Hurricanes Insider provides insights on Carolina's lineup heading into Eastern Conference Finals

Two years after being swept by the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final, the Carolina Hurricanes are back and hungry for payback.

That 2023 loss still stings, but this year’s Hurricanes team is deeper, healthier, and more experienced than ever before. With key veterans and emerging stars stepping up, the Canes believe they’re built to finish what they couldn’t last time.

We spoke with a team insider Ryan Henkel for perspective on what’s changed since that playoff heartbreak and who might be poised for a breakout. From potential difference-makers to smart betting picks, here’s what and who to watch as Carolina prepares for a high-stakes rematch.

All betting lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.

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Andrei Svechnikov - Series Leading Goal Scorer (+800)

We asked Henkel who he believes will lead the series in goals and it was no surprise he picked the Hurricane that is just one goal behind Dallas's Mikko Rantanen for most goals in the playoffs with nine. 

"I'd have to stick with Andrei Svechnikov to continue leading the way," "He has eight goals now this postseason and has also hit the crossbar twice and the post three times, he's feeling it right now."

- Henkel on Svechnikov to lead series in scoring

The matchup works as Svechnikov has 17 points over his last 25 games versus Florida, including two goals in their last seven matchups. The 25-year-old Russian winger has also found success scoring in the postseason for some time now with eight goals over his last ten playoff games. 

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

Jordan Martinook 1+ Series Goals (-140)

The Hurricanes offence has been stellar but still some players haven't produced and it's possibly flown under the radar. Henkel gave us the line of captain Jordan Staal, Jordan Martinook and William Carrier as players he expects to finally get things going and have a bigger role in the Conference Finals. 

"Their line has been possession dominant and they generate a ton of chances, eventually those have to start going in."

- Henkel on Hurricanes third line

The Canes third line has played together as a unit in all ten of their playoff games so far this postseason with just one goal to show for it.

Carrier isn't the biggest goal scorer but we can look to Martinook or Staal to get one in this spot. Martinook should be due as he's gone eight straight games without goal while Staal scored in Carolina's Game 5 win over Washington. 

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Sebastian Aho 2+ Series Goals (-195), 3+ Series Goals (+160)

Carolina's most notable forward has been continued making his impact felt with x points this postseason but just three goals. Aho couldn't find the back of the net during their series versus Washington and is long overdue for a couple goals, according to Henkel. 

"I would say Aho is due for a big breakout," "He's getting points, but he only has three goals this postseason and none against Washington, His line has been good and I think he can find a couple this series."

- Henkel on Sebastian Aho

The Finnish forward has eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points over his last 24 games versus Florida and should be able to burst through for at least a pair of goals. He's gone five straight games without a goal and should get one early in the series. 

Ryan Henkel's series prediction: Hurricanes in 7 (+430)

Since the PWHL announced its expansion rules, social media has been taken over by fans of the original six markets who are shocked by how favourable the rules are to the new franchises. In a nutshell, each of the original six franchises can only protect three players. They can add a fourth player once they’ve lost two to expansion teams.

Now, I know this wouldn’t happen in the NHL as any expansion team gets to pick its lineup from the league’s other 32 teams, but just for discussion’s sake, if Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes had to do the exercise Daniele Sauvageau will soon undertake for the Montreal Victoire, who would he pick?

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It stands to reason that Hughes would elect to protect his captain, Nick Suzuki, but after that, it gets complicated. Cole Caufield has proven to be a perfect complement for the captain, but will Ivan Demidov eventually perform better than Caufield? Would he protect a projection rather than a player who has shown he can already perform in the NHL? What we’ve seen from Demidov so far has been impressive, and he instantly became a fan favourite.

Of course, protecting both would be possible, but then he would expose both Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky. I don’t see a scenario where Hughes would be willing to let Hutson go. So, if he were faced with these tough decisions, I think he would likely protect Suzuki, Demidov, and Hutson. This means he would probably lose Caufield and Slafkovsky before being able to protect a fourth player, which would probably be Kaiden Guhle. At least Jacob Fowler wouldn’t have to be protected since he’s in Laval.

