The Chicago Blackhawks selected Kevin Korchinski with the 7th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. He was their first pick of three in the first round, as Frank Nazar and Sam Rinzel were selected later on the same night. All three are on Chicago’s roster and playing every game.
Matt Grzelcyk and Artyom Levshunov have been ruled out for the season, so Korchinski was called up and will continue playing a lot as long as he stays healthy. In this recent stint in the NHL, he has been wonderful.
On Saturday night against the Seattle Kraken, Korchinski had one of his best games as a pro. The Blackhawks won 4-2, and he was one of many players who played a key role in the victory.
For one, Korchinski had one point, a primary assist on Sacha Boisvert’s first career NHL goal. On the play, Korchinski joined the rush from the back end and sent it to the slot, where Boisvert found it and released it. It was an important play, as the goal stood up as the game-winner.
In addition to the assist, Korchinski was an impactful player in all three zones. He closed gaps, used his incredible skating to make plays on offense and defense, and looked every bit like the high-end puck mover that he was drafted to become.
Whether it was creating scoring chances, or anything positive in the offensive zone, or making it difficult for the opposition to get any momentum in their attack, Korchinski had an especially good performance against the Kraken. The advanced analytics show he was right there with Alex Vlasic and Sam Rinzel (Chicago's top pair in the game) in terms of overall impact.
"He's not over-complicating it," head coach Jeff Blashill said of Korchinski. "He's using his feet to beat pressure, but then he's moving the puck to the open people. When he does that and defends with his feet, he's been a really good player."
Korchinski's name wasn't completely removed from trade talks ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. They obviously never received a package worth parting with him for, and they may be thankful for that in the coming years.
Whenever a defenseman is still considered young, and Korchinski is 21 years old, or they've played less than 200 games in the NHL, Korchinski has 100 exactly, you can't make long-term judgments. It is the most difficult position to be elite at in the game, and it takes time for most of these prospects to take a step at the NHL level.
Not every high draft pick can be amazing right away like Rasmus Dahlin or Matthew Schaefer. Even Cale Makar, Zach Werenski, and Quinn Hughes needed development one way or another.
Korchinski may end up failing to be an impactful player regularly, but that should not be assumed just because things were difficult over the last few seasons. He has five more NHL games before 2025-26 is over to show why they may want to hang onto him.
If he plays as well as he has so far since this latest call-up, management will have some difficult decisions to make this summer with him being a pending RFA.
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New Jersey Devil hockey player and Olympian Jack Hughes gets ready to throw the opening pitch before the home opener baseball game between the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, NY, Friday, April 3, 2026. | Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Here are your links for today:
Devils Links
The Devils rallied from a 3-0 hole in Saturday’s game against the Habs but came up short in the shootout. The Canadiens won, 4-3. [Devils NHL]
Then, Jacob Markstrom recorded his first shutout of the season as the Devils took a 3-0 win over the Habs in Montreal on Sunday. [Devils NHL]
If ownership realizes what’s going on in New Jersey and decides to make changes in the front office, what might they decide to do? [Devils on the Rush ($)]
Could Tom Fitzgerald land back in Nashville, where he was the first captain of the Predators? [New Jersey Hockey Now]
“Team USA Olympic hockey hero Jack Hughes was so excited about throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before the Yankees’ home opener on Friday that he started practicing on March 24, before a Devils game in Dallas. ‘My trainer brought gloves and I threw like 50 pitches right before morning skate, and my shoulder was so sore,’ Hughes said. ‘I was like, ‘We’ve got to cool it.’’ This honor was a big deal for Hughes, who scored the golden goal in the USA’s 3-2 overtime win over Canada in the gold medal game on Feb. 22 in Milan.” [NJ.com]
Well if you were hoping for a reunion with Pete DeBoer, I have bad news:
#Isles News: New York Islanders General Manager and Executive Vice President Mathieu Darche announced today that Patrick Roy has been relieved of his coaching responsibilities. Peter DeBoer has been named Head Coach of the New York Islanders.
“For the first time since 2011, the Buffalo Sabres are going to the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Sabres ended a league-record 14-season playoff drought on Saturday afternoon when the Detroit Red Wings lost 4-1 to the New York Rangers.” [The Athletic ($)]
“As the 2025-26 hockey season winds down, these prospects have emerged and shown what they could have to offer — enough to possibly change the way their organization perceives them or solidify their future star status. Which prospect in each NHL team’s pipeline had the most promising season?” [The Athletic ($)]
“Pittsburgh Penguins stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are powering the Penguins’ playoff push, and rewriting NHL history with milestone performances. Can the dynamic duo carry the Pens to what could be a final deep playoff run in the Crosby/Malkin era?” [The Hockey News]
Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 05: Bryan Rust #17 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his third period goal against the Florida Panthers at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 5, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Here are your Pens Points for this Monday morning…
The Pittsburgh Penguins closed out the rare home-home back-to-back on Sunday against the Florida Panthers. Pittsburgh once again took care of business after dispatching the Cats 9-4 on Saturday with a controlled, 5-2 win on Sunday, led by Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell. [Recap]
Egor Chinakhov has made an impact few could have imagined when he arrived with the Penguins after being acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets, thriving on a “fresh start” that’s boosted his confidence and production. [Penguins]
Evgeni Malkin reached his 1,400th career point during the Penguins’ dominant win on Saturday, capping it with a hat trick and becoming the oldest player in franchise history to do so. [Penguins]
It seems like every time the Penguins take the ice these days, one of the players reaches a career milestone. Combine franchise greats like Crosby, Malkin, Kris Letang, and Bryan Rust leaving their marks in the history books with a resurgent team on the brink of a playoff berth, and coaches are reminding these players and fans not to take these special moments for granted. [Penguins]
News and notes from around the NHL…
Patrick Roy was fired as coach of the New York Islanders on Sunday. Peter DeBoer was named his replacement with four games left in the season. [ESPN]
The Buffalo Sabres are going dancing for the first time in a long time. The Sabres clinched a playoff berth, ending their NHL-record 14-season drought—the longest in league history—after the New York Rangers defeated the Detroit Red Wings in regulation on Saturday. [TSN]
The Toronto Maple Leafs have begun their search for a new general manager and are expected to target Florida Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta, known for his strong analytics background and role in the Panthers’ recent success. [Sportsnet]
Vegas Golden Knights (35-26-16, in the Pacific Division) vs. Vancouver Canucks (22-46-8, in the Pacific Division)
Vancouver, British Columbia; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: The Vancouver Canucks host the Vegas Golden Knights after Linus Karlsson's two-goal game against the Utah Mammoth in the Canucks' 7-4 loss.
