; Hofer gets fifth shutout; Drouin, Holl make immediate impacts; Blues take game over in second perio

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It’s still early in his career, but the early signs suggest Jesper Wallstedt may be the type of goalie who elevates his game in big moments.

Even after Sunday’s shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche, Wallstedt’s numbers against top competition stand out.

Against teams currently in playoff position, the Minnesota Wild goaltender owns a 7-3-1 record with a .931 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average.

"I feel like my game has been in a good position, but goals somehow have ended up happening either way," Wallstedt told reporters after the Avalanche game. "But I like playing these big games. I like playing Colorado, where there's a lot of action and you get to be in the game the whole time. Yeah, I enjoy it."

Wallstedt, 23, still might have a few areas to his game to develop if he’s going to become the elite goaltender many believe he can be. Growth and inconsistency are part of the process for most young goalies. But Wallstedt has proved that he continues to become better and better.

One trait organizations love to see in a potential franchise goalie is the ability to play their best against the best. So far in his young NHL career, Wallstedt appears comfortable in those moments.

If that trend continues, it could be a very encouraging sign for Minnesota’s long-term future, even with Filip Gustavsson under contract. Or, provide the Wild with a massive trade chip to acquire a big-time player.

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The Ottawa Senators wrap up a five-game road trip as a large betting favorite against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on Monday, March 9.

My top Senators vs. Canucks predictions and NHL picks expect Ottawa to continue its postseason push with a convincing win tonight.

Senators vs Canucks prediction

Senators vs Canucks best bet: Senators -1.5 (+105)

The Ottawa Senators are rolling along on an 8-1-2 run while ranking fourth in Corsi For percentage and second in expected goals percentage at 5-on-5.

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks check in with a recent 2-7-3 record and league-worst marks in both underlying metrics during the same stretch.

Ottawa's ninth-ranked power play following the Olympic break can run up the score vs. a Vancouver PK ranked 30th in the same span.

The Sens are pushing for a playoff berth, while the Canucks are firmly bunkered in the NHL basement. Back Ottawa to win easily.

Senators vs Canucks same-game parlay

The Sens have allowed the fewest goals per game (2.27) during the noted stretch, while the Canucks have scored the fourth-fewest (2.33), so I’m not anticipating Vancouver to help push this total Over the number tonight.

Rolling Ottawa winger Drake Batherson wraps up the same-game parlay, and he’s marked the scoresheet in eight of his past 10 games while skating in a top-line role and jumping the boards on the No. 1 PP unit.

Senators vs Canucks SGP

• Senators -1.5
• Under 6.5
• Drake Batherson Over 0.5 points

Senators vs Canucks odds

• Moneyline: Senators -215 | Canucks +185
• Puck Line: Senators -1.5 (+105) | Canucks +1.5 (-125)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+100) | Under 6.5 (-120)

Senators vs Canucks trend

The Senators have covered the puck line in 13 of their last 20 away games (+10.20 Units / 35% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Senators vs. Canucks.

How to watch Senators vs Canucks

Senators vs Canucks latest injuries

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The Calgary Flames begin a five-game road trip with a stop at Capital One Arena to take on the Washington Capitals on Monday, March 9.

My top Flames vs. Capitals predictions and NHL picks expect Calgary goalie Devin Cooley to stay hot and turn aside plenty of pucks tonight. 

Flames vs Capitals prediction

Flames vs Capitals best bet: Devin Cooley Over 26.5 saves (-120)

The Calgary Flames have allowed 31.1 shots per game since trading away defenseman Rasmus Andersson on December 18, and the club also just unloaded go-to blueliner MacKenzie Weegar and No. 1 center Nazem Kadri before the NHL Trade Deadline on Friday.

As a result, I’m expecting Flames starter Devin Cooley to see enough rubber to clear this saves total tonight. 

He’s been solid of late, sporting a .932 SV% and 2.18 GAA, with an eye-popping 16.55 goals saved above expected across his past 10 appearances.

Flames vs Capitals same-game parlay

Both the Flames and Washington Capitals have trended toward the Under, with Calgary cashing in on the Under in nine of its past 10 road games, and Washington hitting it in seven of its past eight overall.

