Rick Tocchet Open To More Lineup Changes For Flyers' Game 6

There’s a point in every playoff series where conviction meets friction. 

For the Philadelphia Flyers, friction is a very kind way to describe what this series against the Pittsburgh Penguins has brought them. Through the first three games against the Penguins, their lineup had been untouchable—not out of pure stubbornness, but simply because there was no evidence to justify change. The structure held. The results followed. 

Game 4 didn’t dismantle that belief, but it reminded the Flyers that, as much as it may have seemed like it in the first three outings, their lineup wasn't bulletproof. 

Rick Tocchet’s first significant move came in Game 5, inserting Alex Bump for Matvei Michkov. This was a decision that invited debate the moment it was made. The rationale was clear, even if the optics were complicated: a shift toward directness, toward immediacy, toward a player who would simplify decisions and engage the game early. 

Whether or not Michkov should have been the player to make room is a story for another day, but the result of the swap was undeniable. Bump delivered.

The 22-year-old scored an important goal, yes—but more importantly, a series of shifts that aligned with what the Flyers needed. He brought quick releases and purposeful routes. He made plays that didn’t linger longer than they should. It didn’t settle the debate around Michkov, nor should it, but it validated Tocchet’s willingness to adjust. And now, as the series moves to Game 6, that willingness appears to be expanding—this time, on the back end.

The door has opened, however slightly, for Oliver Bonk.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Oliver Bonk (59). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Oliver Bonk (59). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)

Why Now?

Defensive pairings, perhaps more than any other part of a lineup, are built on trust. Not just in ability, but in predictability—knowing where your partner will be, how a sequence will unfold, how a retrieval will turn into an exit.

That’s why coaches resist change there unless they have to.

But Game 4 revealed something subtle in the Flyers’ defensive game. The Flyers have admitted that figuring out their defensive pairings has been a bit of a challenge—finding pairs that complement the varying sizes and offensive vs. defensive propensities of their blue line is a puzzle they're still figuring out. Pittsburgh’s ability to stretch the ice and sustain pressure didn’t overwhelm Philadelphia’s structure as much as it tested its elasticity. It forced longer defensive sequences, more second touches, more decisions under pressure.

That’s where fresh variables begin to matter. And that’s where Bonk becomes relevant.


What Bonk Actually Brings

At a glance, the case for Bonk starts with the obvious: size, reach, and a calmness with the puck that doesn’t feel rushed. But reducing him to those traits misses the more important layer: He processes the game efficiently.

Coaches have lauded Bonk's intelligence and maturity since he was first drafted to the Flyers in 2023, and there has always been the utmost confidence in the young defenseman that he has all the tools to seamlessly adapt to the NHL.

“For defensemen, it’s a big jump,” Lehigh Valley Phantoms head coach John Snowden said of Bonk back during the Flyers' 2025 rookie camp. “The strength, the skill, the speed, the gaps you have to have…He knows what he has to do. I think he’s putting himself in a really good spot. I like where his body’s at right now. I like his mindset.”

For a defenseman, especially a 21-year-old one stepping into a playoff environment, that’s everything. It’s not about making spectacular plays, but about making the correct play, quickly enough that pressure doesn’t have time to develop.

Bonk’s offensive instincts also offer something the Flyers could use more of right now: controlled activation. Not reckless pinches or forced shots, but the ability to extend possession—walking the line, shifting angles, getting pucks through traffic without overhandling.

But perhaps Bonk's biggest contribution to the lineup could come in the form of his potential power play usage. If there is a single, clean argument for inserting Bonk into Game 6, it lives there.

Philadelphia’s power play has had moments in this series, but it hasn’t consistently dictated terms. Entries have been uneven. Zone time has been there, but not always converted into high-quality looks. A defenseman who can hold the line, manipulate lanes, and deliver pucks with purpose changes the geometry of those sequences.

Bonk can do that. Maybe not as a finished product, but as a player whose instincts align with what the Flyers are trying to create.


The Risk And the Reality of It

For all of his fantastic qualities, there’s no avoiding the obvious.

Bonk has one NHL game. (And two NHL points—a goal and an assist.)

Game 6 of a playoff series—potentially a closeout game—is not a gentle introduction. It’s a compressed, high-stakes environment where every mistake is amplified and every hesitation is exposed, especially against a team like Pittsburgh that is mounting a dangerous comeback attempt and is desperate to complete it.

But that risk has to be contextualized. The Flyers have already shown a willingness to trust young players in meaningful roles. They have not insulated them from pressure; they’ve integrated them into it. The expectation isn’t that they will be flawless. It’s that they will be aligned.

Bonk won't be expected to completely transform the outcome of Game 6. They just need him to fit into its existing structure. That means clean first passes, controlled retrievals, smart decisions at the offensive blue line. If he does those things, the rest of his game—his size, his shot, his ability to extend plays—becomes additive rather than essential.

Flyers Rookie Camp: Oliver Bonk & The Art Of BecomingFlyers Rookie Camp: Oliver Bonk & The Art Of BecomingThe first thing you notice about Oliver Bonk at this year's <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> rookie camp isn’t a single flash of skill or an eye-catching highlight. It’s the accumulation of smaller, steadier things: the weight he carries more easily, the way his stride holds firmer at the edges, how he navigates plays without panic.

A Pattern Emerges

There is a through line between Bump’s insertion in Game 5 and the possibility of Bonk in Game 6, and that is that Tocchet is not chasing change for its own sake. He is recognizing and targeting specific gaps.

With Bump, it was about early engagement—simplifying the Flyers’ offensive rhythm, ensuring that their first touches carried intent. With Bonk, it would be about sustaining possession from the back end, adding a layer of composure and offensive threat that can turn defensive stability into attacking continuity.

Different positions. Same philosophy to adjust where the game has shifted.


What This Says About the Flyers

More than anything, this moment reflects a team that understands where it is.

The Flyers are not searching for identity. They’ve established it. They know how they want to and how they now have to play to control games, and how they want to respond to pressure.