Vancouver is 22-46-8 overall with a 5-13-2 record in Pacific Division play. The Canucks have a 7-17-3 record when they serve more penalty minutes than their opponent.
Vegas has a 13-5-5 record in Pacific Division play and a 35-26-16 record overall. The Golden Knights have given up 233 goals while scoring 246 for a +13 scoring differential.
Tuesday's game is the third meeting between these teams this season. The Golden Knights won the last matchup 4-2.
TOP PERFORMERS: Drew O'Connor has scored 17 goals with 12 assists for the Canucks. Brock Boeser has five goals and seven assists over the past 10 games.
Mitchell Marner has 23 goals and 54 assists for the Golden Knights. Ivan Barbashev has three goals and eight assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Canucks: 2-8-0, averaging three goals, 5.3 assists, 3.6 penalties and 12.1 penalty minutes while giving up 4.3 goals per game.
Golden Knights: 4-4-2, averaging 2.7 goals, 4.4 assists, 3.7 penalties and nine penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.
INJURIES: Canucks: Thatcher Demko: out for season (hip), Kevin Lankinen: day to day (undisclosed), Derek Forbort: out (undisclosed), Filip Chytil: out (face).
Golden Knights: William Karlsson: out (lower body).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
No matter what happens over the final six games of the regular season for the St. Louis Blues, they're not going down without a fight in this chase for the second wild card in the Western Conference.
Their top line is making sure of it.
Robert Thomas, Dylan Holloway and Jimmy Snuggerud have been on fire, to say the least, since the Olympic break, and that trio was front and center yet again when Thomas netted his first NHL hat trick, and his linemates assisted on all three goals, and Joel Hofer was up to the challenge with 26 saves, as the Blues kept themselves in the conversation again with a thrilling 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday.
The Blues (33-31-12), who completed their four-game road trip 2-1-1, losing to the San Jose Sharks 5-4 and to the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in overtime before defeating the Anaheim Ducks 6-2 on Friday, moved within three points of the Nashville Predators and Kings, who square off Monday in Los Angeles, for that second wild card slot. They're a point behind the Sharks and even with the Winnipeg Jets, who they host on Thursday.
The Blues and Avalanche (50-16-10), who could have wrapped up home ice in the Western Conference with a win Sunday, will meet again on Tuesday in St. Louis.
How about those game observations?
* Thomas first NHL hat trick highlights sizzling top line -- We've been talking about them for weeks now, but Sunday night, the Holloway-Thomas-Snuggerud line had its handprints all over the offense this team provided.
They're playing with such confidence, kind of like the Holloway-Brayden Schenn-Jordan Kyrou line did down the stretch last season when the Blues made their big push to get in, perhaps even better.
And remember in recent memory how good the Jaden Schwartz-Schenn-Vladimir Tarasenko line was that fueled the Blues?
It's safe to say this trio is doing it now, and has been doing it since the Olympic break.
First off, it's an amazing statline to see that they are Nos. 1-2-3 since Feb. 26 in plus-minus, with Holloway leading at plus-24, Thomas at plus-23 and Snuggerud at plus-18.
They've combined for 67 points (28 goals, 39 assists); Holloway has 26 points in 19 games (11 goals, 15 assists), Thomas has 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 16 games and Snuggerud has 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 19 games, which is good for a tie for ninth, 21st and 51st in points during that stretch.
They got the ball rolling after the Blues successfully challenged -- and won -- an offside play when Ross Colton thought he had scored to give the Avalanche the lead at 9:09 of the first period but video review showed that Jack Drury was in ahead of the play to wipe out the goal.
Thomas would strike at 12:01 when Holloway entered the Avalanche zone with speed, fed Snuggerud for a shot, then Thomas had a shot that was saved by Mackenzie Blackwood, and Holloway was there for a rebound whack and that's what kept this play alive was the convergence around the net because Snuggerud found the loose puck, fed Thomas in the high slot for a slapper top shelf:
They would strike again when just 29 seconds after Brent Burns had given Colorado a 2-1 lead at 3:40 of the second period, Thomas tied the game 2-2 and it was a beautifully-executed play that started with a Philip Broberg flipper into the neutral zone, and this time, it was Snuggerud with speed gaining the O-zone through the neutral zone, finding Holloway, who seam-passed to Thomas at the backside for the finish:
And to cap off the hat trick, this was a thing of beauty from Snuggerud, after Holloway gained speed and quickly whipping a pass cross ice to Snuggerud, who had the patience to out-wait Martin Necas with the toe-drag, fake the slot from the slot and finding Thomas at the left post for the whack-in one-timer and a 3-2 lead with 2:50 remaining in the third period:
We mentioned it on Friday after the win in Anaheim, but it should bear mentioning now with Snuggerud: does he deserve to be in the conversation, at least, for rookie of the year this year?