That would set the rebuild back years. The PWHL fans' outcry over the last 24 hours is perfectly understandable. Sauvageau has built a good team even though it has been unable to move past the first round of the playoffs so far. However, only being able to protect three of Marie-Philip Poulin, Laura Stacey, Anne-Renee Desbiens, Erin Ambrose, and Cayla Barnes is pure torture. The Victoire also has Jennifer Gardiner, the player who won the accuracy skill competition at the last Canadiens’ skill competition, smashing the four targets faster than anyone else, including Habs players.

The next time there’s an expansion draft in the NHL, whatever the protection list parameters are, remember it could be much worse.

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If there is one player in the New Jersey Devils locker room who bleeds black and red and wants to remain in the Garden State to continue his professional hockey career, it is Nathan Bastian.

The 27-year-old was selected by the Devils at the 2016 NHL Draft, 41st overall. Bastian has played 264 of his 276 career NHL games in New Jersey. He appeared in 188 games in the American Hockey League with the Binghamton Devils and is one of nine New Jersey players considered homegrown talent.

The 6-foot-4 winger is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and during his end-of-season media availability, he shared his desire to return to the Devils.

"It is crazy how quick a place can feel like home," he said. "Not that it has been a short time, but I think since the time I was drafted, I am the longest-standing Devil still here. Being here means a lot to me — the city, the rink, the staff, and you guys. It is something I want to be a part of."

Bastian has concluded a two-year contract worth $2,700,000 with an annual average value of $1,350,000. 

He has been a mainstay on the Devils' fourth line over the past several seasons, earning that final spot on the wing. Known for his gritty style of play, Bastian's point production has remained pretty consistent in the NHL between the 10 and 16 point mark.

With the team's struggling depth becoming a storyline for the Devils, and general manager Tom Fitzgerald stating, "We won't be coming back with the same group because it wasn't good enough," one has to wonder if Bastian has done enough to earn another contract.

Bastian responded honestly when asked about the mental side of knowing your contract is up.

"You need a job," he said. "It is your life, and to a certain extent, it is out of your control, but in another way, it keeps you on your toes. You don't get a second to lean back. Maybe it sucks a little bit, but it is part of the gig."

It was clear Bastian doesn't want to sign with another NHL team, but as he said, some variables are uncontrollable. After all this time, Fitzgerald knows the type of person and player Bastian is. It is up to him to determine if the Kitchener, Ontario native can help his team.

Let us know if you believe the Devils will re-sign Bastian for the 2025-26 season.

Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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When you look at the body of work of the former bat boy for MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers, you think of a guy who steps in and takes his cuts. And they usually work out. Yes, Florida GM Bill Zito’s acquisitions of the likes of Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, Brandon Montour, Sam Bennett, Vladimir Tarasenko and Seth Jones have indeed been works of art.

But you don’t often think a waiver pick-up during the pandemic would turn out the way it did. That Gustav Forsling went from a castoff to a vital cog on the Panthers’ blueline and a $5.75-million-a-year player is one of the more inspiring stories in the NHL.

The 28-year-old is with his fourth NHL organization, but the Panthers can’t envision life without the puck-moving stalwart, so much so that Zito signed Forsling to an eight-year, $46-million deal in March 2024.

That’s a far cry from being drafted by the Vancouver Canucks and being traded before even playing a game. And from toiling for the Chicago Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate in Rockford. And from being dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes, who don’t even bother to put you on their roster for the pandemic playoff tournament in the bubble.

“I went back to Sweden for COVID, and I came really close to signing with a couple teams there,” Forsling said. “I had a long summer that year. Looking back at it, it was very hard mentally. You really have to believe in yourself. I’m really proud of the journey.”

He should be. It was after the pandemic, during training camp in January 2021, that Zito saw almost no risk in picking up Forsling off waivers. Forsling was a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, so there wasn’t even any real commitment. But it goes back to long before that, all the way back to when Zito was the assistant GM in Columbus and was getting glowing reports from Blake Geoffrion, then the assistant GM of the Blue Jackets’ farm team.

