Category: Ice Hockey

The Florida Panthers are one win away from a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final.

Florida played a strong defensive game, limiting the Carolina Hurricanes offensive opportunities and skating to a stingy 6-2 victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Carolina got off to a better start than they had in either of the previous games, outshooting Florida 4-2 in the opening minutes.

It didn’t stop the Panthers from scoring the first goal of the game for the third time this series.

Niko Mikkola collected the puck at the side of Carolina’s net and sent a pass toward Sasha Barkov on the doorstep.

The puck went off the skate of Dmitry Orlov and past Pytor Kochetkov to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead at the 12:07 mark.

After Carolina logged four shots in the game’s first 6:30, Florida held them without a shot on goal for 10:01 of game time.

With just over three minutes left in the period, Eetu Luostarinen was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding after he hit Jackson Blake into the boards.

Florida was able to kill off 4:52 of the penalty before Jerperi Kotkaniemi was called for cross checking Seth Jones to wipe out the final seconds of the man advantage.

During the extended power play, the Cats and Canes each logged the same amount of shots on goal: two.

Arguably the save of the game came by Sergei Bobrovsky about midway through the second period.

With Carolina coming on an odd-man rush, Bobrovsky slid to his right and got his blocker on a one-timer by Logan Stankoven to keep the Hurricanes off the scoreboard a little bit longer.

Speaking of Stankoven, he jumped on a rebound with Carolina on the power play late in the period and beat Bobrovsky to tie the game at one.

Early in the third period, just after a Florida power play expired, Jesper Boqvist sent the fans inside Amerant Bank Arena into a frenzy.

He carried the puck over the blue line, turned Dmitry Orlov inside out with an outside-inside move and slid the puck under Kochetkov to put the Panthers back in front 2-1 just 89 seconds into the final frame.

The frenzy got even louder about six minutes later when Mikkola came down the left side of the ice and wired a wrist shot over Kochetkov’s glove to double Florida’s lead.

Just 30 seconds later, Sasha Barkov added a fourth goal after making a great move to his backhand, putting the Panthers up by three in what felt like the blink of an eye.

He wasn’t done there.

Barkov scored again, this time on a shot that went off Shayne Gostisbehere’s stick, just 2:36 later to push Florida’s lead to 5-1.

Brad Marchand got in on the fun a mere 66 seconds later, finishing off a great feed from Anton Lundell, giving the Panthers a five-goal lead.

Seth Jarvis added a power play goal for Carolina with 8:59 to go, but at that point it was way too little, too late.

On to Game 4.

QUICK THOUGHTS

Mikkola had one point through the first two rounds of the playoffs, but he’s got at least one point in each of the three games against Carolina.

He left the game during the third period after taking an awkward tumble into the boards behind Florida’s net.

Evan Rodrigues is riding a four-game point streak, logging seven assists during the run.

Barkov also has points in each of his past four games, with three goals and four assists.

Boqvist has two goals and two assists over his past three games.

Aaron Ekblad has points in three straight games, picking up an assist on Boqvist’s goal.

Matthew Tkachuk logged a pair of assists, giving him five points over a three-game point streak.

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Photo caption: May 24, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven (22) takes a shot on goal as Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) makes a save during the second period in game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Carolina Hurricanes couldn't have possibly drawn up a worse series than what's happening to them in the Eastern Conference Final currently.

They're down 2-0 to the Florida Panthers, getting embarrassed in back-to-back games at home and are also missing two of their regular defensemen to boot.

They then gave up essentially an own-goal to open Game 3 and now to make matters worse, it seems like they're going to be without impressive rookie Jackson Blake after the 21-year-old absorbed a brutal hit toward the end of the first period.

As Blake was going to retrieve a puck in the Carolina end, Florida forward Eetu Luostarinen hooked the rookie and as he was slipping, finished him head first into the glass.

Luostarinen received a five-minute penalty and the boot from the game for this hit on Jackson Blake
pic.twitter.com/RbUhI2GivR

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) May 25, 2025

Blake was down on the ice for a long time after the hit holding his head and bleeding from the forehead. He was eventually able to skate off the ice under his own power and went straight to the Canes locker room.