I know there's been fantastic seasons from Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders), Ivan Demidov (Montreal Canadiens) and Beckett Sennecke (Ducks) to name a few, but Snuggerud is up to 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) in 64 games.
If the Blues somehow wind up overcoming this 14-point deficit, which would tie the largest deficit to overcome to reach the playoffs and first since the Ottawa Senators (2014-15), does Snuggerud's contributions warrant the conversation, at least? And does this kid have the makings of being a bonafide star winger in this league as he gains the experience? I think it bears thought.
That toe-drag move to set up Thomas for the winner is what star-stuff is made of:
Not only did Snuggerud finish with three assists and a plus-3, he had a game-high eight shots on goal. He's confident passing it, he's confident shooting it.
* Blues played the game the right way -- I mentioned during the game that there are two things you must avoid if you're going to have success against the Avalanche.
One, you have to close gaps, especially when guys like Nathan MacKinnon (easier said than done) have the puck on their sticks; and two, you have to take care of the puck in the neutral zone especially to not feed into the speed and transition that the Avalanche possess.
There were a couple of early moments, but I thought all in all, the Blues managed the game well.
When Colorado tends to overwhelm its opponents, the Avalanche have you chasing them around the ice and bombarding you with shots with an overwhelming amount of zone time.
Shots were 28-28 in this game, but I didn't think the Blues were never under any extended duress in this game. They actually had a 11-8 shot clock advantage in the first period and it stayed pretty even throughout.
Both teams had their moments, and the game was very well-balanced out.
* Hofer made key stops -- This marks now two straight games in which Hofer was able to put together solid performances considering the way things ended last Monday in San Jose.
His best save of the game was on a Mackinnon breakaway moments before the Thomas goal that tied the game 2-2 after splitting the 'D.'
If MacKinnon scores there and makes it 3-1, it's probably lights out, because the Avalanche would have likely carried a lead into the third period, and Colorado is a perfect 38-0-0 when leading after two.
But by making that save there, it kept it a one-shot game and Thomas didn't waste any time making it 2-2.
Hofer also made a break-in stop on Necas in the first period to finish with
* PK continues to play well -- We all know how well the Blues' penalty kill has performed since the Olympic break; they were first in the league prior to last Monday's game against the Sharks, when they allowed three power-play markers.
They're still a very respectable fourth since Feb. 26 at 83.6 percent after being a perfect 3-for-3 against Colorado's very potent offense. The Avalanche's power play is ninth in the NHL since the Olympic break and the Blues held them to three shots to offset an 0-for-4 power play night themselves.
* Avalanche success came through traffic -- Part of the Blues' revamped defensive structure is attributed to their commitment to not allowing players to camp out in front of their goalies.
The goals Hofer was beaten on Sunday came off two Burns wristers from the point, one from the left and the other from the right.
The one off the left came after the Avalanche put a puck in, won it back, got it to the point and had two layers of bodies trying to take Hofer's eyes away, and Parker Kelly benefited from a tip-in at 15:10 of the first that tied the game 1-1, and when Burns was able to wrist one from the right point that snuck into the far lefthand side to give the Avs a 2-1 lead, Gabriel Landeskog provided the screen in the low slot.
Colorado does a good job of sending bodies to the front of the net in the crease and in the slot, so it's something the Blues need to be aware of in the rematch Tuesday.
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.
Pearl River native Drew Fortescue and his homecoming for his debut provided one of the more feel-good moments of this lost 2025-26 season.
In the grand scheme of this evaluation period for the organization, however, the prospects who have been longing for their moment are making up for lost time with the Blueshirts. Each day is an opportunity for Matthew Robertson, Jaroslav Chmelar, Adam Sykora and Dylan Garand to finally work on carving their path at the NHL level — and they have each treated it as such.
After years stewing in the American Hockey League, the four have made notable impressions.
Sykora may be the most recent recall from the organization’s AHL affiliate, but the 21-year-old has arguably made the most lasting impression in the shortest amount of time. The 63rd overall pick in 2022 was in the midst of his third full season in Hartford when the Rangers called.
Adam Sykora #38 of the New York Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in New York, NY. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
He has everyone rooting for him. No one’s demeanor has been more infectious.
His best buddy and Hartford roommate, Chmelar, has been in Hartford since making the jump from Providence College in 2023-24. Since the 144th overall pick in 2021 earned brief recalls in November and December, the 22-year-old has adjusted to the speed of the NHL and been much more effective in his fourth-line role.
It’s allowed Chmelar to position himself in the dangerous areas of the ice more, which has led to more offense. He earned the secondary assist on Sykora’s second-period score Sunday.
Between his 6-foot-4, 226-pound frame and his commitment to finishing checks, Chmelar hasn’t looked out of place on the ice.
Robertson has been with the Rangers since opening night, but he didn’t become a serviceable every-night defenseman until mid-November. The 2019 49th overall pick spent the previous four full seasons in Hartford without a call-up until the second-to-last game last season.
Rangers defenseman Matthew Robertson #29 scores the game winning goal during the overtime. The New York Rangers defeat Boston Bruins 4-3. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Now, Robertson has appeared in 59 of the last 60 games. He’s even gotten top four minutes at times, logging the fifth-most ice time among all Rangers defensemen so far this season.
There’s no question Garand earned at least one more game after his first two NHL performances. He is 1-0-1 with a .954 save percentage and a 1.44 goals-against average.
The early numbers are encouraging, but head coach Mike Sullivan said he felt completely comfortable with Garand between the pipes just based on what he was seeing from the rookie netminder.