What they’re doing now is refining that identity under playoff conditions—Game 4 showed them where the edges were, Game 5 showed that they’re willing to act on it, and Game 6 may extend that further.


The Decision Ahead

Tocchet hasn’t committed publicly. He rarely does, especially with lineup decisions now that playoffs are in full swing. But the fact that Bonk is explicitly part of the conversation matters. It signals that no position is immune to evaluation—not even one as structurally sensitive as defense.

It also reinforces something the Flyers have quietly demonstrated throughout this series: Continuity is a strength, but adaptability is what sustains it. If Bonk plays, it won’t be because the Flyers are scrambling for solutions. It will be because they’ve identified something specific and believe he can provide it.

Mats Zuccarello, Yakov Trenin Game-Time Decisions For Game 5

The Minnesota Wild (2-2) is back in action tonight for Game 5 against the Dallas Stars (2-2) in Dallas.

Both Mats Zuccarello and Yakov Trenin took the ice on Monday at practice and Tuesday at morning skate.

“I think it’s a good sign," Wild head coach John Hynes said on Monday about Zuccarello practicing. "We’ll see how he felt and what his response is from that. But it is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Hynes said that the two will be questionable to play in Game 5 on Monday and now they are game-time decisions.

He also said they were in Game 3 and both missed. Hynes also said Zuccarello would be a game-time decision in Game 4 and he did not play either.

If both play, the question is who comes out? Lucky for you, we wrote about that.

Zuccarello, 38, had three assists in Game 1 and plays a huge factor on the Wild's top line with Ryan Hartman and Kirill Kaprizov.

He has two goals and eight points in seven career playoff games against the Stars. In 103 career playoff games, Zuccarello has 19 goals, 42 assists and 61 points in 103 career playoff games.

Trenin, 29, has 1,359 career hits in 457 NHL games. In 28 career playoff games, Trenin has 115 hits, including 50 hits in eight career playoff games with Minnesota. 

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Sharks' Macklin Celebrini among finalists for Ted Lindsay Award

Macklin Celebrini's spectacular sophomore season has him in the running with established veterans for what NHL players consider the top regular season award.

The San Jose Sharks' young star is a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award for most outstanding player. It's voted on fellow members of the NHL Players' Association. Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov are the other finalists.

The winner will be announced later.

The NHLPA award finalists are the first to be announced. The NHL will roll out the finalists for other awards over the next few weeks.

Here's what to know about the Ted Lindsay Award finalists and the announcement schedule for the other awards:

Ted Lindsay Award finalists

Players listed in alphabetical order Voting is by fellow players

  • Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks: The 19-year-old finished fourth in the NHL with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) and broke the Sharks' franchise single-season scoring record held by Hall of Famer Joe Thornton. He won a silver medal with Canada at the Winter Olympics. He's a first-time finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award.
  • Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning: Kucherov finished second in the league with 130 points. He scored his 1,000th career point during the season. He is a two-time winner of the Ted Lindsay Award.
  • Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers: McDavid won the NHL's scoring title for the sixth time with 138 points and led the league with 90 assists. He won a silver medal with Canada and was named MVP of the Olympic men's hockey tournament. He is a four-time Ted Lindsay Award winner.

NHL awards finalists announcement schedule

  • Tuesday, April 28: Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player): Macklin Celebrini, Nikita Kucherov, Connor McDavid.
  • Wednesday, April 29: Vezina Trophy (goaltender)
  • Thursday, April 30: Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship)
  • Friday, May 1: Jack Adams Award (coach)
  • Monday, May 4: Masterton Trophy (perseverance)
  • Tuesday, May 5: Calder Trophy (rookie)
  • Wednesday, May 6: Selke Trophy (defensive forward)
  • Thursday, May 7: Norris Trophy (defenseman)
  • Friday, May 8: Hart Trophy (MVP)
  • Monday, May 11: Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award (impact on community, culture or society)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ted Lindsay Award finalists include Sharks' Macklin Celebrini

Shea Theodore’s overtime goal lifts Golden Knights to 5-4 win over Mammoth; series tied 2-2

Shea Theodore

Apr 27, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning goal against the Utah Mammoth during overtime in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Rob Gray/Rob Gray-Imagn Images

SALT LAKE CITY — Shea Theodore scored on a snap shot from the high slot with 51.5 seconds left in overtime and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Utah Mammoth 5-4 after squandering a three-goal lead, tying their first-round playoff series at two games apiece.

“We just didn’t quit,” Theodore said.

Game 5 in the best-of-seven series is in Las Vegas.

The Golden Knights appeared to have won the game earlier in OT when Pavel Dorofeyev tapped in a loose puck with 9:41 left, but the apparent score was waved off when it was determined Vegas was offside.

“It was good we never stopped,” Theodore said. “It sucks that one got called back, but it was good to get it done.”

Vegas’ Brett Howden scored his second goal of the game on a tip-in with 9:35 remaining in the third period, and that forced overtime after Utah had stormed back with four straight goals.

“I liked the way we responded in the third after they scored,” Howden said. “We stuck with it.”

The Golden Knights raced out to a 3-0 lead with two goals in the first and one early in the second by Dorofeyev, Howden and Cole Smith.

Utah countered with four straight scores, capped by Clayton Keller’s wrist shot off a deflection for a 4-3 lead at the 5:10 mark of the third period.

“I’m proud of the way our guys responded to adversity,” Utah coach Andre Tourigny said. “It was a hard-fought game. We know how good they can be and I think we responded well in the second half of the game.”

Utah’s Karel Vejmelka stopped 31 shots. Carter Hart made 29 saves for Vegas.

Facing a three-goal deficit, Utah’s Nick Schmaltz and Ian Cole scored 29 seconds apart in the second period to set the Mammoth’s comeback in motion. Schmaltz got Utah on the board at the 8:04 mark, and Cole followed with a 50-foot slap shot at 8:33 of the second.

Michael Carcone tied it on another slap shot at 1:44 of the third.

Dorofeyev flicked home a wrist shot to put the Golden Knights in front just 72 seconds into the first. Howden then threaded another wrist shot past Vejmelka’s skate for a short-handed goal with 1:22 left in the period.