Geoffrion probably knows a hockey player when he sees one since he, his father (Danny), grandfather (‘Boom Boom’) and great-grandfather (Howie Morenz) all played in the NHL.

“He kept telling us, ‘There’s this guy in Rockford I really like,’ ” Zito said. “So when we were looking at signing him, we had ‘Q’ (coach Joel Quenneville) and Ulfie (Samuelsson), who had coached him, and Paul Krepelka, who had him in Carolina. So, as we gather intel and collect information, you have seven yeses, two maybes and zero noes, plus he’s on waivers. So where’s the downside?”

As dejected as Forsling was about the way his NHL career was going, he used his time during the pandemic to put in the work on his strength and conditioning. And, suddenly, a player who seemed a little too slight to defend against the best players in the world was winning the conditioning competition in training camp with the Panthers.

“Everybody is competing for second now,” Zito said.

Forsling is now so durable he regularly logs 20-plus minutes a game in all situations. And when Aaron Ekblad was suspended 20 games for using a banned performance-enhancing substance, Florida leaned on Forsling and the newly acquired Jones to do the heavy lifting on the back end. As flawed a stat as plus-minus is, Forsling led the entire league with a plus-56 last season and was top 10 again this season with a plus-33.

But his finest moment came last spring, as he became something of the alpha male on the Panthers’ blueline on their journey to the first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Forsling led the Panthers in ice time and paced Florida D-men in scoring with four goals and 13 points in 24 games.

Forsling has definitely found his place and his NHL home in South Florida. Until last season, when he and his wife had a baby boy, Forsling would keep a fishing rod and tackle box in the back of his car and would often pull off the road on the way home from practice to do some pond fishing. He can’t do that anymore, but someday, he’ll be able to take his son with him. After all, he’s in town for another seven years.

“This business is a lot about getting the opportunity and taking the opportunity when you get it,” Forsling said. “And I think I’ve done that.”

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This article appeared in our 2025 Top 100 NHLers issue. This issue focuses on the 100 best players currently in the NHL, with the Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon sitting atop the list. We also include features on Alex Ovechkin finally beating Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record, and former CFL running back Andrew Harris' switch to semi-professional hockey. In addition, we provide a PWHL playoff preview as the regular season nears its end.

You can get it in print for free when you subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/Free today. All subscriptions include complete access to more than 76 years of articles at The Hockey News Archive.

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nicolas Hague finished the final year of a three-year, $2,294,150 contract he signed with the franchise, making him a restricted free agent this offseason and a player who could garner a lot of interest from other teams. 

Hague has spent every minute of his NHL career as a Golden Knight. Drafted in the second round (34th overall) in the 2017 NHL draft, the 26-year-old has played 364 games with the organization, scoring 20 goals and 83 points. He played a large role in their Stanley Cup win and has been integral to their defensive game, imposing his will physically on a nightly basis.

Despite the strong relationship the franchise and the player have built, some uncertainty about Hague's future exists. Hague is the only current Golden Knights defenseman without a contract heading into the 2025-26 season, and the Golden Knights have multiple defensemen waiting for their opportunity.

Kaedan Korczak has been patiently waiting for a full-time chance in the NHL. The 24-year-old has played 66 games throughout the previous two seasons, showcasing that he can be relied upon and is ready for the next step in his career. He's signed for $825,000 next season and will be an RFA following the conclusion of the contract. 

Additionally, another top Golden Knights defensive prospect is waiting to make an impact at the NHL level. Lukas Cormier missed nearly the entire season recovering from an injury but impressed with the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL in limited opportunities, recording nine assists in 19 games. 

The 23-year-old requires a contract and will lose his waiver eligibility, meaning the Golden Knights will need to place him on waivers during the preseason if they want to send him to the AHL, where he'll likely be claimed. It's a similar situation to Korczak's of this season, but the log jam at the backend is even greater now. 

