Category: NHL

The Ducks didn't shy away from the moment in their first playoff game in eight years, going toe-to-toe with the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1. They shrugged off a sluggish first period, erased a two-goal deficit in the second period and had a one-goal lead heading into the third period. However, they conceded two goals in the final frame, including the go-ahead goal with 1:54 remaining.

Troy Terry, who got the Ducks on the board just 19 seconds into the second period, noted during his postgame scrum how little mental mistakes can sway a series in favor of either team.

"(The loss is) hard to swallow," Terry said. "But I'm proud of our group, and I'm excited for the rest of this series. We proved it to ourselves."

Anaheim did not practice on Tuesday in between games aside from Game 1's scratches getting some light work in. Alex Killorn, John Carlson, Lukáš Dostál and head coach Joel Quenneville addressed the media as part of Anaheim's mandatory media availability for the day.

"I didn't love our start to the game," Killorn said. "I think we kind of maybe dipped our toes in a little bit. A lot of (our) guys haven't played in the playoffs. But what I did like is our resiliency after going down two goals to come back. And that second period was a really great period for us. I liked that. And then once we got the lead, we may have sat back just a little bit. A bunch of things we can learn from, but, overall, pretty good game."

"I think (we can be better in) taking care of the slot area," Dostál, who stopped 30 of 34 shots, said. "Every single team in the playoffs––doesn't matter if it's us, Edmonton or any other team; that's one dangerous area in hockey where you have to take care of it. I felt otherwise (that) we did a pretty good job on the defensive part, but I believe that's something we've just gotta focus on. Same with me, I've gotta make those saves there."

"I think we executed our game plan well on both sides of the ice," Carlson said. "I think we probably played one of our better games with the lead since I've been here as well. It didn't manufacture us anything, but I think (there's) things to build on, to work through and keep getting better (at)."

"I think that we wanted to find out about our guys in the playoffs," Quenneville said. "I thought we showed that we're competitive. I think there's some things we can learn from, and we've got to get better as we go along in the series, anyway. 
And I think that we look individually and collectively, that there are some positive things. Technically, we can be stronger in areas, but the effort was there. The pace was fine, and we expect to get better in order to win and be successful and that's our challenge. And I think that for a lot of the guys, getting their first exposure was a good sign in what their games (are) and what they bring and the upside to go along with that as well."

Ducks captain Radko Gudas will miss Game 2 with an undisclosed injury. He is day-to-day, per Quenneville. Drew Helleson will draw into the lineup, making his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut.

"Drew played some nice games for us down the stretch here," Quenneville said. "Drew's had some good moments for us. He gives us some quickness, some size and that spot with his partner (Tyson Hinds), they played together at some point over the last few years. Just want him to be consistent and be predictable."

"I'm excited to get out there and feel the emotions and the physicality," Helleson said. "(The coaching staff expects me to) just play my game. Defend well. Be hard to play against, make simple plays, just things I've been doing here lately. Hopefully, I can keep that going."

Former Ducks forward Adam Henrique will miss Game 2 after suffering an injury during Game 1. He played just 2:56 after exiting in the first period and did not return to the game. Josh Samanski will draw into the lineup in his place. Jason Dickinson is also a game-time decision, per Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch. Curtis Lazar would draw in if Dickinson is unable to play.

While Game 1 may feel like a lost opportunity for Anaheim, they can find solace in the fact that they were able to erase a multi-goal deficit and, momentarily, hold a lead against a hardened Oilers team.

Terry and Leo Carlsson shined in their playoff debuts, with both having multi-point performances. Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard were both kept off the scoresheet for the Oilers, but Jason Dickinson and Kasperi Kapanen provided depth scoring with two goals apiece. On the backend, Jake Walman picked up two assists. Anaheim will need their depth to provide the same kind of secondary scoring moving forward.

"We need everybody," Quenneville said. "We're gonna need everybody going forward every game, every shift. We're calling on everybody to get better from the first game. There are some positives we've taken out of that game, but we're gonna need more. Can't be satisfied with that."

"I think our PK did a tremendous job," Mason McTavish said. "That's one of the best power plays ever; they did a great job. Also, shutting down McDavid, that's not easy to do. I thought we did a good job limiting his touches and space. He's a great player. Obviously, he's going to get some chances, but I thought we did a good job eliminating that."

"There should be a lot of credit to Anaheim," Knoblauch said. "They did a great job making it hard for us to get into the zone. Usually, Connor's making those plays. The other night, they were able to get their sticks on pucks. More often than not, he's making those. Tonight, we'll have to see if we have to make some big adjustments."