After reviewing the play, Luostarinen was also given a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for the hit.

The Canes trail 1-0 after one period and will have 1:59 of power play time remaining to start the second.

UPDATE: Jackson Blake returned for the second period.

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Be sure to check out the Carolina Hurricanes 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Hub for all postseason stories!       

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With the team pressed to the salary cap, Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon continues to find unique ways to add skilled forwards to his lineup and could be doing so again with KHL star Maxim Shabanov.

According to a report by Marco D'Amico of RG Media, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Golden Knights are in a "two-horse race" to sign KHL star forward Shabanov. 

The 24-year-old forward was dominant with Traktor Chelyabinsk, scoring 23 goals and 67 points in 65 games, ranking third in points among all players in the KHL. Although he's considered undersized, listed at just 5'8, 157 lbs, it hasn't affected his ability to create offence, displaying his skill set during the playoffs, recording 10 goals and 20 points in 21 games, losing in the Gagarin Cup finals. 

Shabanov, this year's big little KHL free agent has finished his KHL season.

The fight to sign him to an NHL deal starts today (it likely started last year, but shhhh.)pic.twitter.com/crvAILu3Gq

— Jack Manning (@NHLJackManning) May 21, 2025

“Maybe I'll think about it, maybe not. I've said before that all my thoughts were focused on having a successful season with Traktor. I don’t read what people write about me or listen to what they say,” Shabanov commented before the final.

Across four seasons in the KHL, Shabanov registered 67 goals and 150 points in 207 games. With Russian forwards Ivan Barbashev and Pavel Dorofeyev on the Golden Knights roster, they could be a factor in swaying Shabanov to sign with the Golden Knights. 

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

ST. LOUIS -- Former St. Louis Blues president died on Thursday.

Sauer became the chief operating officer of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1988 before moving on to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1991 to become president and CEO.

In 1996 he began a 10-year run as president and CEO of the Blues.

During Sauer's tenure, the Blues reached the Stanley Cup playoffs in each season but one (2005-06), winning the Presidents' Trophy and Central Division in 1999-2000 and reaching the Western Conference Final in 2000-01.

"Mark Sauer delivered exceptional leadership for the Blues organization at a key time in our history, overseeing a decade in which the Blues ranked among the 10 winningest clubs in the NHL and achieved the franchise's only Presidents' Trophy," Blues chairman Tom Stillman said in a statement. "His management decisions, like the hiring of Larry Pleau as general manager, along with his constant focus on serving fans and partners alike, set the team on a steady and successful path that continues today. We join his family and friends in the sports industry in celebrating Mark Sauer's positive influence on the St. Louis Blues and the entire St. Louis community."

Winnipeg Jets pending unrestricted free agent Axel Jonsson-Fjallby has signed a three-year contract with Brynas IF of the Swedish Hockey League.

The 27-year-old has been with the Jets organization for three seasons, playing 76 games in the NHL, scoring eight goals and 19 points. The bulk of his time with the organization was spent in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose, recording 27 goals and 61 points in 110 games. 

Prior to signing with the Jets, Jonsson-Fjallby was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the fifth round (147th overall) in the 2016 NHL Draft. He played just 23 games with the Capitals, spending most of his career with the Hershey Bears in the AHL.

The Stockholm, SWE native will return to the SHL, where he's played 102 games, scoring eight goals and 27 points. His previous stints in the SHL saw him play with Djurgårdens IF, but his return will see him sport new colours, those of Brynas IF. 

Featuring on Brynas IF's roster includes former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Erik Kallgren, Anaheim Ducks prospect Lucas Pettersson, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Victor Soderstrom, former Philadelphia Flyers forward Oskar Lindblom and long-time NHL veteran Jakob Silfverberg.

Jonsson-Fjallby will receive the opportunity to be a key figure on a professional team, something he craved but was unable to obtain during his NHL career. 

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

Jets Reveal Seven-Man Taxi Squad The Winnipeg Jets revealed their seven-man taxi squad for the playoffs, serving as extras if the team runs into injury problems. Jets Re-Sign Forward Axel Jonsson-FjallbyThe Winnipeg Jets have re-signed forward Axel Jonsson-Fjallby to a two-year contract.