Selected 103rd overall in 2020, Garand made his Wolf Pack debut in 2020-21 and was in the midst of his fourth full AHL season at the time of his recall last month. The Rangers have continuously maintained third-string goalies over the years — such as Louis Domingue and Keith Kinkaid — that have filled in whenever Igor Shesterkin and/or whichever backup was injured.
Even this season, the Rangers signed Spencer Martin out of the Kontinental Hockey League in November. He appeared in six games for the Rangers this season amid injuries to Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick.
But it was finally time for Garand, who expressed just how much he’s been clamoring for the opportunity after his first win on March 27.
Dylan Garand #33 of the New York Rangers defends the net during the second period when the New York Rangers played the Winnipeg Jets. Robert Sabo for NY Post
While Noah Laba could be considered among the long-awaited prospects, the 111th pick in the 2022 draft essentially jumped from college to the NHL. He played 11 games for the Wolf Pack at the end of the 2024-25 campaign before making the Rangers lineup straight out of training camp.
In Sunday’s win, Laba was a goal shy of a Gordie Howe hat trick after notching an assist on Sykora’s goal and dropping the gloves with Washington’s Hendrix Lapierre.
Laba hasn’t spent extended time in the minor leagues like Robertson, Chmelar, Sykora and Garand have.
Those four have made the extended wait worthwhile.
With the St. Louis Blues still working to earn a wild card position in this year’s playoffs, and the Avalanche on the cusp of a Central Division title, there was plenty to play for, and Ball Arena was the scene on Easter Sunday evening.
Colorado comes in on the second of a back-to-back, having beaten the Dallas Stars 2-0 in regulation yesterday, and the Blues just secured two points over the Anaheim Ducks and are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games.
Valeri Nichushkin was listed as OUT with an upper-body injury ahead of puck drop, so the Avs would go without their best d-man and a very valuable forward.
Valeri Nichushkin (upper body) will not play tonight.
This game started strong with both clubs making their intentions clear with a focused defensive effort. It appeared the Avalanche would take the 1-0 lead if not for a coach’s challenge that deemed the play offside.
Shortly after Colorado’s goal was called back, the top line was unable to retrieve and break out of their own, resulting in a net front scramble that eventually ended with Robert Thomas’ one-timer over the shoulder of MacKenzie Blackwood.
The Blue note would establish an early 1-0 lead.
The team in dark blue and burgundy wouldn’t let the lead last long as Parker Kelly notched his 20th of the season and tied things at 1-1.
As mentioned in previous recaps featuring a Kelly goal, Guerilla Sports’ Meghan Angley vowed to adopt a whale if Parker Kelly scored 20 goals. Well, here we are. I wonder what its name will be!
Waffles coming soon to Avs nation in honor of Parker Kelly hitting 20 goals… I haven't abandoned opening things up to name a whale, but I told @jessemontano_ we needed to have whale right now. pic.twitter.com/V3HVvLBlnd
Nathan MacKinnon would earn a late power play in the first, but with too little time remaining in the frame to create. Breaking the 1-1 tie would have to wait until period number two.
The tie breaker wouldn’t come on the opening power play for the Avalanche; in fact, they didn’t have a single shot on net.
Instead, it was Brent Burns who sent a shot from the blue line toward a screening Landeskog. Hofer couldn’t fight through the Swedish distraction and was beaten on the far side by Burns’ shot from distance.
Colorado’s newly minted lead would last all of 29 seconds with Robert Thomas scoring his second of the evening on a perfectly executed two-on-one. Things were tied at 2-2.
Both Hofer and Blackwood would make some timely saves in the middle portion of the second period to keep things tied.
The same would be true for most of the third until Robert Thomas put away the game-winner and hat-trick clinching goal with 2:30 seconds left.
The Avalanche would not overcome the deficit, and winning the division will have to wait.
Blues win 3-2.
Takeaways
Parker Kelly scoring 20 goals is an incredible feat, and he should be proud. Kelly is signed through the 2030-31 season, and if he can consistently be a 20-goal scorer, his $1.7M AAV contract will look like money in the bank.
St. Louis lurking in the wild card conversation is a bit of a suprise but they have been one of the hottest hockey teams in the league since the Olympic break.
I’d presume most Avalanche fans would be okay with Jordan Binnington on St. Louis not making a playoff appearance in 2025-26.
We saw a classy and special honoring of Brent Burns’ 1,000 consecutive games played, and Colorado’s iron man was clearly appreciative but appeared a bit shy in the moment. He’s never come across as a ‘me’ guy, so that makes sense.
Upcoming
A home-and-home will travel to St. Louis for a Tuesday night game between these two clubs yet again.
Let us know what you thought of this contest in the comments!
The New York Rangers scored a season-high eight goals in their 8-1 win over the Washington Capitals on Sunday night.
The overwhelming victory was headlined by Will Cuylle recording his first career NHL hat trick, as he reached the 20-goal benchmark for the second consecutive season.
Cuylle went through a difficult offensive stretch for practically the entire month of March, going on a 13-game scoreless drought before finally finding the back of the net on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens.
The 24-year-old has voiced disappointment in his own play this season, and Mike Sullivan referred to Cuylle’s play as a “mixed bag,” indicating that there have been inconsistencies in Cuylle’s game.
In his first two NHL seasons, Cuylle mostly played a bottom-six role, but throughout the 2025-26 campaign, he’s been elevated into a more prominent top-six position, with his minutes increasing from 15:05 to 16:57.
Over the Rangers’ most recent stretch of games, Sullivan believes Cuylle is beginning to find his game again and play to his strengths, which is allowing him to create more offense.