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Ducks Projected Lines

Chris Kreider - Leo Carlsson - Troy Terry
Alex Killorn - Mikael Granlund - Beckett Sennecke
Mason McTavish - Ryan Poehling - Cutter Gauthier
Jeff Viel - Tim Washe - Ian Moore

Jackson LaCombe - Jacob Trouba
Pavel Mintyukov - John Carlson
Tyson Hinds - Drew Helleson

Lukáš Dostál (confirmed)

Oilers Projected Lines

Matt Savoie - Connor McDavid - Zach Hyman
Vasily Podkolzin - Leon Draisaitl - Kasperi Kapanen
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Jason Dickinson - Jack Roslovic
Colton Dach - Josh Samanski - Trent Frederic

Mattias Ekholm - Evan Bouchard
Darnell Nurse - Connor Murphy
Jake Walman - Ty Emberson

Connor Ingram (confirmed)

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Takeaways from the Ducks' 4-3 Game 1 Loss to the Oilers, Oilers Lead Series 1-0

Can Ducks Beat Oilers? Yes, If They Keep Things Simple

Five Storylines for the Anaheim Ducks' First Round Series vs the Edmonton Oilers

How Ducks GM Pat Verbeek Built Roster with Playoffs in Mind

The Detroit Red Wings are entering a critical offseason after missing the playoffs for a tenth straight year, a finish that has left fans searching for answers about how the organization can finally take a step toward contention next season.

Much of the discussion has centered on captain Dylan Larkin, who played through injuries this season and still produced 67 points in 74 games. The performance has sparked mixed reactions among fans. 

Some argue Larkin should be producing more consistently in his role as captain, especially given his history as a point-per-game player in previous seasons. Others point to his two-way impact, leadership, and skating ability as traits that are increasingly rare in today’s NHL, making him an invaluable part of the roster even when not at his offensive peak.

The debate has even stretched into more extreme territory online, with some calling for a change in leadership or even suggesting trade scenarios, despite Larkin being a Michigan native and long-time face of the franchise.

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

However, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently pushed back strongly on those rumors. Speaking on Sportsnet’s Oilers Now, Friedman dismissed the idea that Detroit would consider moving its captain.

“I’ve had people wonder, would they ever move Dylan Larkin, I think that’s crazy,” Friedman said.

During his end-of-season availability, Larkin called the year “not great” and admitted it was especially frustrating given another missed playoff berth for the Red Wings. He  took accountability as captain, noting he needed to do a better job driving play and establishing momentum, particularly at home as they suffered many debilitating losses at Little Caesars Arena to end off the season.

Despite the disappointment, he reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise, stressing his goal of helping lead Detroit back to the playoffs and eventually competing for a Stanley Cup has not waivered. 

Larkin just completed his 11th NHL season, sitting at 276 goals and 367 assists for 643 points across 808 games. He continues to climb the franchise’s all-time ranks and remains under contract through 2031, reinforcing the expectation that he will remain a cornerstone of the Red Wings moving forward.

Despite that stability, the narrative around his tenure has grown complicated. Detroit has not reached the playoffs since Larkin’s rookie season, a statistic that continues to follow both player and team as expectations rise.

If Larkin were ever to leave, it would likely be on his own terms, driven by a desire to compete for a Stanley Cup and play in meaningful postseason games more consistently.

Adding to his recent resume, Larkin also represented Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he helped capture a gold medal in what stands as the biggest international achievement of his career to date. That experience is expected to further fuel his desire to compete in high-pressure, playoff-style environments at the NHL level.

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Convenience has been the theme so far in the Pittsburgh Penguins' first-round series against the Philadelphia Flyers when it comes to the selection of the third goaltender for games. They recalled Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) goaltender Taylor Gauthier for the first two games of the series in Pittsburgh, since Wheeling is less than two hours from Pittsburgh.

And it appears they continued to roll with that same theme ahead of Game 3 in Philadelphia. 

On Wednesday, the Penguins recalled young netminder Sergei Murashov from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Penguins of the AHL, likely to serve as the team's emergency goaltender for Games 3 and 4. WBS is a little more than three hours from Philadelphia, as opposed to Wheeling being more than seven hours. 

Key For Penguins In Rest Of Series Against Flyers May Be One Simple ThingThe situation may look bleak for the Pittsburgh Penguins, as they trail their best-of-seven series to the Philadelphia Flyers, 2-0 - but there is one thing that could, potentially, make all the difference for them the rest of the way.

WBS has already clinched a first-round bye in the Calder Cup Playoffs, and their seeding is locked in.

Murashov, 21, has played in five NHL games this season, going 1-1-2 with an .897 save percentage and a 2.56 goals-against average. At the AHL level, he is 24-9-3 with a .919 save percentage and a 2.20 goals-against average. 

He figures to be the third goaltender behind Stuart Skinner - who has earned his third-straight start - and Arturs Silovs, who was the backup in the Penguins' first two games, both of which they dropped to go down 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. Game 3 is Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. ET, while Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Penguins Need Major Response Game From Big WingerThe Penguins need this forward to make an impact for them in Game 3.

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This bread got a rise out of onlookers.