Calgary winger Matvei Gridin has recorded two or more shots in 10 of 18 games this season for 28 total on an impressive 75 attempts. His 17.48 attempts per 60 minutes are second on the Flames with Kadri now out of town, too.

Flames vs Capitals SGP

• Under 5.5
• Devin Cooley Over 26.5 saves
• Matvei Gridin Over 1.5 shots

Flames vs Capitals odds

• Moneyline: Flames +160 | Capitals -190
• Puck Line: Flames +1.5 (-150) | Capitals -1.5 (+130)
• Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-125) | Under 5.5 (+105)

Flames vs Capitals trend

The Calgary Flames have hit the Under in nine of their last 10 away games (+7.95 Units / 71% ROI), and the Washington Capitals have played to the Under in seven of their past eight (+6.00 Units / 69% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs. Capitals.

How to watch Flames vs Capitals

Flames vs Capitals latest injuries

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Many expected career minor-leaguer Dominik Shine to have only a brief stint with the Detroit Red Wings when injuries began piling up on the roster. Instead, the 32-year-old forward has made the most of his opportunity, turning years of perseverance into a memorable NHL moment.

A native of Pinckney, Michigan, Shine appeared in his fifth NHL game Sunday night against the New Jersey Devils. Although he has yet to play more than 10 minutes in a game, the longtime grinder has continued to bring the same relentless work ethic that defined his professional career in the minors.

That effort was rewarded midway through the third period when veteran forward James van Riemsdyk spotted Shine sneaking behind the Devils defense with speed and threaded a delicate backhand saucer pass through a defender’s legs.

Shine met the puck at the back door and tapped it into the open net for his first career NHL goal, setting off an enthusiastic celebration on the Detroit bench. Shine became the oldest Red Wing at the time of his first NHL goal since Vaclav Nedomansky back in 1977.  

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Shine spent 10 seasons in the AHL, appearing in 521 games and recording 96 goals and 125 assists for 221 points. This season with the Grand Rapids Griffins has been the most productive of his career, as the team captain tallied 21 goals and 16 assists for 37 points in just 38 games and earned a spot in the AHL All-Star Classic. His call-up came during a scorching stretch that saw him score six goals and add two assists over his final six AHL games.

After Sunday’s game, Red Wings assistant captain Moritz Seider praised Shine’s impact on the team and said the goal was well deserved.

"He does so much for this organization, we're really happy to have him," Seider started off by saying "It was just a matter of time, obviously he really deserves it, guy who used to stand in the shadow, now, he gets a little bit of a spotlight, which he really deserves."

Seider also described the bench reaction after the goal, saying it was full of hugs and smiles. He added that it says a lot about the team and their early connection with Shine and what he brings early on to their lineup.

Head coach Todd McLellan also spoke about Shine’s impact in the smaller details of the game and was happy he got to experience the moment.

"He's done a lot for the organization, not just with our team, but in Grand Rapids over the years and he's hit, he's fought, he's blocked shots, he's done everything for for the organization, and now he's got a puck to put on his wall, and we're all happy for him," McLellan said.

"What It's All About": Back With Red Wings, David Perron Ready For Playoff Push The Detroit Red Wings re-acquired forward David Perron from the Ottawa Senators, who he helped to a postseason spot last season; now, he wants the same for Detroit.

When asked about the kind words from his teammates and coaches, Shine explained "it means the world" and that he is just one of many players in the American League who sometimes do not get a chance. He also credited the goal to a strong play from van Riemsdyk.

"I learned from some of the best when I was just a kid coming into the American League, I had a ton of guys who are American League players never really got their shot but you know, they always believed in me and there's a ton of people through the Grand Rapids organization that have been there for me," the current Griffins captain said.

Shine also spoke about moments earlier in his career when he considered quitting hockey due to the lack of movement toward the NHL.

"For every you know, fourth line guy grinding out there, I just want them to know it can happen so just keep your head down and go to work," Shine said.

He also explained that he is excited to give the puck from his first NHL goal to his two-year-old son and share the moment with his family.

It is unclear how long Shine will remain with the Red Wings. Head coach Todd McLellan listed injured captain Dylan Larkin as day-to-day and he could return to the lineup soon. 