“I think it was trending in the right way,” Sullivan said of Cuylle’s game. “He went through a stretch there where he hadn't scored in like 12 games, but we felt like he was getting a lot closer, just getting inside more, going to the net, getting more looks. We think that's when he's at his best. He's a great athlete, he's big, he's strong, he's fast. I think he's hard to handle.”
On Sunday night, Cuylle had his blueprint all over the game. He generated a team-high six shots on net and was also active on the physical front, specifically when he laid a big-time hit on Ryan Leonard, followed up by a fight against Jakob Chychrun.
Cuylle recorded his first hat trick just one day after Gabe Perreault accomplished the same feat in the Rangers’ 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings.
“I'm happy for him because I know how hard he's working, so to get rewarded with a hat trick tonight is great,” Sullivan said of Cuylle notching his first NHL hat trick. “It'll be a good boost of confidence for him and hopefully he can build on moving forward.”
Sunday night certainly marked the high point of Will Cuylle’s season.
In a year filled with ups and downs, Cuylle expressed his excitement to be able to have this special moment in front of the home fans at Madison Square Garden.
“It's cool. First hat trick in the NHL, it's kind of a dream come true,” Cuylle said. “It's great to have it in a game like today, where we had a full 60-minute effort from everyone, everyone contributing. I'm just happy with the result.”
To close out the season, the Rangers have been playing a much more consistent brand of hockey, contrary to much of this tumultuous year.
New York has won five of its last six games, with the past two coming against two teams pushing for a playoff spot.
What is going into this sudden resurgence from the Rangers?
“I think our guys have something to play for, and that’s how they’re approaching it. We’re playing some pretty good teams that have a lot at stake,” Sullivan said. “I think we beat some pretty good teams lately. I think that’s just a testament to how hard our players are competing out there.
“I think we’re trying to build a team game and we’re trying to stack some wins on top of each other where we can continue to define, refine what Rangers hockey looks like...I think they're embracing these challenges. I just think it speaks volumes for the character of the guys we have that they continue to compete as hard as they do and we're continuing to try to build that team game.”
It’s promising to see the Rangers string these wins while many of the team’s young players have come in and contributed, including Gabe Perreault, Drew Fortescue, Noah Laba, Jaroslav Chmelař, and Adam Sýkora.
The games at this point are meaningless in terms of standing implications, but regardless of how it impacts their lottery odds, the Blueshirts are looking to build momentum to carry into the summer and ultimately into next season.
“There's no easy games, but obviously teams that have that sense of desperation and really something to play for, I think, shows that we haven't really gave up on the year and packed it in,” Adam Fox said.
“Like we said, we're still trying to build on something and gain momentum and establish something here that we can take positively into the summer and build on that. It's great to see. I think the group's done a great job since the break of just being focused, trying to come out and compete and just play hard and try and build on that.”
In a playoff stretch where a lot of other teams - particularly the ones chasing playoff spots - are doing a whole lot of losing, the Pittsburgh Penguins just keep on winning hockey games.
And they're not just winning them - they're winning them comfortably.
On Sunday, the Penguins beat the Florida Panthers by a score of 5-2, sweeping the weekend series between the two teams and earning their fourth win in five games. With five goals on Sunday, the Penguins have now scored 280 times this season, which is second in the NHL only to the Colorado Avalanche's 285.
The scoring depth on this team is something that continues to win them hockey games, and it's some of the best depth the Penguins have had in recent memory.
"100 percent," said Bryan Rust, who registered his 500th NHL point when he assisted on a Sidney Crosby goal in the first period. "On any given night, there's guys who are scoring goals, guys who are stepping up and bringing the offense. It's not just one line or the top-six, you see all four lines doing it, and a lot of the defensemen doing it, too.
"I think it's been a group effort this year, and I think with how good the league is and how tight everything is, that depth's going to give you a few extra wins, a few extra points that - sometimes, if you don't have that - kind of get lost."
The Penguins got the first goal in this one when Connor Dewar pressured Florida goaltender Daniil Tarasov and forced him to commit a turnover. The puck ended up right on the stick of Elmer Soderblom on the left wall, and he buried for his sixth of the season and sixth point in his last six games to put the Penguins up, 1-0.
The Panthers responded a little more than five minutes later when Cole Schwindt shot a puck square into the mask of Penguins' goaltender Arturs Silovs - starting in his second straight game due to a Stuart Skinner upper-body injury - and it trickled through his five-hold to tie the game. But then, just 35 seconds later, Crosby took a feed from Egor Chinakhov down the left wing, and he put away a shot from the left circle to restore the Penguins' lead.
And they were able to add on. The Penguins got a late power play opportunity at the end of the first period, and after a beautiful passing play, Rickard Rakell - parked in the slot - one-timed a perfect pass by Crosby to give the Penguins a 3-1 lead.
WELCOME TO RAK CITY.
Rickard Rakell is riding an eight-game point streak (9G-3A) with goals in five straight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Mn803paAd9
There was a bit of pushback by Florida for parts of the second period, but Silovs stood strong - and Rakell struck again. With less than two minutes remaining in the middle frame, Rakell pounced on a chip pass from Evgeni Malkin, who was parked behind the net, and chopped it past Tarasov to put Pittsburgh up, 4-1.
Rust tacked on another goal less than four minutes into the third period after Crosby fed him for a breakaway opportunity, squeaking it underneath Tarasov for his 28th of the season. Carter Verhaeghe added a goal for Florida with less than six minutes left in regulation, but the Penguins were able to cruise to a relatively comfortable 5-2 victory - one night after beating Florida, 9-4.
When you think of "unbreakable" NHL records, there are very, very few. One thought to be unbreakable was broken last season when Alex Ovechkin broke Gretzky's goal record. Gretzky's points record probably is untouchable, especially with the amount of talent on both sides of the puck in the league right now.