Smith’s tip-in at 3:27 of the second gave the Golden Knights their third goal.

“We started really well, lost ourselves for a bit,” Vegas coach John Tortorella said. “Momentum swung to their side, but we hung in there.”

Utah fell behind early after struggling to create scoring chances during the first period. The Mammoth tallied three shots on goal over the first 20 minutes. Only one came outside of a power play.

Vegas allowed 30 shots on goal over the final two regulation periods and overtime.

Linus Ullmark Needs Support In Goal Next Season, But Where Will It Come From?

As the Senators held their exit meetings and final media availabilities on Monday, the seasonal performance of goaltending was one of the hot topics of discussion.

In the first half of 2025-26, it's been well-chronicled that Ottawa was handcuffed by poor play from Linus Ullmark and Leevi Merilainen. It set them back to the point where they had to go on a furious 21-6-3 run just to get the last playoff spot, and for their efforts, they were swept by an elite Carolina team right out of the gate.

Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss what happened in the Senators' four game sweep.

On Monday, as the team said goodbye for the summer, GM Steve Staios admitted some responsibility for how the goaltending plan played out.

"When I talk about making decisions to help this team move forward, the one where we didn't do a good job was on the backup position initially," Staios said. "And we still believe in Leevi in saying this."

Staios' goaltending plans were maybe overly optimistic because he was asking his goalies to go out and do something they've never done. For the kid, Merilainen, it was asking a 23-year-old to be a full-time backup for the first time, playing behind a veteran who's never hit the 50-game mark in games played.

For Ullmark, it was asking him to bump up his games-played count. And based on his usage in the first three months, they had him on pace to start over 60 games.

The success of each plan was directly tied to the other, and neither worked out particularly well.

In a condensed schedule, Ullmark started 28 of the club's first 37 games, which put him on pace for 62 starts. Only Utah's Karel Vejmelka started more games in the NHL this season. In Game 28, Ullmark was pulled in Toronto, later admitting to feelings of panic, and left on a personal leave of absence.

The Senators hoped they could lean on Merilainen as the starter, a strategy that worked nicely the year before. Over the next ten games, Merilainen started them all and struggled to regain the form he'd had in the previous season.

Staios could see the young Finn was leaking oil, so the Sens acquired free agent James Reimer on January 12. Five days later, a 6-5 overtime loss at home to Montreal sealed Merilainen's fate. Jake Sanderson would apologize later, but he told the media that night, "We need more than 10 saves." 

Merilainen was then sent to the minors, a move that amounted to an admission from Staios and his staff that they had misjudged his NHL readiness.

"(Merilainen's) numbers were better than any of the alternative (backup) goaltenders that we're looking at. And so I don't think we... I didn't do a good enough job of supporting Linus and that position, and probably didn't put Leevi in the best position to have success as well."

After Ullmark got back from his personal leave of absence on January 25, he spent a week as a backup, started two games, and then it was time for another long break for the Olympics.

Afterward, the goaltending generally improved.

Ironically, after the position took so much of the blame during the regular season, Ullmark was Ottawa's best player in the playoffs. After all he'd been through this year, Ullmark was thrilled he was able to be at his best at the most important time of the year.

"That was very nice," Ullmark said. "You know, it was the first real time in this whole season where I felt like myself again, and I could do what I thoroughly enjoy to do. It didn't feel like a chore. It didn't feel exhausting. It felt motivational and inspirational.

"And truth be told, it felt weird as well because you've been battling so hard the whole season, trying to find a groove and trying to find a way of performing. And now you do it at the top of your game, and you're still losing. So it was a little bit of a surreal feeling."

Ullmark rediscovering his game and motivation was happy news for Staios, who put a lot of faith in the veteran netminder. He gave up some good Senator assets in 2024, then signed him that fall to a four-year, $33 million contract extension. But he's also happy for Ullmark on a personal level.

"For everything that he went through this year and the courage that he showed, and for him to play the way he did, I think we were all very proud of him," Staios said.

Now, as Staios moves into his third offseason as GM, by his own words, he needs to provide Ullmark with better support during the long grind of the regular season. It's become crystal clear that his number one goalie requires a 50-mission cap on his games played, maybe even a true platoon situation, as he had in Boston with Jeremy Swayman.

At 38 years old, could James Reimer still play that much, providing that level of support beside Ullmark?

When The Hockey News-Ottawa asked Reimer on Monday about any conversations he may have had with the team or whether he has an interest in coming back next season, it was interesting to hear the pending UFA speak in the past tense when describing his time here.

"We just had our exit meeting and whatnot," Reimer said. "I mean, I really enjoyed my time here. The guys were great. The city was great. The fans are great. I mean, the energy in the building on a nightly basis was a ton of fun. And again, I'm just super grateful for the opportunity.

"Obviously, I'm not 23 years old. I've just gotta take some time and kind of figure out what the best plan of action is for my family and me."

Last season, because of age, it was an ambitious plan to think that Merilainen was capable of a big NHL workload. Next season, because of age, it might be another ambitious plan to think that Reimer is still capable of a big NHL workload.

Reimer (UFA) and Merilainen (RFA, arbitration-eligible) are both looking for new contracts. If the Senators decide they need to shop for a goaltending upgrade on Reimer or Merilainen, that's a task that's far easier said than done, because almost everyone is searching for goaltending depth solutions. 

However they get there, with their wagon hitched to Ullmark for three more years, there is no option but to provide him with an effective running mate capable of starting 35 games.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News 

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The Penguins needed Sidney Crosby to do Sidney Crosby things against Philadelphia. The captain delivered

Sidney Crosby

Apr 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) /looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Charles LeClaire/Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

PITTSBURGH — The sequence might as well have served as a metaphor of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ season.

There Sidney Crosby was, his left knee throbbing after absorbing a blistering shot from the point by teammate Ryan Shea, limping off the ice and disappearing down the tunnel in the second period of Game 5 against Philadelphia.