The contract implications could force the Golden Knights' hand when referring to Hague's future with the team. Alternatively, the Golden Knights could trade Cormier or Korczak and retain Hague, but if they want the best possible return, Hague certainly has the most value.

The Golden Knights also run the risk of Hague signing an offer sheet, although most signs point to Hague being disinterested in doing so. 

General manager Kelly McCrimmon handled most of his unrestricted free agent business throughout the season but has his hands full with the contract extensions for RFAs and veteran UFAs. 

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.

Golden Knights Prioritizing Jack Eichel Contract ExtensionVegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel is under contract for the 2025-26 season but becomes eligible for a contract extension on July 1. The franchise plans to prioritize this business this offseason.  Golden Knights' Pending Free Agent Hoping To Stay In VegasReilly Smith is coming to the end of a three-year, $5M contract he signed with the Vegas Golden Knights, but maintains he wants to remain a Golden Knight. 

The Chicago Blackhawks haven’t made the playoffs in a while, especially if you don’t count the COVID bubble of 2020. Still, that doesn’t mean that fans can’t watch some of their old favorites make runs with different teams here in 2025.

Six players who used to suit up for the Blackhawks are still participating in the postseason. It is about to be the Conference Finals. In the West, the Dallas Stars will take on the Edmonton Oilers for the second year in a row. In the East, the Florida Panthers will play against the Carolina Hurricanes. 

One of these six will hoist the Stanley Cup next month. 

Seth Jones

Seth Jones was traded to the Florida Panthers earlier this season. The major return for Chicago in the deal was goaltender Spencer Knight. Jones made it clear that he didn’t want to be in Chicago anymore so Kyle Davidson found a deal that worked. He was Florida’s best player in Game 7 of their second round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs so they are going to be happy with the move going forward. Now that he’s in Florida, he is “one of the guys” instead of “the guy” which has helped his game. 

Gustav Forsling

Like Jones, Forsling is a defenseman on the Florida Panthers who previously played in Chicago. The difference is that the Blackhawks never would have guessed the superstar that Forsling would become. In between his tenure in Chicago and Florida, the Carolina Hurricanes put him on waivers. Now, along with Seth Jones and a few other studs, Forsling dominates on the Florida blue line.

Taylor Hall

Taylor Hall never made it public that he wanted to be traded. In fact, it felt like he wanted to be a part of the solution for a little bit. Something clearly changed after the Winter Classic though and he was moved to the Carolina Hurricanes. Since going there, the former Hart Trophy winner has elevated his game to a level that he hasn’t been at in a long time. He isn’t an MVP candidate anymore, but he fits in well with that Carolina system as they roll four lines consistently with great pace. 

Colin Blackwell

Colin Blackwell doesn’t play every game but he does find ways to make an impact when he does draw in. As a fourth line player at this point, he can be relied on for energy throughout a hard fought game. Blackwell, unlike most players in NHL history, has an overtime game winner already this postseason. With a speedy Oilers team coming up for the Dallas Stars, we may see a tad bit more of Blackwell. 

Mattias Janmark

Mattias Janmark was only a member of the Blackhawks for parts of one season.  It was the 2020-21 season where he played 41 games for Chicago before being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. He was a useful bottom-six forward back then and he is doing the same thing to this day for the Edmonton Oilers. Janmark is playing for a trip to the Stanley Cup Final for the second year in a row. 

Corey Perry

Corey Perry is a borderline Hall of Fame player. He only spent a few months with the Blackhawks in 2023-24 before an off-ice incident forced him off the team. He has since been with the Edmonton Oilers. If Perry and the Oilers make it to the Final, it will be his fifth trip to the final in the last six years. That includes four different teams but 0 Cups to show for it. He did win it with the Anaheim Ducks, his primary NHL team in his career, in 2007. For being 40 years old, he’s an impactful player looking to make a difference in the Conference Final once again. His ability to play anywhere in the lineup at his age makes him extra valuable. 

The matchups this year are extra exciting. There is going to be some great hockey played on the biggest stage, and a handful of former Blackhawks are worth keeping an eye on throughout. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

EDMONTON – You can never have too much depth.