An upstate bakery is getting roasted over the X-rated shape of a special batch of Buffalo Sabres-themed bread that it released in honor of the ongoing Stanley Cup playoffs.

Di Camillo Bakery in Niagara Falls was paying tribute to hometown — or at least hometown-adjacent — hockey team, who are currently tied 1-1 with the Boston Bruins, 7 News WKBW reported.

After initially mulling over making hockey sticks or pucks, the company settled on depicting the team’s logo with a sword-shaped baguette featuring a sesame seed pommel.

Unfortunately, the wholesome local story took a turn into the gutter after many people noticed that the breadstick bore an uncanny resemblance to a penis.

“We wanted to do something hockey related,” breadmaker president Matthew Di Camillo innocently said of the playoffs “good luck charm,” confessing that he hoped to make a “lot of them.”

But the creation instead got burned online.

“How did the guy making this keep a straight face?” wondered one critic on Facebook, while another quipped, “I bet it’s made with dill dough.”

“That’s the bread she says is ‘Just Friends,'” joked a third about the well-endowed wheat sword.

Another prankster wrote, “Use Viagra instead of yeast to get that kinda rise.”

Di Camillo’s magnum opus also got burned on Reddit, with one commenter flatly declaring, “Yeah that’s a penis.”

“That thing’s got a Doaner,” said another, making a play on the name of Buffalo Sabres player Josh Doan.

Through two games against the Colorado Avalanche in Denver, Anton Forsberg has been nothing short of exceptional under the crease, saving 30 of 32 shots in Game 1 and 34 of 36 shots in Game 2. 

Facing one of the NHL's most dangerous offenses, the Los Angeles Kings goaltender has delivered under pressure in his first-ever playoff series, keeping his team within striking distance in both contests.  

Forsberg was once again a difference-maker in Game 2, turning aside 34 of 36 shots in a tightly contested overtime loss. Time and time again, he came up with timely saves, whether it was shutting down odd-man rushes, controlling rebounds in traffic, or holding strong during extended pressure from Colorado’s top lines and power plays.

Jeremy Swayman
Carter Hart
Scott Wedgewood
Anton Forsberg

Some ELITE goaltending performances tonight.

— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) April 20, 2026

Despite all those heroics, the Kings still lost. 

In the last two games, Los Angeles has held the No. 1 offense in hockey to four goals and zero power-play goals, yet the Kings still find themselves heading back to Los Angeles down 2-0 in the series. 

Kings’ Defensive Gem Wasted As Avalanche Steal Game 2 In OvertimeIn a game where their defense did everything right, the Kings’ inability to capitalize on prime scoring chances proved costly, wasting a chance to steal momentum in Denver.

This raises a familiar question: how much longer can elite goaltending by Forbserg carry a team without offensive support? We know how great Forsberg has been this season as a starter, finishing the last seven games of the season 6-0-1 and helping the Kings make the playoffs. 

Flashback to the 2023 playoff series, where the Los Angeles Kings lost to the Edmonton Oilers in six games, but were very competitive, led by former Kings goaltender at the time, Joonas Korpisalo.

Just like Forbserg, Korpisalo was a solid goaltender who exploded in that series, winning two games with elite play in net, but after Edmonton tied the series 2-2, he fell off in the final two games, resulting in a 4-2 series loss.  

For the 33-year-old goaltender, it's only a matter of time to see if he's good enough to maintain this for a full seven-game series, or will consecutive losses like this on the road hurt his play? 

After the game, Forsberg talked about the disappointment in going down 0-2 after two strong efforts.

"It’s tough, the way it ended, both games," said Forsberg. "We’re right in there, playing well, we’re fighting, we’re fighting hard. Just got to stick with it and turn this around."

Los Angeles has committed to a physical, defense-first identity in this series, with players like Mikey Anderson and Drew Doughty stepping up in key moments.

The Kings have blocked shots, delivered hits, and disrupted Colorado’s rhythm as good as it gets. Holding the league’s top offense to just two goals in Game 2, and one in regulation, is not easy to do.

Despite forcing turnovers and generating high-danger looks, Los Angeles has struggled to convert offensively. Missed breakaways, failed power plays, and an inability to finish around the net have defined the first two games of the series.

The Kings have had opportunities to shift momentum, especially in Game 2, but couldn’t hold onto their lead for long after scoring their first goal in the final frame. 

Now, as the series shifts back to Crypto.com Arena, the focus quickly turns to Game 3.

Forsberg has given the Kings a foundation. His play has been more than good enough to win, and if he continues at this level, Los Angeles will have a chance every night. 

But can Forsberg continue this play at home, where the Kings have been terrible compared to playing on the road? If LA is hoping to tie this series 2-2 after four games, they'll need their Swedish goaltender to play at this level the rest of the way compared to his normal usage.  

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Before Anze Kopitar left the ice after the final regular-season home game of his NHL career, he told the fans he was saying good-bye, not farewell.