A few minutes later, with the Penguins’ longtime captain still out of sight, the Flyers tied it. Suddenly, a contest Pittsburgh had controlled for significant stretches was gone. The young Flyers, many of them experiencing the cauldron of playoff hockey for the first time, were surging. A quick playoff exit for a team that spent six months defying expectations loomed.

And just like that, Crosby’s familiar No. 87 returned to the bench. And just like that, he was over the boards and on the ice. And just like that, he was finishing off a shift by flipping the puck to Pittsburgh defenseman Kris Letang at the top of the Flyers’ zone.

Crosby’s back was to the play when Letang’s somewhat innocent shot from the point sailed wide of the Philadelphia net. Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar kept his eyes forward, expecting a big rebound. It never came.

The puck instead glanced off the back of Vladar’s left leg, then his right and trickled across the goal line to provide the goal that turned out to be the game-winner as Pittsburgh fended off elimination and forced maybe more than a little doubt into the mind of the Flyers, whose once-comfortable 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series no longer feels quite so comfortable after Pittsburgh’s 3-2 victory.

Game 6 is in Philadelphia and the Penguins will head across the state not only with momentum, but also with their unquestioned leader starting to look like his old self after an uncommonly quiet start.

Save for his brief retreat to the trainer’s room, Crosby was everywhere. He assisted on Connor Dewar’s goal in the second period, got another primary assist on Letang’s second goal in as many games and nearly added a goal himself when his diving flick toward the Flyers’ open net in the final minutes clanged off the left post.

So much for looking every bit of 38. It was vintage Crosby.

“When things get hard and your back is against the wall, there is no doubt in my mind that he’s going to lead the charge in terms of elevating and finding a way to do everything possible to help us win this game,” first-year Penguins coach Dan Muse said.

Crosby has 21 points in 24 games in his career when facing elimination. His 100th career playoff victory looked an awful lot like the 99 that came before it, with Crosby doing a little bit of everything, including taking a wallop off his left knee, then returning a few minutes later as if nothing happened.

“I feel good,” he said. “I mean, that’s stuff that happens sometimes and you try to go to the front of the net and it’s just one of those ones that found its way. Sometimes they hit you, sometimes they go by.”

Crosby absorbed a direct hit, albeit from friendly fire, and bounced back immediately. It’s been that way all season for the Penguins, whose surprising season has been marked by righting themselves just when it looked like things were about to get sideways.

What they’re trying to pull off now would trump everything that came before it by a wide margin. The odds remain slim — only four teams have ever rallied after losing the first three games of a series — but they’re not as slim as they were when the puck dropped for Game 4.

Crosby will take it. So will his team.

“I think the last couple games we found our stride a bit,” he said. “We should feel good about that ... we’re playing good hockey and we’ve got to go in there and find a way to win again.”

Sabres are on the verge of a long-awaited series win, and the Ducks are too

Buffalo Sabres

Apr 26, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres fight along the boards during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Bob DeChiara/Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Sabres have shed the burden of a 14-year absence from the Stanley Cup playoffs that set a dubious NHL record and surged toward their next big thing.

Beat the Boston Bruins at home in Game 5 and the Sabres will skate in the second round for the first time since 2007.

“You can expect this to be the hardest game that we’re going to have to play short-term here, because they’re in the nothing-to-lose-and-everything-to-gain category,” said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff, whose first stint with the team was a 15-year run that included the most recent postseason appearance and series victory — plus four trips to the conference finals and one Stanley Cup finals berth.

The Bruins, behind first-year coach Marco Sturm, are reeling from a 6-1 drubbing they took to fall behind 3-1.

“They know that if they don’t put whatever they can put into the game,” Ruff said, “they’re done.”

Across the Canadian border, and more than 2,000 miles away, another team that has far exceeded external expectations is on the verge of a clinch. The Anaheim Ducks must do so on the road against the Edmonton Oilers, but they’re a fearless young group that’s hungry to give the franchise its first series victory in nine years.

“We just believe in ourselves,” center Ryan Poehling said, reflecting on the overtime win in Game 4 for a 3-1 lead after facing a two-goal deficit. “We’ve done it all year, and I think it just teaches you throughout a season that you’re never out of it. The belief on the bench is something that you truly feel when you go out there for offensive play. It’s a great way to play hockey for us.”

In Dallas, there will be a Game 5, too, but no clinching celebration after Minnesota evened the series.

Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres

When/Where to Watch: Game 5, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT (TNT).

Series: Sabres lead 3-1.

The Bruins lost their cool during their Game 4 meltdown. Defenseman Nikita Zadorov received a $5,000 fine from the league for cross-checking Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. Goalie Jeremy Swayman shouted at his own bench as he skated off after being pulled from the game.

“We have an extremely high competitive group. We all have a standard that we all carry ourselves to, and it wasn’t met. So that was just emotion,” Swayman told reporters. “It’s moved on now, and we have a job to do going into Buffalo.”

The Sabres can’t wait to take the ice in front of a fired-up crowd.

“When I came in last season, there was lots of talk of, ‘This is a hockey city, not a football city,’ and that was pretty hard to believe as an outsider coming in. You can see the passion for the Bills and just everything around that,” Sabres left wing Beck Malenstyn said. “But then I think throughout this year, we’ve slowly grown to see just how supportive and passionate this fan base is.”

Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars

When/Where to Watch: Game 5, Tuesday, 8 p.m. EDT (ESPN2).

Series: Tied 2-2.

The snapshot of this rugged series between these well-built teams that comfortably finished second and third in the Western Conference during the regular season varies sharply by how many men are on the ice. The Wild have had the upper hand in even-strength play, with a 10-3 scoring advantage. The Stars power play has been dominant, with eight goals in 19 opportunities, and their penalty kill has been scored on only three times in 19 situations.

As the Stars prepared for yet another pivotal game, they expressed confidence in their 5-on-5 performance by virtue of a steady shot volume. They lead the league this postseason with 141 attempts on target, including 102 during even-strength play, which ranks fifth-most among playoff teams.

“We just have to take the next step and get some loose pucks, get some tips,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said.