The Edmonton Oilers' depth has been crucial in the playoffs. Corey Perry, Adam Henrique, Connor Brown, and Kasperi Kapanen have been producing timely goals and holding their own defensively.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. 

Elsewhere, the Oilers have a prospect participating in the KHL playoffs. Maxim Beryozkin and Yaroslavl Lokomotiv are one win away from claiming the Gagarin Cup in a best-of-seven series against Chelyabinsk Traktor.

Beryozkin has had a great season, breaking milestones and progressively improving his play and production.

Here are three reasons why the Oilers will sign him sooner rather than later.

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Beryozkin Has An Expiring Contract

The most obvious reason the Oilers will be able to sign Beryozkin is that he won’t be signed in the KHL for much longer. His KHL contract will expire on May 31st, 2025. At the time of this writing, there is no extension in place to remain in the KHL.

Beryozkin Elevated His Performance In The KHL Playoffs

Beryozkin has been a full-time KHL player for three seasons. Each year, he has increased his offensive production. In 2024-25, he finished the year with 15 goals, 27 assists, and 42 points in 66 games. He also fired 143 shots on goal, threw 63 hits, and played 15:55 a night.

He’s taken things up a notch with his play during the KHL playoffs.

Beryozkin has 14 points in 20 games, nine of which are goals. He’s remained consistent with his shooting rate, having fired 46 shots on net. He’s increased his physical intensity (41 hits) while playing almost two additional minutes per game (17:43).

Lokomotiv scored first for the first time in #GagarinCupFinal!

Maxim Beryozkin got his 3rd goal of the Finals 🚨 pic.twitter.com/evB0ES36h9

— KHL (@khl_eng) May 19, 2025

Beryozkin Is An NHL-Ready Prospect

The 23-year-old Russian winger is built to withstand the rigors of the NHL physically. According to his player profile on the KHL website, he is 211 lbs (96 kg) and a shade over 6-foot-3 (192 cm).

Beryozkin has increased his hitting rate from around one hit per game to over two hits per game. This is hard to do if you aren’t up to the task physically.

The problem with most prospects who try to make it into the NHL isn’t their skill-level, it’s handling the physical toll that playing against men every day takes on your body. Being able to withstand a long season (and postseason) while ramping up your physical play should be all that Oilers management and fans need to hear to get excited about Beryozkin.

Of course, it takes two to tango, and Beryozkin and his camp need to be interested in crossing the pond to play in North America. However, the Oilers could have an inexpensive impact player on their hands.

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Panthers and Hurricanes rekindle their 2023 rivalry in a high-stakes Game 1 showdown of Eastern Conference Finals Tuesday

For the second time in three seasons, the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers are set to clash in the Eastern Conference Final with a trip to the Stanley Cup Final on the line. 

The Panthers, making their third consecutive appearance in the conference finals, enter the series riding the momentum of a dominant 6-1 Game 7 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Florida’s battle-tested lineup is looking to return to the Stanley Cup Final for the third year in a row, and they’ll have history on their side after sweeping the Hurricanes in their last playoff meeting in the 2023 Conference Finals. 

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

But this year’s Hurricanes team appears more battle-hardened and dangerous than the one that fell short two seasons ago. Carolina made a statement in the second round by eliminating the top-seeded Washington Capitals in just five games, showcasing both their newfound depth and scoring touch. 

This series promises high intensity, fast-paced action, and no shortage of bad blood between two teams that know each other all too well and it all kicks off Tuesday night. 

For bettors, this matchup provides a chance to capitalize on some of our recent strong trends, like our 9-5 record on our last 14 picks, including perfect records during Game 1 and 4 of the Maple Leafs-Senators series. 

All betting lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.