He would return, he promised, in the playoffs.

He’ll make good on that pledge Thursday when his Kings and the Colorado Avalanche face off in Game 3 of their first-round series at Crypto.com Arena. But it could prove to be a short encore because after losing the first two games of the best-of-seven Stanley Cup playoff in Denver, the Kings need a win Thursday or in Game 4 on Sunday to extend both their season and Kopitar’s Hall of Fame career.

The Kings’ — and Kopitar’s — last six playoff appearances have all ended after just one round. And they’re halfway to another first-round loss this year, though they probably deserve better after giving the league’s best team everything it could handle, only to lose twice by a goal, including a 2-1 overtime loss in Game 2 on Tuesday.

Read more:Kings let late Game 2 lead slip away and lose to Avalanche in overtime

“To a man we're playing hard,” interim Kings coach D.J. Smith said. “We hoped to split here, but regardless we're gonna have to win at home. We’ve got to find a way to win a game.

“Clearly good isn't enough.”

Kopitar announced his retirement before the start of this season, the 20^th in his Hall of Fame career. And while many of his teammates talked of their desire to see their captain hoist the Stanley Cup one more time, just making the playoffs appeared beyond the Kings’ reach until the final two weeks of the regular season.

Colorado, meanwhile, led the league in everything, winning the most games, collecting the most points, scoring the most goals and allowing the fewest. The Kings? Not so much. They gave up 22 more goals than they scored, worst among playoff teams, and needed points in 11 of their last 13 games just to squeak into the postseason as the final wild-card team.

Yet two games into this series, it’s been hard to tell the teams apart on the ice. The Kings have outhustled, outhit and outskated the Avalanche for long stretches. But those moral victories have been their only wins.

Asked if he can take solace for the way the team has played, goalie Anton Forsberg, who was outstanding in his first two career playoff games, stared straight ahead.

“No,” he said. “We wanted to go to home [with] a win.”

Forward Trevor Moore was a little more forgiving.

Read more:Anze Kopitar honored after Kings beat nemesis Oilers during regular-season home finale

“We would have liked to steal one,” he said. “But you can't look back. You have to look forward. Confidence-wise, we hung in there with them for two games and we've been competitive. I think we could have won either night.”

They won neither night, however, which leaves little margin for error in the next two games.

If the Kings lacked wins in Denver, they didn’t lack chances. On Tuesday they had a man advantage for nearly a quarter of the first 25 minutes and had five power plays and a penalty shot on the night.

When Quinton Byfield’s second-period penalty shot was stuffed by Colorado goalie Scott Wedgewood, a group of Avalanche fans celebrated by pounding on the protective plexiglass behind the Kings’ bench with such force it shattered, raining shards down on the team’s coaches

"Whoever the guy [was] just kept pushing and pushing and pushing," Smith said. "I looked back because it hit me a bunch of times, then it broke."

Fans broke the glass pane behind the Kings' bench after Scott Wedgewood's save. pic.twitter.com/5ajTi5ffwy

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 22, 2026

The Kings couldn’t score on the power play either until Artemi Panarin finally found the back of the net with less than seven minutes left in regulation, giving the team its first lead of the series.

“We had every opportunity,” Smith said. “You’ve got to be able to close it out.”

They couldn’t. So when Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog evened the score 3 ½ minutes later, the teams headed to a fourth period.

The overtime was the 34th  in 84 games for the Kings this season, an NHL record by some distance. But it ended in the team’s 21st  overtime loss when Nicolas Roy banged home a rebound 7:44 into the extra period.

“We had some good looks. I thought we really had the momentum in overtime,” Smith said. “Maybe a bad bounce or a turnover, whatever, it ends up in your net. But to a man this team is playing hard and we’ve got to find a way to win.

“I expect that we'll be better at home.”

If they aren’t, the Kings face another long summer and Kopitar’s retirement will start earlier than he had hoped.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

The Detroit Red Wings will hold their end-of-season media availability on Thursday, with team president Steve Yzerman and head coach Todd McLellan expected to address a season that ended in disappointment for the organization.

Confirming that @DetroitRedWings GM Steve Yzerman and head coach Todd McLellan will address the media tomorrow at 11 a.m. ET. #LGRW#RedWings

— Michael Whitaker (@mwhitaker_89) April 22, 2026

The availability comes after the Red Wings missed the playoffs for a tenth straight season, despite spending much of the year in strong position to end that drought. For large stretches, the team looked like a legitimate postseason contender as Detroit surged out of the gate and held the third-best record in the NHL at 32-16-5 through 53 games. 

However, the season unraveled in the final stretch as they would go 9-13-4 over their last 26 games, a slide that steadily erased their standing in the playoff picture and ultimately ended their postseason hopes.

The collapse also placed Detroit in an unusual spot in NHL history. The club became the first team to record at least 69 points through its first 53 games and still miss the playoffs, a mark not seen since the 1969–70 Montreal Canadiens.