Only one Stars player has a plus-rating during even-strength situations in this series: defenseman Nils Lundqvist. Unfortunately, he won’t play in Game 5 after taking an inadvertent skate to the face from a collision in Game 4. Gulutzan said he hoped Lundqvist would return in the series.

“Sometimes the puck goes in. Sometimes it doesn’t. It’s hockey,” Stars captain Jamie Benn said.

The Wild power play has clearly missed right wing Mats Zuccarello, who hasn’t played since an upper-body injury suffered during Game 1, but his return to practice was an encouraging sign.

“We’ll see how he felt and what his response is from that,” coach John Hynes said. “But it is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Anaheim Ducks at Edmonton Oilers

When/Where to Watch: Game 5, Tuesday, 10 p.m. EDT (TNT).

Series: Ducks lead 3-1.

While both teams were on flights back to Canada, the hockey world was still rehashing the chaotic ending to Game 4 and the unusual way in which the officials reached what almost certainly was the correct ruling on Poehling’s squeaker of an overtime goal for Anaheim.

But that wild finish didn’t alter the overall trajectory of this series: The aggressive Ducks appear to be capable of erasing any trouble caused by their mediocre defensive play, while the Oilers look ever wearier while they attempt to mount their fifth consecutive long playoff run.

“We just believe in each other, and kind of no matter the score, we just continue to compete,” said Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe, the top scorer in the entire Stanley Cup playoffs with eight points. “It’s something that’s been huge for us all year, and it’s something nice to have in your back pocket right now.”

Edmonton is down to its last chance after blowing two leads in Game 4 despite a solid performance by new goalie Tristan Jarry. Anaheim has made the most multi-goal comebacks in the sport this season under coach Joel Quenneville, who passed Al Arbour for the second-most postseason coaching victories in NHL history in Game 4.

The Ducks have won three straight in this series, and they’ve scored 20 goals in four games as they attempt to secure their team’s first playoff series victory since 2017. But this tired Oilers core has been in big postseason jams before. They played their best defensive game of the series on Sunday, so there’s no outward panic as they attempt to bring the series back to Southern California for Game 6.

Wild vs Stars Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tuesday's NHL Playoffs Game 5

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Matt Boldy has been a one-man shooting gallery, averaging 10 shot attempts per game through four meetings with the Dallas Stars.

My Wild vs. Stars predictions and NHL picks see Boldy piling up the shots once again in Game 5.

  • UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.

Wild vs Stars Game 5 prediction

Wild vs Stars best bet: Matt Boldy Over 3.5 shots on goal (+100)

Matt Boldy has been the most consistent shooter in this series, generating at least nine attempts in all four games.

Boldy has averaged an incredible 5.3 shots on 10 attempts and cleared his 3.5 total in each of the four contests.

He actually produced more on the road in Dallas, combining for 13 shots on goal over the first two games. That likely stems from the Dallas Stars putting more focus on Kirill Kaprizov’s line.

Boldy has recorded at least four shots in 10 consecutive meetings with the Stars. Expect another busy night in a pivotal swing game.

Wild vs Stars Game 5 same-game parlay

Wyatt Johnston has played more than any Stars forward through four games. He has made the most of his ice time, averaging 4.3 shots on goal while producing five points.

The Stars funnel him pucks in high-danger areas, and will have an easier time doing so while controlling matchups at home.

We’ll double dip on his line and back Mikko Rantanen to get a helper. He had the most productive playmaking season of his career and hasn’t slowed in the playoffs, recording four assists thus far.

Wild vs Stars SGP

  • Matt Boldy Over 3.5 shots on goal
  • Wyatt Johnston Over 2.5 shots on goal
  • Mikko Rantanen Over 0.5 assists

Wild vs Stars Game 5 goal scorer pick

Wyatt Johnston (+130)

Johnston has recorded 17 scoring chances in the series, trailing only Jason Robertson. He lives around the net, and the Stars have done a great job at getting him the puck in those high-danger spaces.

Johnston has found the back of the net in four of his last five home games following two days of rest.

Wild vs Stars odds for Game 5

  • Moneyline: Minnesota +110 | Dallas -130
  • Puck line: Minnesota +1.5 (-230) | Dallas -1.5 (+190)
  • Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)

Wild vs Stars trend

Boldy has piled up 56 shots on target over his last 10 games against Dallas. Find more NHL betting trends for Wild vs. Stars.

How to watch Wild vs Stars Game 5

LocationAmerican Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
DateTuesday, April 28, 2026
Puck drop8:00 p.m. ET
TVESPN2, Sportsnet 360

Wild vs Stars latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Avalanche Show Championship Formula in First-Round Sweep of Kings

The Colorado Avalanche spent the regular season overwhelming opponents with speed and scoring, but their first-round sweep of the Los Angeles Kings served as a reminder of an old playoff truth: defense wins championships.

Colorado dismissed Los Angeles in four straight games, allowing just five total goals across the series while surrendering only two at five-on-five. For a team that already led the NHL defensively during the regular season at 2.40 goals allowed per game, the Avalanche elevated their structure, discipline, and commitment when the stakes rose.

Defensive Identity Takes Center Stage

The Kings entered the postseason as a dangerous, detail-oriented opponent capable of grinding games into uncomfortable territory. Instead, Colorado met that challenge head-on and dictated the terms of the series.

The Avalanche outscored Los Angeles 13-5 overall, including a commanding 9-2 edge at five-on-five. Colorado also limited the Kings to just 25.3 shots per game while generating 30.8 of its own, a testament to puck possession and territorial control throughout the matchup.

Special teams were another decisive factor. Colorado killed off 13 of 16 Los Angeles power plays — an 81.2 percent success rate — and added a shorthanded goal of its own. Two of the three power-play goals allowed came with the Kings skating six-on-four, further emphasizing how difficult clean chances were to find against Colorado’s penalty killers.

For head coach Jared Bednar, the defensive dominance was simply the continuation of habits built over months.

“We stuck with our game plan and what we’ve been preaching all year on the defensive side of things,” Bednar told NHL.com after Game Four. “And it paid off for us.”