Soon enough, the Pittsburgh Penguins may be adding another key piece to the puzzle for their NHL roster next season and beyond.

According to a report by Marco D'Amico of RG Media, the Penguins and Vegas Golden Knights are in a "two-horse race" to sign KHL star forward Maxim Shabanov. 

Vegas Golden Knights and Pittsburgh Penguins seem to have a two-horse race going for Maxim Shabanov.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Simashev appears Utah-bound in the coming weeks.

More on the exodus from the KHL below ⏬⏬ https://t.co/oKWVHF4UyS

— Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) May 23, 2025

The 24-year-old Russian center finished third in KHL scoring last season with 23 goals and 67 points in 65 games for Chelyabinsk Traktor. Although a bit undersized at 5-foot-8 and 158 pounds, the forward's stickhandling ability, creativity, and vision make him an attractive option for any interested team.

Shabanov can do things with the puck that most others simply cannot do.

Shabanov, this year's big little KHL free agent has finished his KHL season.

The fight to sign him to an NHL deal starts today (it likely started last year, but shhhh.)pic.twitter.com/crvAILu3Gq

— Jack Manning (@NHLJackManning) May 21, 2025

Across four seasons with Traktor, Shabanov has 67 goals and 150 points in 207 career games.

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Photo credit: Chelyabinsk Traktor Hockey Club

(Header/feature image courtesy of Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)

After four seasons behind the bench of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Ian Laperrière is reportedly not expected to return as head coach, per a report from Daily Faceoff.

As @AntSanPhilly first reported, PHI is expected to announce that Ian Laperriere will not return as HC of the @LVPhantoms.

He is going to remain with the organization in another capacity.@DailyFaceoff

— Anthony Di Marco (@ADiMarco25) May 24, 2025

While he is still expected to remain within the Flyers organization in a different role, the news marks a significant shift for Philadelphia’s AHL affiliate—one that could have meaningful implications for the team’s development pipeline.

Laperrière’s tenure with the Phantoms was never defined by dominant Calder Cup runs, but rather by the steady, foundational work of shaping the next generation of Flyers. Under his guidance, the Phantoms produced a consistent stream of NHL-ready talent—players who could be called up mid-season and contribute without missing a beat. Though that work doesn’t always get the headlines, it's the kind of development that builds sustainability for a franchise.

Most notably, Laperrière oversaw the transition of players like Cam York, Sam Ersson, Bobby Brink, and Tyson Foerster from promising prospects into legitimate NHL contributors. Each one of those names is part of the Flyers’ present and very likely their future. The same could be said for defenseman Emil Andrae and forward Anthony Richard, who emerged as standout pieces with Lehigh Valley this past season and are knocking on the NHL door.

In a sense, Laperrière helped bridge the gap between rebuilding and competing. While the Phantoms never reached the Calder Cup Final during his time, they were a team that could play meaningful hockey late into the spring—important experience for young players learning how to perform under pressure. And in an organization that’s increasingly turning toward youth and internal development, that experience holds real value.

So what happens now?

Whoever steps into the role as head coach of the Phantoms will inherit a system that’s already well-oiled, but also one that is rapidly evolving. The Flyers are entering a new phase of their rebuild—one where, as GM Danny Brière has repeatedly said, they hope to begin adding instead of subtracting. That means the talent pipeline becomes more important than ever. It’s not just about producing NHL players; it’s about producing NHL difference-makers.

The next Phantoms coach will be tasked with accelerating that process while preserving the foundation Laperrière helped lay. Development philosophies vary from coach to coach—some focus on system implementation, others on building confidence and creativity. The Flyers will need to choose someone whose vision aligns with head coach Rick Tocchet’s and with the organization’s larger goals.

There’s also the question of identity. Laperrière was a hard-nosed player in his day and brought that edge to his coaching—preaching work ethic, accountability, and consistency. That grit has always been part of the Flyers’ DNA, and it bled into the Phantoms’ play. Whoever follows him will have to decide whether to maintain that ethos or inject a new flavor.

The good news? The cupboard in Lehigh Valley is far from bare.