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The Red Wings face a number of significant roster decisions, including pending unrestricted free agents Patrick Kane, David Perron, James van Riemsdyk, Travis Hamonic, Erik Gustafsson, and Cam Talbot. Restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson also looms as a key negotiation, with expectations of a substantial new contract.

With so many storylines converging, Thursday’s availability is expected to be one of the most closely watched end-of-season press conferences in recent franchise history as Detroit looks to regroup after another missed opportunity.

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Game 2 of the first-round matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and the Colorado Avalanche will be remembered for a long time, and not for the reasons you may think.

Though the game finished as a low-scoring affair, and the second straight game of the series to finish 2-1 in Colorado's favor, this was an entertaining contest that had plenty of drama, and not necessarily all on the ice.

Going into the second game of the round, the Kings were looking to even the series after a respectable performance against the Presidents' Trophy winners in Game 1.

But not long into the game, neither team were able to get a rhythm because of stoppages, specifically all the minor penalties that transpired. 

In the first period alone, the referees issued seven minor penalties, three to Los Angeles and four to Colorado. 

With that, the two teams introduced themselves to the series in a physical way. In Game 1, the hatred and physicality that come in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs were basically non-existent, but that changed in Game 2.

The Kings Were So Close Yet So Far Against The Avalanche In Game 1The Los Angeles Kings weren't extremely threatening in Game 1 against the Colorado Avalanche, but they played a respectable game. With that said, here's what went wrong in the Kings' playoff opener.

Avs defenseman Josh Manson levelled Kings center Scott Laughton early in the game. Some time after the hit, Laughton talked to ESPN's rinkside reporter and former teammate with the Philadelphia Flyers, Erik Johnson. Laughton recapped the physical battle between him and Manson and said, "No bicycles on the highway," noting he needs to keep his head up. 

Not long after that, Kings blueliner Mikey Anderson hammered Avs star Martin Necas with arguably an even harder body check. Necas didn't return to action for some time, but eventually was cleared to get back on the ice.

Despite all those power-play opportunities and an increase in post-whistle scrums, the game remained goalless after the first period.

Then the second period came around, and even more chaos ensued, right out of the gates. 

About three minutes into the middle frame, the Avalanche went on the power play from a Jeff Malott boarding penalty. On that kill for the Kings, Quinton Byfield stole a fumbled puck by Cale Makar and a long breakaway. In the nick of time, Makar impeded Byfield in the hands, forcing officials to call a penalty shot.

On the penalty shot, Byfield, who had an abundance of chances in Game 2, made a great move on Wedgewood, but Colorado's goaltender made an incredible stop, keeping the game at zero. Yet, this isn't even the punchline of the chaos in the second period.

In the excitement of the moment, Avs fans banged on the glass in recognition of Wedgewood's massive stop. From all the banging on the glass behind the Kings' bench, the glass shattered in Los Angeles' dugout and the shards fell on top of coach D.J. Smith.

WATCH: Kings and Avalanche Game 2 gets lengthy broken glass delay in bench - Community PostGame 2 between the Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche had a lengthy delay early in the second period after a piece of glass shattered in the Kings' bench, with most of it falling on coach D.J. Smith.

Because of this, the coaches and players needed to clear the bench to protect themselves and their equipment. With that came a lengthy break that lasted around 20 minutes, almost intermission-like, less than four minutes into the period.

Eventually, all the broken glass was cleaned behind the bench and in the stands, and a replacement panel was installed.

The Kings and Avalanche needed to find a way to keep themselves warm after being still for some time. That could be the reason why the game remained without a goal for the rest of the second period, though it wasn't a lack of chances and drama.

The theater continued early in the third period in Game 2, when the Avalanche thought they had finally broken the deadlock. 

Kings’ Defensive Gem Wasted As Avalanche Steal Game 2 In OvertimeIn a game where their defense did everything right, the Kings’ inability to capitalize on prime scoring chances proved costly, wasting a chance to steal momentum in Denver.

About 10 seconds into the third, Colorado won an offensive-zone draw back to defenseman Sam Malinski. Malinski fired a shot toward the Kings' netminder, Anton Forsberg, and the goal horn went off just seconds after the fact. 

As the Avs celebrated what they thought was a crucial lead in tightly contested Game 2, it turned out the puck never actually went into the net. Instead, the puck landed on top of the netting just beside Forsberg's right post.

From a first-period parade to the penalty box, massive hits, a shorthanded penalty shot, broken glass and a fake goal, this game is still knotted at 0-0.

Just after the midway mark of the third period, however, Colorado's Parker Kelly was called for high-sticking on Artemi Panarin. This was the fifth power play of the game for the Kings, and they've been unthreatening with the man advantage since.

Nonetheless, Panarin scored the first goal of the game - for real - giving the Kings their first lead of the series. Panarin's been the only player to score for Los Angeles in these playoffs, with the only other goal scored by the Kings from Panarin, also on the power play, in Game 1.