While Colorado finished the regular season as one of hockey’s most dangerous offensive clubs at 3.63 goals per game, this series illustrated a more complete identity. The Avalanche did not need track meets or scoring explosions to advance. They won with layers, patience, puck management, and relentless pressure.

"I think we have the ability to play different ways in order to win,” Bednar said. “But when you talk about championship teams, it's the defending that pushes you over the top. And I thought we were committed to that from the drop of the puck in Game One [until] the buzzer went in Game Four.”

Wedgewood Steadies the Net, Stars Deliver Up Front

Behind Colorado’s defensive shell stood Scott Wedgewood, who delivered one of the sharpest performances of the opening round. The veteran netminder posted a .950 save percentage and a 1.21 goals-against average, repeatedly extinguishing momentum whenever Los Angeles threatened to climb back into games.

After Game Three, Bednar praised the calm presence Wedgewood brought to the crease.

"I think he's been outstanding," Bednar said. "He's been great. Big saves when you need them. Relaxed. Looks confident.”

Wedgewood, meanwhile, described the moment with genuine appreciation after Colorado’s overtime win in Game Two.

"You play in under pressure moments,” Wedgewood said. “I think mentally, over my career, I've kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league. So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I've been putting the pressure on myself to get here. It's honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what's at stake."

Offensively, Colorado still received the production expected from a contender. Nathan MacKinnon, Artturi Lehkonen, and Gabriel Landeskog each recorded two goals and two assists in the series, while Cale Makar and Nicolas Roy added two goals apiece. Devon Toews, Nazem Kadri, and Martin Necas each chipped in two assists, underscoring the balance that makes Colorado so difficult to contain.

MacKinnon’s impact, however, extended well beyond the scoresheet. Bednar pointed to his work away from the puck against key Los Angeles threats such as Quinton Byfield and Anze Kopitar, another sign of the buy-in required to win in spring.

Colorado now awaits either the Minnesota Wild or Dallas Stars in the second round, two opponents capable of presenting entirely different challenges. But if the opening round proved anything, it is that the Avalanche are no longer relying solely on firepower.

They have rediscovered the harder edge of championship hockey — and that should concern the rest of the Western Conference.

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Legendary Canucks Broadcaster John Garrett Passes Away

The hockey world lost a beloved figure this week as it was announced Tuesday morning that John Garrett had passed away. The 74-year-old began his career as an analyst on Hockey Night in Canada in 1985 and spent 20 years doing colour commentary for the Vancouver Canucks. Before becoming an analyst, Garrett was a goaltender in the NHL, which included playing 56 games with Vancouver. 

Multiple statements have been released honouring Garrett. In one released by the Canucks, Jim Rutherford wrote, "Cheech was a special person and an important part of Canucks history. He loved this team and took great pride in sharing the game with our fans. His personality, insight, and genuine care for the people around him made a lasting impression on our players, staff, and everyone who had the chance to work with him. This is a very difficult loss for all of us, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones"

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement and wrote, "The National Hockey League family is stunned and saddened by the sudden passing of John Garrett, whose astute analysis took fans – particularly in Western Canada – inside our game for the last four decades.

Former Canucks Colour Commentator John Garrett Discusses His Retirement And Vancouver's Historic SeasonFormer Canucks Colour Commentator John Garrett Discusses His Retirement And Vancouver's Historic SeasonGarrett retired at the end of the 2022-23 season after over 35 years in the broadcast booth.

"Following a 13-season career as a goaltender in the WHA and the NHL, Garrett moved into the broadcast booth in 1986 and never left, contributing his encyclopedic knowledge and expert insight to national broadcasts on Sportsnet and local broadcasts for the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and, for two decades, the Vancouver Canucks.

"On a personal note, I always enjoyed catching up with John when our travels around the League intersected – as they did one last time on Friday night in Utah, when he broadcast the Mammoth’s first ever home playoff game. We send our deepest condolences to his family, his friends around the game and his many fans."

John Garrett (Photo Credit: @Canucks on "X")
John Garrett (Photo Credit: @Canucks on "X")

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Who's Out If Mats Zuccarello, Yakov Trenin Play In Game 5?

The Minnesota Wild (2-2) hit the ice on Monday for a practice before traveling for Game 5 against the Dallas Stars (2-2) in Dallas.

Both Mats Zuccarello and Yakov Trenin took the ice and skated with the team. 

“I think it’s a good sign," Wild head coach John Hynes said on Zuccarello practicing. "We’ll see how he felt and what his response is from that. But it is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Trenin has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury.

“Trenny is the same," Hynes said. "It’s good that they both skated but they now have to see how they’re feeling. We’ll probably know more in the morning.”

Hynes said that the two will be questionable to play in Game 5. He also said they were in Game 3 and both missed. He also said Zuccarello would be in Game 4 and he did not play either.

“I’d put them at questionable right now.”

But it is a positive that they both skated.

If both play, the question is who comes out?

Bobby Brink and Nico Sturm did not play Game 1. They both started playing once Zuccarello and Trenin missed games.

The simple move is to take both of those out again if Zuccarello and Trenin return. With Zuccarello out, Brink has been on the top line and top power play.

On Monday, with Zuccarello on the top power play unit, Brink was on the second unit. This would suggest Brink would stay in since he was on the second power play unit.

We know Sturm will be out. So, who is the second? It is hard to imagine Nick Foligno is taken out, just for PK reasons, so it is safe to assume it will be the rookie Danila Yurov.

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Recent Wild Stories

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- Wild's Mats Zuccarello, Yakov Trenin Out With Upper-Body Injuries.

- Stars' Top Center Remains Out Vs Wild For Next Two Games.

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Blackhawks Player Grades: Connor Bedard Unsurprisingly Leads All Forwards

The Chicago Blackhawks didn’t have a great season in terms of their record, but they did have the opportunity to see a lot of young forwards take big steps. Whether it was developing as offensive players or guys who emphasize their defensive play first, they saw mixed results across the board. 

There was one veteran forward who put up an exceptional amount of goals, while another continued his reign as one of the league’s best depth forwards. The rest mostly struggled at times. 

Every player gets a grade for how their season went, but they are graded on how they played against the expectations that are placed on them.  