However, if Shine can continue to find the back of the net and make an impact in limited minutes, he could force the team’s hand just like he did when he earned the call-up in the first place.

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DENVER — The dream of playing hockey in Canada did not begin with Nazem Kadri. It began with his father.

After fleeing civil war in Lebanon, Sam Kadri arrived in Canada as a young boy and quickly fell in love with the game. But like many immigrant families trying to establish themselves in a new country, his family simply could not afford the cost of organized hockey.

Rather than letting that missed opportunity turn into resentment, Sam Kadri chose a different path. If he never got the chance to fully pursue the sport he loved, his children would.

“I love the game,” Sam Kadri told 16:9 The Bigger Picture in 2010. “We played road hockey. I’d find a stick. Someone would throw it out, but I’d tape it together and play.”

“It stayed in my head. When my kids came along, I said it’s a sport I definitely want to put them in.”

A generation later, that dream found new life in his son.

When Nazem Kadri stepped onto the ice, it didn’t take long to realize he was different. With the puck on his stick, he was creative, confident and impossible to ignore. From local rinks to the international stage, Kadri stood out at every level he played.

Then, in 2009, the dream reached its defining moment.

Kadri was selected seventh overall in the NHL Draft by one of hockey’s most storied franchises, the Toronto Maple Leafs. For his father, the moment felt almost surreal — the culmination of a dream that had begun decades earlier.

Fighting to Stay in the NHL

Making it to the NHL is only part of the battle.

Staying there can be even harder.

Kadri’s early career quickly showed how unforgiving the league can be. In his first season, he struggled to secure a permanent spot on the roster. The following year brought even greater expectations. Playing for a struggling Leafs team, Kadri was suddenly viewed as a young player who might help turn things around.

The pressure came quickly.

Just weeks after skating in front of sold-out crowds in Toronto, Kadri was sent back to the minors. The criticism followed just as fast. Some questioned his maturity. Others labeled him a disappointment.

But Kadri never stopped believing he belonged.

That edge — that grit — has defined his game since the first time he stepped on the ice. Whether he’s battling someone who’s 5-foot-7 or a towering 6-foot-7 like Lian Bichsel, Kadri fights for every inch.

Controversy, Criticism and Redemption 

He proved it again during the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals run with the Colorado Avalanche — a postseason that showed he wasn’t about to be pushed around.

Kadri had already built a reputation as a hard-nosed competitor. Earlier in his career he served multiple playoff suspensions, including an eight-game ban during the 2021 postseason for an illegal check to the head of Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues.

That reputation came sharply back into focus the following season.

During Game 3 of the second-round playoff series between Colorado and St. Louis, Kadri and Blues defenseman Calle Rosén collided with Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington while chasing a loose puck in the crease. Binnington, who had been outstanding through the first five games of the postseason, suffered a lower-body injury that knocked him out of both the game and the remainder of the series.

The play immediately ignited controversy.

In the hours that followed — fueled in part by comments from then-Blues head coach Craig Berube — Kadri became the target of racist abuse and threats online.

Less than 48 hours later, he responded in the only place he could.

On the ice.

Kadri returned for Game 4 and delivered the best postseason performance of his career, scoring his first NHL playoff hat trick.

Playing Through Pain

But that was not his only test during the postseason.

Kadri’s toughness was tested again during the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers.

In Game 3, he was driven hard into the boards by Evander Kane, suffering a thumb injury that required surgery. Doctors initially projected a six-week recovery — long enough to sideline him for the entire Stanley Cup Final.

Kadri had other plans.

Determined to return and finish the job with Colorado, he shortened the timeline dramatically, returning in just two weeks.

Before Games 4, 5 and 6 of the Final, Kadri wrapped and froze his damaged thumb before forcing it into a specially modified glove for protection. Even then, the injury limited what he could do. Taking faceoffs was nearly impossible, and the quick, lively shot that normally defined his game turned into little more than a soft flutter toward the net.

Still, he refused to sit out.

“It was terrible. Terrible. I felt it every single shift, and it was tough,” Kadri told Sportsnet. “I turned a six-week (recovery) timeline into two weeks. Great medical staff helped me along the way. I couldn't even tie my skates before the game. I had the medical trainer tie my skates before every game. So, what a war. But nothing was going to stop me from being out here.”