In addition to players like Andrae and Richard, there’s a wave of intriguing prospects on the horizon: Jett Luchanko, Alex Bump, Oliver Bonk, Denver Barkey, and Carson Bjarnason could all see time with the Phantoms next season, depending on how training camp shakes out. The organization’s recent focus on drafting high-skill, high-character players only further emphasizes the need for a development system that can nurture and further elite talent.

As for Laperrière, his continued presence in the organization suggests the Flyers still value his voice and insight. Whether that role involves player development, scouting, or front office strategy remains to be seen, but it’s clear he’ll still have a hand in shaping this team’s future—even if he’s not standing behind the bench in Allentown.

Change is inevitable in hockey, and in the AHL, perhaps more than anywhere else. But as the Flyers look toward building something lasting, the Phantoms remain a crucial piece of that puzzle. The next coach won’t just be preparing players for the NHL; they’ll be helping build the next era of Flyers hockey.

And that’s a job with stakes far greater than the Calder Cup alone.

Back again with a round three NHL 25 HUT Fantasy Hockey card updates. 

Andrei Svechnikov and Sam Bennett are now 99 overall, while Matthew Knies, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Mikael Granlund are up to 98 overall. Granlund has a good chance to reach 99 overall with the Edmonton-Dallas series tied 1-1. 

Four new NHL and two new PWHL Fantasy cards were added this week, Brianne Jenner and Kendall Coyne for the PWHL and Wyatt Johnston, Zach Hyman, Sebastian Aho, and Brad Marchand for the NHL.

Anton Lundell is up to 97 overall while Adam Lowry finishes at 97. Michela Cava is up to 96 while Sebastian Aho, John Tavares, Evander Kane, and Blayre Turnbull are 95 overall. 

All 19 updates or new cards are in the video above. 

Check out Week 1 of the Double Shift Event here. 

For more NHL 25 news make sure you bookmark The Hockey News Gaming Site or follow our Google News Feed. For gaming discussion check out our forum.       

Reilly Smith’s tenure with the New York Rangers was not one to remember.

The Rangers acquired Smith during the 2024 offseason in hopes that he could solidify the team’s top-six forward core. 

However, Smith struggled to find his bearings in New York and he certainly didn’t provide that offensive jolt that Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury was seeking. 

Rangers And Golden Knights Were In Trade Talks For A ‘Period Of Time’Reilly Smith is right back at home In Vegas after a short stint with the New York Rangers.

With the Rangers’ season quickly going off the rails and playoffs seeming increasingly unlikely by the NHL Trade Deadline in March, Drury traded Smith to his former team, the Vegas Golden Knights.

With the Golden Knights, the 34-year-old forward began to look more comfortable and find his game. 

After Vegas got bounced in the second round by the Edmonton Oilers, Smith emphasized how much he enjoyed the stretch back playing for the team he won a Stanley Cup with in 2023.

“I don’t think the last two years have been kind of the trajectory I wanted my game to go, but coming back here I felt like I was able to get my footing pretty quickly and feel good about my game again,” Smith said.

“It was a lot of fun, coming back here and playing on a team that had a lot of purpose, a lot of familiar faces, a structure that probably brings the best game out of me. It made for a fun few months,” Smith explained. “A great experience for me.”

Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. 

Hershey Bears forward Mike Sgarbossa has signed a two-year deal with HC Lugano of the Swiss National League. 

An AHL veteran who has been a consistent point producer over his career, Sgarbossa notched seven goals and 31 points in 35 games with Hershey and two points in three games with the Washington Capitals this season. 

The 32-year-old recorded 165 goals and 467 points in 605 games over parts of 13 AHL seasons with the Lake Erie Monsters, Norfolk Admirals, San Diego Gulls, Springfield Thunderbirds, and Hershey Bears.

"I've been going up and down quite a bit, so you tend to miss a lot of things when it comes to the kids... it's a good opportunity for me, personally."

Mike Sgarbossa explains his decision to leave the Capitals organization as he's set to sign overseas.https://t.co/P3KL3Y7xBR

— Sammi Silber 🏒 (@sammisilber) May 23, 2025

The Campbellville, Ont., native was a two-time AHL All-Star and won the 2023 Calder Cup with Hershey. He remained on the Washington Capitals roster and did not play in Hershey's 2024 Calder Cup run. 