Connor Bedard: A

Connor Bedard dealt with a handful of injuries and minor inconsistencies throughout the season, especially in the second half, but it was a truly great individual year for him overall. Bedard had his first 30-goal, point-per-game season. He was also a noticeably speedier and more engaged defensive player, which helped his overall game. After two up-and-down seasons to begin his career, year three proved that he is becoming a legitimate NHL superstar. 

Tyler Bertuzzi: A

Tyler Bertuzzi led the Chicago Blackhawks with 32 goals in 2025-26. He scored on the power play, at even strength, and was a physical presence who was hard to play against on every shift. Is Bertuzzi going to keep pumping out 30-goal seasons? Maybe not, but he is good for an honest effort every single night, which is great for a leader on a young team. Bertuzzi took on an “A” after the trade deadline, and he lived up to it. No matter what line he’s on, and he showed plenty of versatility, he makes it better. 

Frank Nazar: B

Frank Nazar dealt with some inconsistent play offensively in the middle of the season, but he is a solid player who enhances the overall team speed. Nazar is one of those “all situation” players, as he plays a well-rounded game at even strength, makes plays on the power play, and kills penalties. In 2025-26, Nazar set career highs in goals (15), assists (26), and points (41). The former 13th overall pick is waiting for his big breakout, but the signs of stardom are there. 

Ilya Mikheyev: A

Ilya Mikheyev is good for 15-20 goals a season, and that comes with almost zero power-play time. He is also one of the best penalty killers in the NHL, along with being an exceptional defensive forward. Mikheyev wasn’t traded at the deadline, despite being a pending unrestricted free agent, so there will be an emphasis on getting him signed before July 1st; they will be in danger of losing him for nothing. A veteran like him is great for a depth role on a young team for the next couple of years, as he was in 2025-26. 

Teuvo Teravainen: D

Teuvo Teravainen was cold in the second half of the season. By the end of the year, he was playing a fair amount of minutes on the fourth line, which doesn’t necessarily fit a skilled player like him. In 2026-27, if he stays in Chicago, the Blackhawks will need more contributions from Teuvo. 

Andre Burakovsky: D

Andre Burakovsky would get an A-grade for his first half and an F-grade for his second half. His final grade is a D as a result. The bad outweighed the good in the end, which is why it’s not a C-grade. Burakovsky only had a handful of points once the colander flipped to 2026, despite playing most games on the top line with Connor Bedard. Jeff Blashill was loyal to a fault until the final few weeks of the season, when he finally started to demote Burakovsky. In addition to a lack of offense, he turned the puck over with tremendous frequency. He is exceptional at gaining the offensive zone, but he often takes that skill and ruins it by giving the puck away to the opposition. Overall, it was a year to forget. 

Ryan Donato: B

Ryan Donato’s goal total was cut in half this season from a year prior, but his ice time (and role on the team) decreased as well. Donato still scored 15, but he is more of a depth piece that’s used as a middle-six forward more than a top-six guy now. He still gets a B-grade for being a player who accepts and executes any role he is given well without complaining. 

Ryan Greene: B

Ryan Greene was expected to need some time in the AHL to begin the year, but he earned an NHL job at training camp and never gave it back. He managed to have a double-digit goal total while being a “third guy” on a good line. He also showed he can play center and wing, which makes him valuable to the coaching staff. When he was at BU, he did all of the little things the right way, which is why he was the captain, and those intangibles have helped him in the NHL as well. 

Oliver Moore: B

Oliver Moore had his season cut short with a few weeks remaining, but he was a solid player when he did play. He is an incredibly fast player, and he uses that ability to his advantage in all three zones. His offensive ceiling remains to be seen, but he has already proved to be a useful middle-six forward at a bare minimum.  

Nick Lardis: A

No matter where Nick Lardis goes, he fills the net. Whether it's the OHL, AHL, or NHL, he finds a way to score an impressive total for that league. He had 10 goals in 41 NHL games this year, which is a 20-goal pace over a full season. For being a half-season rookie who was taken in the third round, that’s a great number. He will only become more prolific from here. 

Jason Dickinson: C

Jason Dickinson was a 20-goal scorer when he played on Chicago’s top line during the dog days of the rebuild. Since then, he was thrust into a more defensive role, and he thrived. Injuries and inconsistencies kept him at a C-grade this year, but he was given a great opportunity when he was traded to Edmonton. Behind Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, he is a great third-line center. 

Nick Foligno: C

Nick Foligno was a great captain to take on that role after the legendary Jonathan Toews. With that said, on the ice, he is better suited for a team chasing the Stanley Cup at this stage of the game. The Blackhawks traded him to the Minnesota Wild on deadline day so he could play with his brother, Marcus, and finally attempt to win it all. 

Colton Dach: D

Colton Dach was traded to the Edmonton Oilers ahead of the trade deadline. In 53 games with Chicago, he had three goals and six assists for 9 points. With other young players on the way, his future with the team looked bleaker and bleaker, but now he has an opportunity with a veteran team like the Oilers. 

Anton Frondell: A

Since becoming the third overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Anton Frondell has been incredible. He won a World Juniors gold medal with Sweden in January, was one of the best rookies in SHL history, and eventually entered the NHL as a Blackhawk. In his 12 games with Chicago, Frondell had three goals, six assists, and nine points, all while being a reliable player away from the puck. It won’t be long before he’s a high-end two-way player in the best league in the world. 

Landon Slaggert: D

When Landon Slaggert showed up to training camp, he probably expected to play more than 53 games, but some of his young peers have passed him up on the depth chart. He only scored three goals and four assists for seven points in those 53 games, but he does bring value to the group because of his overall toughness. 

Lukas Reichel: F

Lukas Reichel came into the season with a chance to finally stay in the NHL. Instead, he was traded away because the Blackhawks felt that they needed to let him move on. It just didn’t work out for the former first-round pick in Chicago. 

Sam Lafferty: D

Sam Lafferty was unable to stick in the lineup with consistency, but he never complained about his role. He even played defense for one game and embraced the opportunity. The guys in the room loved Lafferty, too, so this wasn’t a totally failed season for him. 