Florida Panthers vs Carolina Hurricanes Best Bets:

• Under 5.5 goals (-134)
• Panthers Under 2.5 goals (-104)
• Hurricanes ML (-125)
• Matthew Tkachuk Under 0.5 points (+134) 

The player most people remember from the Panthers last postseason meeting with Carolina is Matthew Tkachuk, who scored two game-winning goals. The Arizona native has been notably playing through an injury that has limited his offence to three goals and six assists, four of which were secondary, totalling nine points through 12 games. 

Tkachuk rides a nine-game goal drought and recorded no points in his final two games versus Toronto. People are expecting a bounce back here but I don't see it happening against a battle-tested Canes defence that limited the Capitals to two or fewer goals in four of their five series games. 

Washington had the second-best offence in the league during the regular season with a 3.49 goals per game average compared to Florida's 3.00 average. The Capitals scored 40 more goals than the Panthers this season and the Canes held them in check due to stellar play from netminder Fredrick Andersen. 

At home, the Swedish netminder has a perfect 5-0 record with a 1.60 goals against average this postseason and is the betting favourite on the Hurricanes to win the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP. 

More NHL: Jonathan Toews NHL Return Could Be With Anaheim Ducks, According to NHL Insider

If the Panthers wanna win it'll have to be with clutch goals and elite goaltending ii return which they've received as well but from Sergei Bobrovsky. The star goaltender helped lead the Panthers to a championship last season and hasn't skipped a beat with a sensational effort versus the Maple Leafs when his team needed him with four goals allowed over the final four games. 

The public didn't like the low-scoring games Carolina forced into Washington in the second round but I would expect this again as both teams will look to smother each other and play a solid defensive game as they have all season. All but the final game of their series two years ago had every game go under five goals and I expect we should see a similar story here. 

More Hockey: Top NHL Prospect Expected to Join Michigan Wolverines Next Season

According to a report from RG Media, the Detroit Red Wings are one of a handful of teams interested in facilitating an NHL return for Maxime Comtois, a 2017 draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks who spent last season in Russia, playing for the KHL's Dynamo Moscow.

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

"I felt like I got a second wind," RG quoted Comtois as saying in a recent interview.  "I've always said I want to return to the NHL, and this season I did everything possible to make that happen. Hockey had become just a job for me in North America, but here, it became my passion again."  Comtois scored 21 goals and gave 29 assists in 62 regular season games for Dynamo this season.  Per RG, the Boston Bruins are among the other teams potentially interested in Comtois' services.

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It is worth noting that Comtois played for the 2018 Canadian World Junior Team, from which five players (Dillon Dubé, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton and Michael McLeod) are currently standing trial for sexual assault.  Comtois has not been charged with any wrongdoing.  In 2022 (when these reports began to surface), he released a statement describing the allegations as "deeply troubling" and expressing his intent to fully cooperate with the investigation.

Now 26, Comtois has played 211 career NHL games (all but one with Anaheim, the other with the Carolina Hurricanes), totaling 38 goals and 49 points for 87 points.  He's not a player with the potential to provide Detroit with a seismic impact, but he could be a low cost, quality depth acquisition.

Do you see Comtois as a worthwhile acquisition for the Red Wings?  Let us know in the comments.

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The Carolina Hurricanes have a big question mark on the blueline as we head toward puck drop of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Defenseman Jalen Chatfield has been dealing with an undisclosed injury, that seemed to have flared up in Game 4 of the Canes' second-round series against the Washington Capitals.

The veteran missed Game 5 and a few Hurricanes practices, and Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour said he'd probably need a practice before he gets back in.

While he did take the morning skate on Tuesday morning, he was skating as an extra during the practice session so his status is still up in the air.

"We're still debating it, but it was a good sign that he was out there," Brind'Amour said. "Whether he's ready to go, that will be determined here shortly. Good sign that he was at least out there with us.

Chatfield had one goal in nine postseason games this season, but more importantly, he's a vital piece of the Hurricanes' staunch blueline.

He plays big minutes, averaging 20:24 a night in these playoffs, and he's making a difference whether it's at 5v5 or on the penalty kill.

"He definitely wants to play, so we'll see where it goes," Brind'Amour said.

If he can't go, rookie blueliner Scott Morrow will draw into the lineup for his NHL postseason debut.