Crosby's point-per-game seasons record is near-untouchable. Yes, Connor McDavid is going to be an all-time great player and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
King of Consistency 👑
With his 70th point, Sidney Crosby, who can play in a maximum of 70 games this season, has clinched his NHL-record 21st-consecutive point-per-game season. pic.twitter.com/S12jxQOFQ0
But you just do not see this. Of all the greats in NHL history, Crosby is the only one ever to have been point-per-game for more than two decades. And, heck, he can build on his own record even more, depending on how long he plays.
And Penguins' head coach Dan Muse reminded everyone not to take anything for granted with Crosby.
"I really hope nobody's taking it for granted. I really do," Muse said. "The fans, media, everybody in the community, to be able to see this firsthand - like, it's amazing. Twenty-one seasons, a point-per-game, NHL record. And that's a big one."
Folks, we're witnessing all-time greatness. I'd take Muse's advice.
- Skinner's injury - although nothing is confirmed about the nature of it other than it being designated as "upper-body" - appeared to have occurred during Saturday's game against the Panthers when he was struck with a puck on the bench.
Although it was unfortunate for Skinner, the timing of everything did lend to an unexpected call-up. With the start time for the game designated for 3:00 p.m. ET - and Skinner being designated as unavailable the same morning - the Penguins wouldn't have been able to bring one of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's goaltenders because there was no way for them to get to Pittsburgh in time.
And Gauthier quite literally missed the call at first.
"I had just walked into church with a bunch of my teammates for Easter service," Gauthier said. "I went to put my phone on 'do not disturb', and I had four missed calls from 'Spez'... so, I figured it was probably something pretty important."
Even though Gauthier - who went undrafted and has a .932 save percentage for Wheeling this season - didn't have a chance to appear in the game, he did dress as the backup - and getting the call to the NHL is something he will always cherish and that he wants the chance to do again.
"It's just - it's surreal," Gauthier said. "You know, especially with the pedigree of guys that are in this room. I think I speak for every Canadian kid that grew up watching Sid play... you know, he's a hero to all of us."
He added: "It's something that I'm really going to cherish for a long time, and I might take that jersey home and make sure I put it up in a frame, for sure."
- With Skinner's injury, Muse decided to run back Silovs, who struggled Saturday despite the win.
Well, he bounced back in a big way and was very solid for the Penguins Sunday.
He stopped 29 of 31 Florida shots on goal and was especially good in the second period, when Florida had a few waves of chances. There are times when Silovs looks like the goaltender that led the Abbotsford Canucks to a Calder Cup last season, and this was one of those starts.
Sergei Murashov was in the building, but not in time for puck drop, which is why Gauthier got the call. I imagine Silovs is well aware that he is under a microscope on the stretch run to the playoffs, and he struggled before this.
We'll see where Skinner is at this week. But, if Murashov being in Pittsburgh is any indication, it appears they might be preparing to be without Skinner for at least a few games. If that's the case, Silovs needs to perform like he did Sunday the rest of the way. Otherwise, someone else might be in the mix for a playoff job.
- There's not much more to say about Rakell at this point. He has 10 goals in his last eight games. He has an NHL-high five-game goal-scoring streak. He scored seven goals just last week.
What a tear he is on. He is now up to 24 goals, and he missed 21 games this season. If he continues the recent pace he has been on for the four games remaining this season, he could flirt with 30 goals.Just incredible stuff from him.
- The Penguins now have 96 points, which puts them six points ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers, who leapfrogged the New York Islanders for third in the Metropolitan Division. So, you do the math.
If the Penguins win one more game this season, they clinch a playoff berth.
They have the New Jersey Devils on Thursday before playing the Washington Capitals in a home-and-home back-to-back over the weekend and, finally, the St. Louis Blues on Apr. 14. None of these teams currently sit in a playoff spot. And, should others behind them continue to lose, they may not even need to win another game.
Things are looking good, Penguins' fans. Just enjoy the ride.
Oh, and there's a very good chance that there could be a Penguins-Flyers first round this year.
PHILADELPHIA — Porter Martone heard Flyers fans erupt on his game-winner — the teenager’s first NHL goal, in overtime, and with playoff positioning at stake — and he wanted to get another look on the big screen.
Only problem was, teammate Trevor Zegras whirled the rookie around by the neck and the rest of the Flyers mobbed the ice and pinned Martone against the boards in a wild celebration worthy of a playoff victory.
“Zegras got me in a pretty good headlock there,” Martone said with a laugh.
The 19-year-old Martone capped a fantastic first week in the NHL with a power-play goal to push the Philadelphia Flyers even closer toward ending a miserable playoff drought with a 2-1 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins on Sunday.
“Overtime winner as a first NHL goal, that’s pretty special,” Martone said.
Martone has quickly proved pretty special as well and hasn’t just gone along for the ride in the playoff push — he’s tried to drive that train straight into the postseason. Through his first three games, Martone took 15 shots on goal over 65 shifts and 50 minutes of ice time, the kind of production that made it clear coach Rick Tocchet has all the faith in the locker room that Martone is capable of handling a playoff-tested veteran’s load.
“Even on the bench, you tell him something, he’s a very engaged kid,” Tocchet said. “He’s not afraid to say something. He was talking about the power play, ‘I’ll be here, you be here.’ I like that, a young kid like that doing that. You can just tell he’s been around. He’s just a hockey player. Love the kid.”
Unlike long-suffering Flyers fans, Martone might not have much of a wait to make the playoffs.