Andrew Mangiapane: C

Andrew Mangiapane was traded to the Blackhawks as a throw-in so the Edmonton Oilers could clear some cap space. In the few games he did play with the Blackhawks, he brought a physical presence to his line while having a couple of scoring chances. He isn’t a big-time goal scorer anymore, but he’s a solid bottom-six forward. 

Sacha Boisvert: C

Sacha Boisvert didn’t play every game once he signed his entry-level deal, as the team wanted him to watch from up top a handful of times. In the games he did play, he had a couple of noticeable moments, including his first goal, some playmaking, and his first NHL fight. Boisvert has a baseline now that will allow him to compete for a job once training camp rolls around. 

Dominic Toninato: C

Dominic Toninato only played in 8 games with the NHL club, but he was a solid veteran in the AHL for most of the year. He gets a C-grade for his willingness to do whatever was asked of him, regardless of what team he was on. 

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Game 5 Aftermath: How the game was won for the Penguins

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 27: Bryan Rust #17 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates a goal by Kris Letang #58 (not pictured) against Dan Vladar #80 of the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Five of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 27, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

Here are the areas we highlighted in the Game 4 win. Go through it again and check off how many that could also apply to Game 5:

-Sidney Crosby dug deep, embodying a ‘whatever it takes’ mentality on a two-point night

-Kris Letang scored a goal, and beyond that played well over 23 minutes

-Pittsburgh won the goaltending battle for the first time, thanks largely to Flyer goalie Dan Vladar coughing up a goal from behind the net but in no small part to Arturs Silovs playing his first game this playoff and performing very well

-The penalty kill was perfect, the power play was far from it but did score one goal

-Game sequencing mattered; the Penguins had a good start, scored first and never let the Flyers tie the game up again

Aside from the fact that Philadelphia did briefly tie the score at 2-2, almost everything else that was key in Game 4 showed back up again in Game 5. Sidney Crosby grabbed two more points. Kris Letang scored another goal (and this time played almost 25 minutes). Dan Vladar was the victim of another crazy play (this time more of a bad bounce than an outright mistake, but the Penguins aren’t parsing how it happens at this point) while Arturs Silovs was solid. The PK was perfect again, though the Flyers only had two chances on it thanks to better discipline.

In short, Game 5 looked a lot like Game 4, and because of it there is now a Game 6 scheduled.

There was even more to like on a deeper level for the Penguins. Natural Stat Trick had 5v5 high danger chances at 12-5 in favor of Pittsburgh.

Those 12 chances are the most the Pens have generated at 5v5 in a game this series. They only had 11 combined 5v5 high danger chances in Game 3+4. Pittsburgh was able to get back to their speed game more last night. Whether it’s been chipping and chasing the puck, as seen on the early goal by Elmer Soderblom or stacking up long, grinding shifts that eventually wears the Flyers down like the Connor Dewar goal, Pittsburgh is finding a lot more life in their offensive game.

As we touched on the recap, it’s not just been better from the blueline in, it’s become easier to get there. The Flyers had the neutral zone almost completely stifled in the early games of this series. As time has gone along, the Penguins have started to crack the code, often by starting the puck one way than once the forecheck shifts towards that side of the ice then making a pass to the back-side and taking advantage of the extra room exposed. That’s been giving them more speed through the zone, creating decisions on how to enter from that point.

The Penguins still have absolutely no margin of error and face another must win game tomorrow in Game 6. They’ve been able to show some fight and put a scare into the Flyers now with the way the last two games have gone, now we’ll see if they can do it one more time and bring the series back to Pittsburgh again. If a lot of the elements from Games 4 and 5 show up again in Game 6 then they just might have a chance.

Former Canucks In 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Šilovs Keeps The Penguins Season Alive

Artūrs Šilovs has once again proven to be a playoff hero. The former Vancouver Canucks goaltender made 18 saves on Monday as he helped keep the Pittsburgh Penguins' season alive in Game 5. Šilovs made his debut in Game 4 and is now 2-0 in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

If the Penguins are going to pull off the reverse sweep, they will need Šilovs to continue standing on his head. The 25-year-old has stopped 46 of the 50 shots he has faced over the past two games, which is good enough for a .920 save percentage. Šilovs is now 7-5 in his post-season career with a save percentage of .901. 

Šilovs continues to come up clutch when his team needs him the most. He helped the Canucks to Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs and led the Abbotsford Canucks to a Calder Cup championship last year. Ultimately, if Šilovs can pull off two more wins against the Philadelphia Flyers, he will go down in history as one of the few goaltenders in NHL history who have helped their team erase a 3-0 series deficit. 

Apr 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs (37) looks on against the Florida Panthers during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Alberti-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs (37) looks on against the Florida Panthers during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Alberti-Imagn Images

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Islanders Top Forward Prospect Victor Eklund Will Not Play For Sweden At 2026 World Championships

New York Islanders top forward prospect Victor Eklund will not be playing for Team Sweden at the 2026 World Championships, per industry sources. 

The 19-year-old represented his country at the 2025 and 2026 World Junior Championships. 

After the Islanders selected Eklund 16th overall at the 2025 NHL Draft, he's had a long, grinding season. 

He attended the development camp a few days after the draft, then returned to Sweden to prepare for his first SHL season with Djurgården, which had earned promotion from Sweden's second-tier league. 

After playing 43 regular-season games (six goals, 18 assists) and another eight playoff games (three assists), Eklund elected to come over to North America to join the Bridgeport Islanders during their playoff push. 

He recorded nine points (two goals, seven assists) through his first seven AHL games, earning himself an NHL call-up for the Islanders' regular-season finale against the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Despite a 4-1 loss, Eklund recorded his first career NHL point, a secondary assist on a Bo Horvat goal. 

The next day, Eklund was sent back to Bridgeport, adding a goal over his final two AHL regular-season games before going pointless in their two-game playoff series against the Hershey Bears. 

Given what Eklund showed, he'll have a strong chance to crack the Islanders' roster for the 2026-27 season.