The hope of stealing a game at Ball Arena was short-lived as Gabriel Landeskog tied the game just over three minutes later.

With how this affair transpired, of course, it would require overtime.

Game 2 ended with the fans in Denver on their feet, celebrating Nicolas Roy's first goal of the series as the overtime-winner 7:44 into the extra frame. That caps off the craziest post-season game so far in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.

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Only a day after reports connected the Vancouver Canucks to former Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams, another interesting name has emerged in the team’s search for a new GM. According to a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Vancouver has requested to interview former NHLer Shane Doan, who is currently the Toronto Maple Leafs Special Advisor to the GM. 

Doan, an NHL veteran of over 1,500 games, spent all but one season of his career with the former Arizona Coyotes. He served as the Coyotes’ captain for 13 seasons and wrapped his career up after the 2016–17 season. 

A part-owner of the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL, a team that he played three seasons for before making the jump to the NHL, Doan’s shift to management began in 2018–19. He served as a consultant for Team Canada and later an Assistant General Manager the season after. As well as expanding his roles with Team Canada in 2021–22 to include serving as General Manager for the 2022 Winter Olympics, Doan also took on the role of Director of Hockey Administration with the Coyotes. He has been the Maple Leafs’ Special Advisor to the GM since the 2023–24 season. 

Interestingly enough, this is not the only bit of news that has come out about Doan as of late. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun also reported earlier that Doan has joined the NHL’s Hockey Operations department. 

Vancouver announced that they had fired former General Manager Patrik Allvin on Friday morning. Since then, some of the names that have circulated in reports for their next GM role include Adams and Abbotsford Canucks GM and Canucks Assistant GM Ryan Johnson. Reports have also noted that Vancouver hopes to have their GM in place by the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, which occurs on May 5.  

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The NHL playoffs are heading into the fifth day and every series is about to switch venues, except for Anaheim-Edmonton, which began later than the others.

The Philadelphia Flyers are the only true surprise, winning both of their games in Pittsburgh against the Penguins in their first playoff appearance since 2020.

The conference-leading Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes hold 2-0 leads after the games were closely contested. The Buffalo Sabres-Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning-Montreal Canadiens, Dallas Stars-Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights-Utah Mammoth series are tied 1-1.

Here are the winners and losers of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs so far:

WINNERS

Porter Martone, Philadelphia Flyers

The 19-year-old is first NHL teenager to get game-winning goals in his first two playoff games. His first goal was spectacular and he showed good instincts on the second. He was playing for Michigan State in late March and his arrival has been as helpful as a trade deadline acquisition.

Frederik Andersen, Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes had used both Andersen and Brandon Bussi down the stretch. But they went with the veteran Andersen over Bussi, who had given up a few bad goals late in the season. Andersen has rewarded the decision. He got a shutout in the opener and stopped 37 of 39 shots in a double-overtime win in Game 2.

Scott Wedgewood, Colorado Avalanche

Just like the Hurricanes, the Avalanche had a choice to make in net between Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood. Wedgewood filled in well at the start of the season when Blackwood was hurt. He also played better down the stretch. Wedgewood is second in the playoffs behind Andersen with a 0.94 goals-against average.

Brandon Hagel, Tampa Bay Lightning

Hagel missed much of the first round last season because of a one-game suspension then a series-ending injury on a hit that earned Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad a two-game suspension. But Hagel has been a factor against the Montreal Canadiens. He scored twice in the opener and had a Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist, fight) in Game 2. He's averaging more than 24 minutes a game.

LOSERS

Pittsburgh Penguins power play

The Penguins had the seventh-ranked power play in the regular season, but the Flyers have shut it down, going 7-for-7 on the kill and allowing only three shots on goal. They also scored a short-handed goal in Game 2. The Penguins have trouble setting up and on one power play, they were called for offsides multiple times. The Flyers' power play was last in the league in the regular season – and scoreless in this series – and the Penguins need to connect on the power play if they are going to get back in the series.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo Sabres

He allowed a goal from center ice when Morgan Geekie was merely chipping the puck into the offensive zone. Luukkonen didn't last the game, being pulled after giving up four goals on 19 shots. He has a 4.19 goals against average. The Bruins have taken leads in both games. The Sabres were able to rally in Game 1 but couldn't in Game 2.

MORGAN GEEKIE JUST SCORED A GOAL FROM CENTER ICE 😱

WHAT IS GOING ON 🤯 pic.twitter.com/dTEylZ4aP7

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 22, 2026

To his credit, Luukkonen owned up to his mistake after the game. "Just a bad bounce on the goal, the second one there," he told reporters. "Of course, it's my fault, like there's no way around it, and you just got to do better with those."

Tomas Hertl, Vegas Golden Knights

He has gone 22 games since he last scored a goal on March 4. He had 24 goals in 62 games before that drought began. The Golden Knights could use more scoring as they head to Utah with the series tied.