Sgarbossa originally signed an entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks in 2010 after going undrafted and became a regular NHL call-up over his career.

In 92 career NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, and Washington Capitals Sgarbossa had nine goals and 25 points.  

The Hockey News' Washington reporter Sammi Silber spoke with Sgarbossa regarding his decision here.

Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' AHL Page for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.  

In November 2023, the NHL came down hard on the Ottawa Senators, announcing they would have to forfeit a first-round draft pick due to the mishandling of their July 2021 trade of Evgenii Dadonov to the Vegas Golden Knights.

As a result of the Senators' screw-up, the subsequent March 2022 Dadonov trade between the Knights and the Anaheim Ducks was invalidated, embarrassing everyone involved.

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The league gave Ottawa the choice of forfeiting its first-round pick in either the 2024, 2025, or 2026 Draft. New owner Michael Andlauer questioned how this had become his problem, and why the league or the former Sens ownership hadn't disclosed the issue before he bought the franchise.

The mistake occurred on Pierre Dorion’s watch, and he was immediately removed as GM, a move that was probably coming down the pike anyway.

At the time, the question was which pick the Senators would give up: 2024, 2025, or 2026? We now know the Senators will forfeit their 2026 first-round pick.

The Sens kicked the decision down the road last year, selecting defenseman Carter Yakemchuk in round one. GM Steve Staios suggested they would probably defer the forfeiture again this year.

"It's highly likely we'll keep our pick," Staios told reporters at the Senators' end-of-season availability on May 5.

In reality, their official decision had to be made at least two days earlier. According to NHL.com, if the Senators were going to forfeit this year’s pick, they had to decide within 24 hours of the conclusion of the May 2 NHL Draft Lottery. So on May 5, keeping the pick was more than just “highly likely” at that point.

The announcement, though oddly coy, was the right decision in every way.

Will RFA Fabian Zetterlund Get Paid On His San Jose Numbers Or The Ones In Ottawa?Fabian Zetterlund has only been an Ottawa Senator for a couple of months, and he’s already asking the club for a raise. That wouldn’t fly in a normal workplace, but that’s how it goes in the NHL when you bring in a pending restricted free agent at the trade deadline.

The Senators are a team on the rise, so, in theory, their first-round pick will be less valuable next season. And forfeiting the pick this year would have sent a poor message to the team and its ticket-buying fan base, who head into the summer with great expectations for next season.

There’s also the strategy of dragging things out in hopes that time heals all wounds. In short (pun intended), the Sens are hoping Commissioner Gary Bettman has a change of heart.

When people discuss this possibility, they frequently harken back to the precedent of the New Jersey Devils getting their forfeited first-round pick back 11 years ago.

That happened, but here’s why that was a very different situation, and probably not a good comparison for the Senators.

The league punished the Devils in 2010 for cap circumvention after signing Ilya Kovalchuk to a wild 17-year contract that would have taken him into his mid-40s.

They ruled that the Devils would have to give up a first-round pick in either 2011, 2012, 2013, or 2014, along with a third-rounder in 2011 and a US$3 million fine. The Devils did what the Senators are doing, delaying the forfeiture as long as possible.

But two big things happened in the summer of 2013. First, Jersey traded their 2013 first-round pick to Vancouver for goalie Cory Schneider. At that point, the die was cast, and the Devils would be forced to give up their pick in 2014.

But two weeks after the Schneider trade, Kovalchuk surprised the hockey world by retiring from the NHL with 12 years still left on his contract.

The 2012–13 NHL season was a lockout year, and Kovalchuk, who had spent half the season playing in the KHL, apparently got homesick. Shortly after his announcement, he signed a lucrative four-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg, with an eye on playing in the 2018 Olympics.

So the Devils had to carry on without Kovalchuk in 2013–14, and the league appeared to sympathize with that. In March 2014, the Devils applied to the NHL for reconsideration and relief from their earlier penalty.

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The NHL agreed.

"The Devils recently applied to the League for reconsideration and relief from a portion of the original penalty, citing primarily changes in circumstances which, in the club's view, changed the appropriateness of the sanctions initially imposed," the NHL said in a statement. "After due and thorough consideration, the League has decided that a modification of the original circumvention penalty associated with the Kovalchuk contract is warranted and, accordingly, has amended the sanctions."