Martone was selected by the Flyers in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2025 draft. He just wrapped his season at Michigan State — where he scored 50 points in 35 games — and signed his entry-level contract last Sunday. The 6-foot-3, 208-pound forward was the only freshman selected to the All-Big Ten First Team.
The Flyers have 90 points and are in third place in the Metropolitan Division, enough to get in Eastern Conference playoff position for the first time since Jan. 12.
Tocchet, who played more than a decade with Philadelphia in separate stints at the start and end of his career, said he didn’t need to give the Flyers a rah-rah pregame speech about what was at stake.
“They know. They read,” Tocchet said. “They see the standings. They don’t need me to say, ‘Hey, there’s a playoff game.’”
For one of the few games over most of the last decade or so, there was indeed a playoff feel in Philly.
The Flyers dusted off their old good-luck anthem “God Bless America” that was a staple for years ahead of their biggest games but had largely been put on the shelf amid allegations of racism against the 1930s singer connected with the franchise for her performance with the song.
Tickets on the secondary market surged well past $100 for one in the lower level at a time of the season they could usually be had for about the price of a cheesesteak.
Martone set the tone for the Flyers only minutes into the game when he hit Christian Dvorak with a perfect touch pass for a goal.
Still buzzing from the patriotic song and early goal, Flyers fans erupted only moments later when Travis Konecny and Boston’s Charlie McAvoy briefly scrapped near the net.
Officials had to separate the teams again and McAvoy was whistled for 2 minutes for roughing as the horn sounded on the end of the first period.
The extra man was of little advantage as the Flyers went 0 for 4 on the power play until OT.
Until Martone became a difference-maker.
He scored on his own rebound on a 5-on-3 power-play goal 2:31 into OT and became the first player in Flyers history to score his first NHL goal in overtime.
“I didn’t really get a training camp to adjust,” Martone said. “I feel like I kind of got thrown into the thick of it. We’re in the playoff picture. But everyone in this locker room has done a tremendous job from the coaching staff and players, just really getting me ready. Just trying and come and give this team any help I can.”
The Flyers, once a model franchise in the league, are playing meaningful hockey in the final week of the season for one of the few times over the past 15 seasons. Chicago beat Philadelphia in 2010 for the Stanley Cup, and the Flyers never recovered, winning only three playoff series since and they haven’t made it at all since 2020 in the bubble format.
The Flyers haven’t played a home postseason game since 2018. Philadelphia hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since its lone championships in 1974 and 1975.
The Flyers play five pivotal games — the next three on the road starting Tuesday in New Jersey, the final two at home — that will decide their postseason fate.
“When you’re chasing somebody, it’s still hard,” Tocchet said. “When you’re getting hunted, it’s harder. We’re going to have to learn that.”
MONTREAL (AP) — Jacob Markstrom made 18 saves for his first shutout of the season and the New Jersey Devils beat Montreal 3-0 on Sunday night, ending the Canadiens’ eight-game winning streak hours after they clinched a second straight playoff spot.
The Canadiens got the playoff spot when Detroit lost 5-4 to Minnesota. They are the first Canadian team to secure a playoff berth this season.
Cody Glass, Timo Meier and Connor Brown scored for New Jersey as it fights to keep its slim postseason chances alive. Jack Hughes had two assists.
The Devils won their 11th consecutive game in Montreal, the longest active run in the NHL against a single opponent. The Canadiens haven’t beaten New Jersey at the Bell Centre since a 2-1 overtime victory on Dec. 14, 2017.
Jacob Fowler made 17 saves for Montreal. The Canadiens capped an undefeated five-game trip with a 4-3 shootout win over the Devils in New Jersey on Saturday.
Montreal’s Cole Caufield remained a goal short of 50 for the second straight game after scoring his 48th and 49th on Thursday night against the New York Rangers.
Meier scored on a tap-in midway through the first period after a shot from Hughes went through Fowler’s legs and hit the post. Glass burst through the neutral zone and beat Fowler late in the second.
That’s how the Rangers went about their business in a back-to-back slate this weekend against two teams in the thick of the Eastern Conference wild-card race. After defeating the Red Wings on Saturday afternoon, the Blueshirts clobbered the Capitals 8-1 on Sunday night in what was an extremely consequential game for Washington.
The Blueshirts were officially eliminated from playoff contention over a week and a half ago, but they’ve been playing better hockey and winning more than they have all season long.
“There’s no easy games, but obviously teams that have that sense of desperation and really something to play for, I think, shows that we haven’t really gave up on the year and packed it in,” said Adam Fox, who, along with Will Cuylle and Mika Zibanejad, led the Rangers with three points. “Like we said, we’re still trying to build on something and gain momentum and establish something here that we can take positively into the summer and build on that.”
It’s great to see.”
New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (L) makes a save on a tipped shot by Washington Capitals left wing Aliaksei Protas (C) in the second period at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA, Sunday, April 05, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
I think the group’s done a great job since the break of just being focused, trying to come out and compete and just play hard and try and build on that.”
Sunday’s win was their fifth in the past six games. It marked their largest win of the season.
The Rangers are playing like a team that’s on the same page.
The young players have made a world of difference in the lineup and in the locker room. They’re fighting — literally and figuratively — for the Rangers crest and for each other.
Conor Sheary (R) scores past Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren in the first period at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA, Sunday, April 05, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
Cuylle posted his first career hat trick and finished the game one assist shy of a Gordie Howe hat trick. The 24-year-old wing scored two of the Rangers’ five goals in the second period before he dropped the gloves with Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
In addition to Cuylle, Tye Kartye and Noah Laba also dropped their gloves during the contentious matchup.
“It’s great to have it in a game like today where we had a full 60-minute effort from everyone, everyone contributing,” Cuylle said. “I’m just happy with the result.”