Minnesota Wild injuries

The Wild couldn't build on their Game 1 blowout victory because Mats Zuccarello was a late scratch before Game 2 and Yakov Trenin left Monday's game after a massive hit from Dallas' Colin Blackwell. The series is tied 1-1 as the series shifts to Minnesota. Both players sat out Game 3.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL playoff winners and losers include Flyers, Penguins

It’s been exactly a week since the Florida Panthers played their final game of the 2025-26 season.

Florida capped off their frustrating, injury-filled campaign with an 8-1 trouncing of the Detroit Red Wings last Wednesday night at Amerant Bank Arena.

The Panthers actually won each of their final three games despite knowing that their 2026 first-round pick, one the Cats initially traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2025 Trade Deadline deal for Seth Jones, was top-10 protected. That means if Florida finished in a position that laded them a selection in the first 10 of this year’s NHL Draft, the Panthers would keep their pick.

Well, you can thank the hockey gods or just simple good karma, but despite the wins, Florida ended up finishing eighth-worst, guaranteeing them a pick in the top-10 regardless of what happens at next month’s NHL Draft Lottery.

Getting back to the point of this post, the Panthers season is over and their home arena no longer needs to house and maintain an NHL-quality sheet of ice.

With that being the case, earlier this week the arena’s excellent ice and maintenance crew undertook the process of removing the ice.

You can check out a video of the process below: 

Generally, that process begins with turning off the building’s floor cooling system before spraying hot water on top of the ice so it can start to break down and lose its strength and durability.

Crew members than take large hammer-mallet-like tools and walk across the surface, cracking the ice by slamming the tool into the ground over and over.

Once the ice is all broken up into smaller chunks, it’s removed from the floor into drainage pits while the logos and advertisements are peeled away and disposed of.

After that, crews make sure the arena’s floor surface is properly cleaned, and then the remaining boards are removed.

That’s it, no more ice rink until September.

Amerant Bank Arena will host several events in the coming weeks and months, including concerts for Bruce Springsteen and Ariana Grande, Professional Bull Riding and Monster Jam.

As for the Panthers, they’ll get an extended summer break for the first time in several years.

Expect them to be back in the playoff mix at this time next year, though.

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Less than three minutes into Game 1, Adam Henrique got tangled up in front of the net with one of his own teammates, went down, and didn't come back. The Edmonton Oilers won 4-3, and Dickinson and Kapanen were the story of the night. 

After the game, Kris Knoblauch wasn't giving much away, but the tone said enough.

"It's going to be a big hole missing Rico," he said. "He's been so good on our special teams, and we're going to have to have some other guys step up if we are to lose him."

Next Man Up As Injury News Not Great Regarding Adam HenriqueAdam Henrique's playoff status is unclear after an early exit in Game 1. The Oilers will likely have to go next man up.

A big hole instead of day-to-day or a few games. For a player whose contract expires at the end of this playoff run, that's slightly concerning.

Henrique turns 36 in August. He signed a two-year, $6 million deal, $3 million annually, to stay in Edmonton after last season. That deal is now done, and depending on what the diagnostic news looks like, there's a real question about whether he plays another NHL game.

It's not just this injury; Henrique was already having a career-low season offensively, 15 points in 65 games before a two-month IR stint in January. Now this. He logged two minutes and 56 seconds in Game 1 before his night was over.

Kapanen, Dickinson Bail Out Oilers In Game 1 Win Over AnaheimFor a while, Monday night at Rogers Place, the Anaheim Ducks were doing exactly what they came here to do. Get under the Oilers’ skin, claw back into a game they had no business being in, and make a series out of this thing right from the jump. They almost pulled it off.

Nobody was expecting Henrique to score. His value has always been harder to measure. He's a faceoff guy, a penalty killer, and he brings the experience of countless playoff seasons under his belt. He was the only player in this series who played in the 2018 playoffs for Anaheim, the last time the Ducks were a playoff team. That's the kind of guy he is. He's been around, he knows the game, and he was ready for this.

His body just might not be anymore.

And that's not a knock on him, it's just the reality of what the game does to players over time. The cracks get wider, recoveries get longer, and at 36, with no offensive numbers to put in front of a team in free agency, Henrique's path back to the NHL runs almost entirely through how serious this injury turns out to be.

Oilers Rally to Take Game 1 Despite Quiet Night From The Top GuysOilers overcome a rare quiet night from their stars, with unexpected heroes and a nail-biting third period securing Game 1.

The market for a 36-year-old fourth-line centre who's spent two seasons bouncing on and off the IR list is a tough one, even under good circumstances.

Maybe he comes back in this series. Maybe the Oilers bring him back next year on another modest deal. None of that is off the table. But watching him leave the ice three minutes into Game 1, it was hard not to wonder if that was the last time we see him in an NHL playoff game.