The Devils got their pick back.

They were awarded the 30th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, the final selection of the first round. Plus, their $3 million fine was also cut in half.

The league still took its pound of flesh. The 30th pick could not be traded, and naturally, the Devils were ineligible for the draft lottery that year.

The Devils missed the playoffs that season and likely would have selected around 11th overall. At that point, players like Dylan Larkin, Alex Tuch, and David Pastrnak were still on the board. Instead, with the 30th pick, the Devils selected John Quenneville.

So that’s the backstory on why the league reduced the punishment and gave the first-round pick back to the Devils. The star player in question had left the club with 12 years remaining on his contract, and, in a nutshell, the league took pity on them.

So in the unlikely event the Senators do get their pick back, it won't have anything to do with the Kovalchuk precedent. That 2014 decision required a major shift in circumstances, and it's wildly different than anything that's happened (or could happen) in Ottawa.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News - Ottawa

Betting odds now available for if Panthers or Hurricanes touch Prince of Wales Trophy following Eastern Conference Finals

In the world of NHL superstition, few traditions capture the imagination like the ritual surrounding the Prince of Wales Trophy. Awarded to the Eastern Conference champions, it’s a prestigious trophy yet many teams treat it like a cursed object, refusing to lay a finger on it. 

Why? 

Because some believe touch it is to suggest that the job is done, when in reality, the Stanley Cup is the only true goal. Some players won't go as far as to touch even a miniature sized Stanley Cup when presented it. 

Would NHL players touch a replica Stanley Cup?#nhl #stanleycup #nhlplayoffs

More NHL: Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Next Team Betting Odds Revealed

Superstition

The exact origin of the superstition is unclear, but the belief is simple: touching the Prince of Wales Trophy could jinx a team’s chances of winning the Stanley Cup. 

Now, oddsmakers have looked to capitalized on this hockey folklore. As of the 2025 playoffs, sportsbooks have set odds at -1000 on FanDuel Sportsbook for the trophy not to be touched, indicating that most bettors and teams expect the winners to keep their distance and continue the tradition. 

It’s rare to see such steep odds on a non-game prop, which highlights how deeply ingrained this superstition has become. If you believe the Panthers or Hurricanes will be bold and touch the trophy, odds are sitting at +610 but history hasn't always been on the side of the team choosing to break tradition. 

More NHL: Veterans First: NHL Insiders Pick Players Who Deserve Cup First From Each Contender

Notable Teams and Their Choices With Conference Titles

• Pittsburgh Penguins: In 2008, Sidney Crosby avoided touching the trophy yet the Penguins lost in the Finals. In 2009, 2016 and 2017, he touched it and they went on to won the Stanley Cup each time.
• Florida Panthers: They touched the trophy in 1996 and 2023, losing both Finals. In 2024, they resisted and won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. 
• Tampa Bay Lightning: Skipped the trophy in 2015 and lost. Touched it in 2020 and won. 
• Detroit Red Wings: Steve Yzerman touched the Campbell Bowl (awarded to Western Conference Champions) in 1997. Detroit went on to win the Cup. 
• New Jersey Devils: Scott Stevens touched it in 1995 and 2003 but both were followed by Cup wins.
• Philadelphia Flyers: Mike Richards touched the trophy in 2010. The Flyers lost to the Blackhawks in the Final.
• Chicago Blackhawks: Jonathan Toews refused to touch the Campbell Bowl in 2010 and they went on to win the Cup.

Betting on Tradition

The existence of betting odds like the current -1000 for “no touch” underscores the extent to which this ritual has transcended sport. It's now a cultural moment and a literal bettable event similar to those from other sports like the color of Gatorade during the celebratory dump on the winning head couch. For some captains, touching the trophy is a deliberate reversal of fortune; for others, it's a tradition best left unbroken.

Touching the Prince of Wales Trophy or not has no measurable impact on the ice. But hockey is a game of psychology, momentum, and myth. Whether it’s Crosby’s redemption arc or the state of Florida’s rise to power of the last decade with the Bolts and Panthers, the tale of the trophy adds drama to an already high-stakes moment.

More NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs: Betting Odds For the Conference Finals

As we reported earlier this week, two former members of the Montreal Canadiens were in the running for the New York Islanders’ general manager role: former GM Marc Bergevin and former player Mathieu Darche.

The Islanders elected to go for Darche, who was named GM and executive vice president. Even though he has never held a GM role in the NHL, Darche has worked for the Tampa Bay Lightning since 2019. He was first hired as the director of hockey operations and later appointed assistant GM in 2022. He got his name on the Stanley Cup with the Bolts in 2020 and 2021. When the Canadiens hired Kent Hughes in January 2022, Darche was one of the finalists for the role.

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For the last three years, he has worked closely with Lightning GM Julien BriseBois, who learned to ply his trade under Steve Yzerman for eight years before being given the reins when Yzerman departed for the Detroit Red Wings.

There’s no doubt Darche has learned from the best. The Bolts never missed the playoffs in his tenure, and BriseBois is known as a cap wizard. He managed to keep the Lightning competitive through roster turnovers and has a perennial contender on his hands.

Darche’s appointment means that Marc Bergevin will remain a part of the Los Angeles Kings’ organization as special advisor to newly appointed Ken Holland, who takes over from Rob Blake. It’s not the first time Bergevin has tried to get another GM job and is unsuccessful.

Now things get interesting. Will Darche be amenable to trading Noah Dobson? Lou Lamoriello had made it clear in the past that he was available. Will the new GM share the same view? This is one case Hughes should be monitoring closely.

Photo credit: Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

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Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner recorded a shutout once again this post-season.

The Oilers beat the Dallas Stars 3-0 in Game 2 of the Western Conference final to tie the series at 1-1. While Edmonton blew a 3-1 lead in the third period of Game 1's 6-3 loss, the away team held on while being outshot 9-2 in the final frame of Game 2.

Skinner stopped 25 shots in the game, including a massive third-period stick save on Stars defenseman Esa Lindell. The blueliner had a wide-open net, but Skinner reached across to the right and got the heel of his stick on the ice to redirect the puck just past the left side of the net.

The 26-year-old Skinner recorded a 2.87 goals-saved-above-expected rating, which factors in the quality of chances, according to moneypuck.com.

Friday night's performance adds to an up-and-down playoffs for the goaltender.

"It's a rollercoaster," Skinner told ESPN's Emily Kaplan while sitting on the bench post-game. "It's every playoffs. I mean, no matter what happens, there's a lot of highs, there's a lot of lows. It doesn't matter who you are, what team you are. You're just going to face those challenges."

Skinner now has three shutouts in the 2024-25 NHL playoffs, tying Florida Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky for the league lead.

Bobrovsky, however, has played twice as many games as Skinner, at 14 to 7. They also have the same number of losses, at four. And Bobrovsky won seven other games without recording shutouts. Skinner hasn't.

In fact, Skinner kept an intriguing stat alive in Game 2: he's either won by recording a shutout or lost with a save percentage of .833 or below in these playoffs.

He allowed a combined 11 goals in his first two games against the Los Angeles Kings in Round 1, both losses, before the Oilers ran with Calvin Pickard for the rest of the round. Pickard went 6-0 to eliminate the Kings and take a 2-0 series lead against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round before suffering an injury.

Skinner had an .833 save percentage when returning to the lineup in Game 3 of that series, when the Golden Knights scored with less than a second left in regulation to win 4-3. But Skinner responded with back-to-back shutouts to help the Oilers book their place in the Western Conference final for the second straight time and third time in four years.

With Pickard remaining out of the lineup to start the series against the Stars, Skinner stopped 16 of 17 shots through the first two periods of Game 1 before conceding three power-play goals and an even-strength goal on 10 shots in the third period. The Oilers were more disciplined in Game 2, going 2-for-2 on the penalty kill while outhitting the Stars 50-29.

Nearly every time after Skinner lost, the burning question is whether the Oilers should put another goalie in net, whether it's a healthy Pickard or third-stringer Olivier Rodrigue. After every shutout, there are signs of a goaltender who can get the job done in the biggest games of the year.