Conor Sheary may have had the slowest start of any Ranger, but he’s finishing strong.
Mika Zibanejad and Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun skate for the puck in the first period at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA, Sunday, April 05, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
Notching his sixth goal since March 10, the 33-year-old cleaned up a loose puck in front to open the scoring 23 seconds into the game. It was Sheary’s third goal in the past five games and 17th point through 58 games.
The Rangers simply owned the second period.
More than doubling Washington’s shots on goal in the middle frame, 16-7, the
The home team exploded for five goals in the second period. Two scores on the power play bookended the surge, with J.T. Miller registering his 17th goal of the season before Fox capped the lopsided period.
“I think our guys have something to play for, and that’s how they’re approaching it,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “We’re playing some pretty good teams that have a lot at stake. I think we beat some pretty good teams lately. I think that’s just a testament to how hard our players are competing out there. I think we’re trying to build a team game and we’re trying to stack some wins on top of each other where we can continue to define, refine what Rangers hockey looks like.”
The 5-4 loss suffered by the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday afternoon against the Minnesota Wild may prove to be the one that hurts the most in what has been a string of disappointing setbacks.
The Red Wings, who trailed entering the third period 4-1, mounted a furious comeback rally attempt to knot the score at 4-4. But a careless penalty from veteran Patrick Kane, who had tied the game just minutes earlier, proved disastrous.
Star forward Kirill Kaprizov completed his sixth career hat trick on the ensuing power-play with 1:51 left in regulation, breaking the 4-4 stalemate with what proved to be the game-winner.
For the sixth time in their last eight games, the Red Wings walked away with zero points in the standings. That setback, combined with the victory by the Ottawa Senators over the Metropolitan Division-leading Carolina Hurricanes later in the day, put a serious dent in Detroit's fading playoff chances.
Even more disappointing was that the Red Wings managed just eight shots on goal through the first 40 minutes of play, while their undisciplined puck play led to prime chances for the Wild, which they converted.
"My thoughts, I guess to put it gently, is it's really disappointing," explained head coach Todd McLellan afterward. "Fifteen seconds in (after the start of the second period), we win a draw, and we're getting scored on because we, what word do I use, lollygag around and don't advance the puck."
"So now it's in our net, and our team right now, as soon as it doesn't go our way, we crumble for a while, and then we pick ourselves up off the mat, but it's too late, and we did it again today. Pattern."
While Detroit struck first shortly after the opening puck drop, it was their only shot on goal for the first 14 minutes of the opening frame. When the Wild led 4-1 late in the period, it marked the fifth time in their last seven games that they had trailed by at least three goals.
Despite the valiant comeback effort, it proved for naught after Kane's needless penalty, in which he tripped Quinn Hughes well away from the play, that ultimately proved to be the difference.
“It hurts, it hurts," McLellan said about that play. "We get the comeback, and we take a penalty 150 feet from our net, not even in the play. It hurts."
Time is quickly running out for the Red Wings, who will own the NHL’s longest playoff drought if they fall short this season, now that the Buffalo Sabres have ended theirs.
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NEW YORK (AP) — Charlie Lindgren allowed eight goals on 32 shots as the defense melted down in front of him, and the Washington Capitals blew a major opportunity to keep pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race by losing to the already-eliminated New York Rangers 8-1 on Sunday night.
They now face a daunting task to get in: three points back with four games left to play. The Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers are ahead of them in the chase for third in the Metropolitan Division, with those teams plus the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators also in the way for the East’s second and final wild card spot.
That precarious position made this close to a must-win game for Washington, and it got off to a rough start. Former Capitals winger Conor Sheary scored 23 seconds in against Lindgren, who was making his first start since March 12 after Logan Thompson played the previous 10 games.
After going into the first intermission tied, following a breakaway goal from Connor McMichael, the bottom fell out in the second period.
A second consecutive delay of game penalty for putting the puck over the glass 7 seconds after the first expired paved the way for a Rangers power-play goal when Mika Zibanejad’s shot banked in off J.T. Miller’s left skate. Will Cuylle scored twice over the ensuing six minutes, and goals by Adam Sykora and Adam Fox put the deficit out of reach.
Cuylle completed his first NHL hat trick with 31.5 seconds left, Vincent Trocheck scored earlier in the third and Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves for the Rangers, who won for the fifth time in six home games. They had just nine victories at Madison Square Garden in their first 34 before this homestand began.
Up next
Capitals: Visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.
Rangers: Host the playoff-bound Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday in their home finale.
MONTREAL (AP) — Jacob Markstrom made 18 saves for his first shutout of the season and the New Jersey Devils beat Montreal 3-0 on Sunday night, ending the Canadiens' eight-game winning streak hours after they clinched a second straight playoff spot.
The Canadiens got the playoff spot when Detroit lost 5-4 to Minnesota. They are the first Canadian team to secure a playoff berth this season.
Cody Glass, Timo Meier and Connor Brown scored for New Jersey as it fights to keep its slim postseason chances alive. Jack Hughes had two assists.
The Devils won their 11th consecutive game in Montreal, the longest active run in the NHL against a single opponent. The Canadiens haven’t beaten New Jersey at the Bell Centre since a 2-1 overtime victory on Dec. 14, 2017.
Jacob Fowler made 17 saves for Montreal. The Canadiens capped an undefeated five-game trip with a 4-3 shootout win over the Devils in New Jersey on Saturday.
Montreal's Cole Caufield remained a goal short of 50 for the second straight game after scoring his 48th and 49th on Thursday night against the New York Rangers.
Meier scored on a tap-in midway through the first period after a shot from Hughes went through Fowler’s legs and hit the post. Glass burst through the neutral zone and beat Fowler late in the second.