"He's been around a little longer, knows our system a little better than [Alexander Nikishin] does and he played well when he came up," Brind'Amour said. "There's also the righty/lefty thing, that does matter a little bit. So those little things help. I think he's earned the right to have a shot, so we'll see."

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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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Finnish winger Aku Räty, 23, has signed a two-year contract with his hometown team Kärpät Oulu, the Liiga club announced on Tuesday.

Räty had spent the past two seasons in North America in the systems of the Arizona Coyotes, Utah HC and Chicago Blackhawks.

“Expectations for next season are high,” said Räty. “The team is really good, and with a championship-winning coach on top of that. I hope that as a leading player I can help the team return Kärpät to where it belongs – at the top of the league.”

“It’s great to have Aku back in Oulu,” said club sports director Kimmo Kapanen. “He is a versatile player, grew up with Kärpät and knows what it means to play for this club. We believe he will be a significant part of next season’s team.”

Räty was drafted in the fifth round, 151st overall, by Arizona in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He played with Kärpät, then one season with Ilves Tampere before heading to North America in 2023.

Räty played one NHL game for the Coyotes in 2023-24 but otherwise spent the past two seasons in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners and Rockford IceHogs. On the 2025 trade deadline, Räty’s rights were moved from Utah to Chicago along with the rights to defensemen Victor Söderström – who was playing in Sweden at the time – and Shea Weber – who hadn’t played since 2021 and was unofficially retired – in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2026.

Victor Soderstrom Wins Borje Salming Trophy As SHL’s Top Defenseman Victor Söderström has been named the top defenseman in the Swedish Hockey League for the 2024-25 season. As a result, he has been awarded the Börje Salming Trophy.

Räty’s younger brother Aatu is a center for the Vancouver Canucks.

Kärpät had high expectations for last season but missed the playoffs, causing the club maangement to issue an apology to the fans.

Keeping the puck out of the Kärpät net was a particular issue for the team, and during the course of the season the team acquired, among others, defensemen Dominik Mašin, Marcus Björk and Ville Pokka and goaltender Damian Clara, with limited success. As the transfer deadline approached, native son Jesse Puljuärvi was rumored to be headed there after securing his release from the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he instead signed with the Carolina Hurricanes.

The payroll for 2025-26 seems lower so far – Räty’s one game represents the only NHL experience on the team so far – but the club does have prospects Viljami Marjala (Buffalo Sabres), Janne Peltonen (Chicago) and Visa Vedenpää (Seattle Kraken) under contract.

After Disappointing Season, Kärpät Management Addresses Fans: 'The On-Ice Goal Was Far From Achieved' A perennial powerhouse and seven-time champion in Finland since being promoted to the top-tier Liiga in 2000, this past season was bitterly disappointing for Kärpät Oulu. Despite the high hopes and a high payroll, the team finished 13th in the 16-team league, missing the post-season for the first time since the turn of the Millenium.

For the first time since 2020-21, there will be nary a regular-season division winner in the NHL's Eastern and Western Conference finals. So let's take a moment to remember the Winnipeg Jets, Washington Capitals, Vegas Golden Knights and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Actually, this happens more than you might think.

Since the NHL went to its four-division format in 2014, it has happened four times. So perhaps winning your division and securing home-ice advantage through the first two rounds isn't all it's cracked up to be. That was certainly the case in Round 2 this year, where the teams with home-ice advantage that finished higher in the standings didn't use it to their advantage.

Watch today's video column for more, and share your thoughts.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

Promo image credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Penguins have advanced to the Stanley Cup playoffs 37 times in 57 seasons and have played in Game 7 on 18 occasions. As of 2025, the franchise is 10-8 in the winner-take-all contest, with their most recent playoff game (May 15, 2022) being a Game 7 overtime loss to the New York Rangers. 

Today, we will examine the Penguins' performance in Game 7s, including their third Stanley Cup victory on June 12, 2009, against the Detroit Red Wings. 