"For me, it's just rinse and repeat, just keep on going," Skinner said. "You can let in five and still give it your all, so I mean, that's kind of what our whole mindset was as a team. I thought we played well (in Game 1), and sometimes, the score doesn't really tell you the whole picture, and we just went back out there and played the same way."

Skinner said gaining experience, such as backstopping the Oilers to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final last season, can really change a person's mindset. 

"It really tells you that you're never out, no matter what position you're in until they actually don't allow you to play anymore," he said.

He also gave his teammates credit for helping him get that mindset.

"It truly does take a community," Skinner told Kaplan. "It takes a city, takes a lot of people to really help you persevere, go through different challenges, adversities, and mainly your teammates. The way the guys play in front of me, day in, day out, no matter what situation we're in, I mean, that's all it is."

Game 3 goes down in Edmonton on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

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The Abbotsford Canucks’ penalty killing streak has officially ended. They surrendered their first power play goal in a 3–1 loss to the Colorado Eagles in Game 4 of the Division Finals. Nate Smith scored Abbotsford’s lone goal, while Artūrs Šilovs stopped 26 of Colorado’s 29 shots on net. 

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The first period started off with a major chance for the AHL Canucks, as Jujhar Khaira’s breakaway opportunity was saved by Colorado’s Trent Miner. This was followed up by a chance from Chase Wouters that Miner also stopped. These saves by Miner helped the Eagles out on offence as only minutes later, a tip chance by Jean-Luc Foudy went past Šilovs and gave Colorado the opening goal. This marked the third straight game in which the Eagles scored the opening goal.  

Despite the score, chances were relatively even between the two teams during the first period. Colorado bested Abbotsford in shot totals with an 8–6 lead, but the AHL Canucks made up for it in the quality of their chances. Timely blocks by the Eagles and quick saves by Miner kept the game in Colorado’s control. 

Abbotsford stayed hemmed in their own zone at the start of the second period. Any breakout efforts by the AHL Canucks were neutralized by Colorado until a little less than four minutes into the period. After that, it was Abbotsford’s turn to sling shots onto the net, with the AHL Canucks earning the first power play of the game after Chris Wagner held Max Sasson down for an extended period of time. However, Colorado’s penalty kill tightened things up, leaving Abbotsford without a shot during their man-advantage. 

The AHL Canucks’ penalty kill was tested — times tonight. They killed their first penalty, during which Phil Di Giuseppe sat for cross-checking, despite an extended period of Colorado o-zone time. Danila Klimovich took a roughing call in Colorado’s zone with only a couple of minutes left in the second period, sending Abbotsford back on the penalty kill. The 3–0 goal scored by Tye Felhaber ended the AHL Canucks’ streak of 30 penalties killed. 

Abbotsford started the third period with a power play, though they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity even with a couple of looks for Jonathan Lekkerimäki. With the AHL Canucks’ penalty-killing streak now snapped, it felt as if the penalty-taking floodgates had opened. From Colorado’s power play goal with less than a minute left in the second period to the end of the game, Abbotsford took five penalties and three game misconducts. They finished the game with seven total taken. 

The AHL Canucks were rewarded for their efforts with a goal, though the call itself was somewhat controversial. One referee blew their whistle on the play, but when Smith slid the puck into the net, the goal was counted as legal. Even with a quick review, the goal stayed. Abbotsford’s late push with the net empty was interrupted by some pushing and shoving that resulted in a handful of game misconducts being dealt. 

Overall, special teams made a difference in tonight’s game. Colorado was the team to finally break Abbotsford’s streak of 30-straight penalties killed. On the flip side, the AHL Canucks were unable to capitaize on the two power plays they were given. Abbotsford will need to get their power play going in order to win Game 5 and make the Conference Finals.      

Scoring Summary: 

1st Period: 

3:36 - COL: Jean-Luc Foudy (1) from Mark Senden and Hank Kempf 

2nd Period: 

11:14 - COL: Jayson Megna (5) 

19:25 - COL: Tye Felhaber (4) from T.J. Tynan and Oskar Olausson (PPG)

3rd Period: 

14:04 - ABB: Nate Smith (3) from Jujhar Khaira 

Game 5 at Blue Arena: Monday, May 26 @ 2:05 pm PT

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