Kadri ultimately proved that determination not with his words, but with his play.

He scored the overtime winner in Game 4, putting Colorado within one victory of the Stanley Cup. The Avalanche eventually defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game 6, securing the third Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.

In the process, Kadri did more than silence critics.

He exorcised the doubts and controversy that had followed him for years — and became the first Muslim player to win the Stanley Cup.

The Backbone of His Journey 

Now, after parts of four seasons with the Calgary Flames, Kadri is back with the team that helped him become a champion.

But throughout his journey — from childhood rinks to the Stanley Cup — one constant has remained: his father.

“Thinking back, there was definitely some hard times and some adversity we had to go through (as a family),” Kadri told The Hockey News. “I'm glad he gave me the shot and now I understand why he was so pissed when I didn't play well.”

“He's been my day-one supporter; he's always in my corner no matter what happens out there, and my whole entire family is like that. And that's what's (helped get me) here. To have that support, when things aren't going so well, to have them as a backbone — it's wonderful.”

Dan is joined by Lighthouse Hockey’s Jenny Berman to discuss the acquisition of Brayden Schenn and the games surrounding this season’s Trade Deadline.

It was a wild weekend for the Islanders, who dropped two massive duds in Anaheim and LA, then made a shocking last minute trade for the St. Louis Blues captain on Friday’s deadline that no one saw coming. After speaking with Schenn in person at the hotel both the Blues and Islanders were staying at, he agreed to waive his no-movement clause to join the veteran-heavy squad as they march towards the playoffs. The trade plus the re-signing of J-G Pageau was puzzling (and pricey) but Mathieu Darche’s post-deadline presser helped bring the plan into more focus. The deal also ended the Islanders’ Jonathan Drouin saga, which is probably a relief to him, the team and, in an odd way, Jenny’s dad.

A day later, the Islanders got two massive points in San Jose thanks to Bo Horvat’s latest OT goal. They’re still in the driver’s seat in the Eastern Conference playoff race, but things are still very much up-in-the-air for the few teams that haven’t sunk to the bottom of the standings. The week ahead has more opportunities to pick up valuable points and finally come back home for much of the rest of the season.

Fresh off a plane from Singapore, where she spent an enjoyable but sweltering week, Jenny gives us her thoughts on the games, the trades, the number exchanges, some other deals around the league and on following the NHL from the other side of the world (or on a plane). Thanks again to Jenny for stepping in after a long day. She’s earned a vacation from her vacation.

We also take a call from a “Mike from Long Island,” who has many feelings on the newest Islander and how the deal went down.

REFERENCES

• The list of deadline deals is full of weirdness and, “uh, sure, okay”s.
• This is gonna be weird but Simon Holmstrom seems happy with the new number and the umlaut.
• J-G Pageau is happy, too.

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The Detroit Red Wings started their four-game road swing off on the right foot, defeating the New Jersey Devils on Sunday evening at Prudential Center by a 3-0 final score. 

In doing so, they're now back in the third overall position in the Atlantic Division standings, while the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins continue to be hot on their trail. 

The Red Wings got goals from Moritz Seider, James van Riemsdyk, and Dominik Shine, who scored his first career NHL goal.

They also got a combined shutout from John Gibson and Cam Talbot, the former of which departed following the second period after getting shaken up when Devils forward Timo Meier pushed Lucas Raymond into him.

Thankfully, it appears as though Gibson won't be any worse for wear, according to head coach Todd McLellan. 

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"He got hit in a bad spot and didn’t feel good after that happened," McLellan said. "He should be fine, I would think." 

The Red Wings played without team captain Dylan Larkin, who was injured during Friday evening's setback at home against the Florida Panthers. 

It was also the debut of newcomer Justin Faulk, who was acquired on Friday from the St. Louis Blues. David Perron, acquired the previous day from the Ottawa Senators, is still over a week away from returning to game play. 

Red Wings Goalie John Gibson Departs Vs. Devils After Crease Collision Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson departed Sunday evening's tilt against the New Jersey Devils after appearing to be shaken up from a crease collision.