A long, understated career that did a lot of the right things, and might have just reached its end.

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Longtime Los Angeles King, Trevor Lewis, has officially announced his retirement on Wednesday.

Lewis played 17 NHL seasons, beginning in 2008-09, and his final campaign came last year. Along the way, 14 of those seasons were played for the Kings, with three other years between the Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets.

He played a total of 1,034 regular-season contests and recorded 104 goals and 133 assists for 243 career points. Lewis won two Stanley Cups with the Kings in 2012 and 2014.

"As a kid growing up in Utah, I could have never imagined this journey," Lewis said in a statement through the NHLPA. "Playing over 1,000 games and winning two Stanley Cups. Those milestones aren't just numbers to me, they represent years of sacrifice, perseverance, and a deep love for the game."

Los Angeles drafted Lewis in the first round of the 2006 draft and selected 17th overall, just one year after the Kings drafted Anze Kopitar.

After getting drafted, Lewis won the Clark Cup with the Des Moines Buccaneers as the USHL champion. He was also named the USHL player of the year following that 2005-06 championship campaign.

Later, before he would make his NHL debut with Los Angeles, Lewis featured for the OHL's Owen Sound Attack in 2006-07, followed by parts of three straight seasons in the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs.

Eventually, he would make his first full appearance wearing the Kings' jersey in 2010-11, and the rest is history.

Former Kings' Star Named President Of KHL TeamThe Shanghai Dragons of the KHL have turned to two former NHLer's including a former Los Angeles Kings sniper to take over as head of hockey operations for the franchise.

"I want to especially thank the Los Angeles Kings organization for believing in me from day one," Lewis said. "You gave me an opportunity to chase this dream, and together we built something I will carry with me for the rest of my life."

After 14 straight seasons in the Kings' organization, 12 of which featured for Los Angeles, Lewis became a UFA and signed a one-year deal with the Jets ahead of the 2020-21 campaign. Following one season in Winnipeg, he signed another contract, this time a two-year agreement with the Flames.

With a three-year stint in Canada, the Kings brought him back on two one-year contracts.

"Hockey has given me more than I could ever ask for - brothers in the locker room, lessons that shaped me as a man, and memories that will last forever," he said. "To everyone who was part of this journey - including the Jets, Flames, teammates, coaches, GMs, trainers, fans and beyond, thank you!"

In his final NHL season, Lewis made 60 appearances for the Kings, registering six goals and six assists for 12 points and averaging 10:13 of ice time. He didn't represent any NHL franchise for the 2025-26 campaign, and as of Wednesday, he's officially called it quits as a player.

"To my family, you were the foundation through it all," Lewis said. "Your sacrifices, your belief, and your unwavering support made this career possible. I share every moment with you.

"I leave this game with nothing but gratitude and pride. Hockey has given me everything and I'm excited to see what comes next."

---

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Former NHL forward Trevor Lewis officially announced his retirement on Wednesday, bringing an end to a steady and respected 17-year career defined by reliability, versatility, and championship pedigree.

Lewis, 39, spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Kings, where he became a trusted depth forward over 14 seasons. The Salt Lake City native finishes his NHL career with 1,034 NHL games under his belt and totaling 104 goals and 133 assists for 237 points.

While never known for high offensive totals, his consistency and defensive responsibility made him an important part of the Kings’ success, particularly during their Stanley Cup-winning seasons in 2012 and 2014.

During the Kings’ 2012 championship run, Lewis recorded nine points in 20 playoff games and followed that performance with five points in 26 games during the 2014 postseason. He played a key supporting role in both title runs as Los Angeles captured its second championship in three years. Though not a headline star, Lewis earned recognition as one of the most effective depth players on those teams.

Trevor Lewis has officially announced his retirement following 1,034 NHL games – wishing all the best to the 2x Stanley Cup champion in his retirement 👏 pic.twitter.com/FwJIrITP2f

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) April 22, 2026

Over his NHL career, Lewis played more than 800 games with the Kings, recording 84 goals and 107 assists for 191 points. His role was not centered on offense but on providing stability throughout the lineup, a responsibility he handled consistently.

Lewis also had a brief stint with the Winnipeg Jets during the 2020-2021 season. In 56 games with Winnipeg, he recorded five goals and five assists for 10 points while continuing to contribute in a bottom-six role. Later in his career, he spent time with the Calgary Flames before returning to Los Angeles and ultimately retiring as a member of the Kings.

Lewis adds another!!

🚨: @trevorlewis22

3-1 WPG | #GoJetsGopic.twitter.com/2Y3WuBB6gk

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) May 1, 2021

Statistically, Lewis was typically a 15 to 25 point player, reaching a career high in the 2017 to 2018 season when he recorded 14 goals and 12 assists for 26 points in 68 games. While his name may not top scoring lists, Lewis leaves behind a legacy that highlights the importance of role players in championship success. 

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.