The Red Wings hadn't had a combined shutout by two goaltenders in the same game since 2014 (Jonas Gustavsson and Jimmy Howard). 

"I thought we got real good goaltending from both (Gibson and Talbot)," McLellan continued. "I thought Justin Faulk made a big difference. He settled a lot of things down. We got contributions from all the lines.

Some guys played 20 minutes, other guys played 10, but the minutes they played were important."

Detroit's road trip continues on Tuesday evening against the Panthers, and they'll look to avenge their 3-1 loss from Friday. 

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Beyond the strong performance by goaltender Connor Ingram on Sunday night, the Edmonton Oilers showed a level of urgency and attention to detail on defense that had been missing in recent games. The result? A 4–2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.

In what many saw as a must-win game, several players who had struggled in recent outings stepped up with more complete efforts. Most importantly, the team came together and individuals played their roles in a much more effective way. 

There were stronger performances across the board, but it was Trent Frederic, Vasily Podkolzin, Leon Draisaitl, and Kasperi Kapanen who picked up the goals for the Oilers. 

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Oilers Aren't Accepting Any Excuses For Recent Performance

One of the biggest differences was Edmonton’s physical response to Vegas. The Golden Knights are known for their heavy style of play, but the Oilers pushed back and matched that intensity throughout the night. The Oilers out-hit the Golden Knights 26-15, and instead of the loose plays winding up in their net, Edmonton focused on limiting mistakes and capitalizing on their opportunities. 

One of those opportunities, and a key turning point in the game, came in the second period when a Vegas goal was overturned after a successful offside challenge. It was a bad goal against Ingram, but the play was challenged, and the goal was taken off the board. The play could have dramatically shifted momentum, but the Oilers caught a break and used it to keep the game under control. From there, they continued to play a disciplined game and eventually pulled away in the third period.

New additions also played important roles. Defenseman Connor Murphy logged over 22 minutes and contributed on the penalty kill, while Jason Dickinson added physicality with several hits and steady play down the middle.

There were also encouraging signs from younger players. Matthew Savoie continued to impress with his speed and work ethic, showing flashes that suggest he could earn a larger role if his play continues trending upward. Since the Olympic break, he's been one of the team's better two-way forwards. 

Overall, the Oilers delivered the kind of detailed, physical effort that had been lacking recently — a promising sign as they push deeper into the stretch drive and continue on the road against some very tough teams they need to beat if they want to win it all this season. 

Has Connor Ingram Become the Starter?

Ingram turned aside 24 of 26 shots for a .923 save percentage, delivering another quality start and helping Edmonton secure its third-period surge. The victory marked Ingram’s second win against Vegas this season and improved his career record against the Golden Knights to 2-1-1.

Ingram faced several dangerous chances throughout the game. Jack Eichel managed to beat him on a difficult shot, and Darnell Nurse deflected one into his own net, but overall, Ingram remained steady under pressure.

After the game, Ingram credited the team in front of him for the effort.

"I thought we did everything we’ve been talking about,” Ingram said after the game. “We talked about packing it in, in the d-zone, and just playing good defence. We’re good enough, we’re gonna get chances no matter what, so as long as we take care of the puck in [the defensive end] we’re gonna be fine.” 

He added that this game was an example of what the team is capable of when everything clicks. “I think this is a good example of what we can do.” 

"I think every game from here on out is just fight and claw,” Ingram said. “It’s time to go to work, and that’s what we did today. I think if we keep this effort and this mindset of just nose to the grindstone, and I think we’ll be okay."

The Oilers’ offense came alive late to put the game away. Vasily Podkolzin scored early in the third period, followed by a red-hot Leon Draisaitl, who buried his fifth goal in as many games. Kasperi Kapanen added another (an empty-net goal) to seal the win, while Trent Frederic also found the back of the net for Edmonton.

Meanwhile, Connor McDavid contributed two assists, extending his point streak to seven games. The Oilers captain now has 13 points during that stretch. Defenseman Evan Bouchard also picked up an assist to push his own seven-game streak to 13 points.

The loss continues a rough stretch for Vegas, which has now dropped five of its last six games, tightening the race in the Pacific Division as the regular season pushes toward the playoffs.

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