Pittsburgh's Overall Record in Game 7

As mentioned, the Penguins are 10-8 in Game 7, with a 4-7 record on home ice and a 6-1 record as visitors. Whether it was the Civic Arena or PPG Paints Arena, the Penguins were outscored as the home team 20-23 in Game 7 while doubling up opponents at their building 23-12. 

Here's a look at Pittsburgh's all-time Game 7 record:

• 1975 - Loss vs. New York Islanders (1-0)
• 1989 - Loss vs. Philadelphia Flyers (4-1)
• 1991 - Win vs. New Jersey Devils (4-0)
• 1992 - Win @ Washington Capitals (3-1)
• 1993 - Loss vs. New York Islanders (4-3 OT)
• 1995 - Win vs. New Jersey Devils (3-0)
• 1996 - Loss vs. Florida Panthers (3-1)
• 1999 - Win @ New Jersey Devils (4-2)
• 2001 - Win @ Buffalo Sabres (3-2 OT)
• 2009 - Win @ Washington Capitals (6-2)
• 2009 - Win @ Detroit Red Wings (2-1)
• 2010 - Loss vs. Montreal Canadiens (5-2)
• 2011 - Loss vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (1-0)
• 2014 - Loss vs. New York Rangers (2-1)
• 2016 - Win vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (2-1)
• 2017 - Win @ Washington Capitals (2-0)
• 2017 - Win vs. Ottawa Senators (3-2 OT2)
• 2022 - Loss @ New York Rangers (4-3 OT)

When Pittsburgh heads into Game 7 in the first round of the playoffs, it is 2-1 at home, outscoring opponents 7-1, and has an identical 2-1 record as visitors, outscoring opponents 10-7. However, in the second round, the Penguins have never won a Game 7 at home, going 0-5, beaten 16-7 in those games. But, as visitors, it is a perfect 3-0 with a goal differential of plus-7, 11-4.

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In the Conference Final, Pittsburgh has hosted all three Game 7s it has participated in, going 2-1 with an even six goals for and six against. Finally, in one of the few Game 7s in the Stanley Cup Final, the organization is 1-0 with a 2-1 victory over the Red Wings in 2009. 

Wrong Side of NHL History

In 1942, the Red Wings were up 3-0 in the Stanley Cup Final against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Surprisingly, the Maple Leafs stormed back and won the series and the championship by winning Game 7 by a 3-1 score. No other team had ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit in professional sports until 1975, when the Islanders achieved the feat against the Penguins.

Pittsburgh opened the series with a 5-4 win, followed by a 3-1 victory and a 3-0 series lead after a 6-4 triumph. The Islanders began their comeback in Game 4 (3-1), followed by wins in Pittsburgh (4-2) and Long Island (4-1), setting up a critical Game 7 back at the Civic Arena on Apr. 26, 1975. 

Veteran Ed Westfall tallied the game's only goal at 14:42 of the third period as Glenn Resch made 30 saves to eliminate the Penguins and secure, at the time, the second-ever 3-0 series comeback. 

Inside the Numbers: Penguins Players

As of 2025, 181 players have worn a Penguins sweater in a Game 7. Despite the talent in the lineups, only 85 skaters have registered a point, with one goalie (Frank Pietrangelo) adding an assist. 

Without going deep into the statistics, here's a breakdown of Pittsburgh's top performers in a Game 7:

Games Played

• Sidney Crosby (8)
• Evgeni Malkin (8)
• Chris Kunitz (8)
• Jaromir Jagr (7)
• Kris Letang (7)
• Mario Lemieux (6)
• Kevin Stevens (6)
• Marc-Andre Fleury (6)

Goals

• Mario Lemieux (3)
• Chris Kunitz (3)
• Bryan Rust (3)
• Sidney Crosby (2)
• Ron Francis (2)
• Jordan Staal (2)
• Maxime Talbot (2)
• Jiri Hrdina (2)

Assists

• Jaromir Jagr (9)
• Evgeni Malkin (6)
• Ron Francis (5)
• Sidney Crosby (4)
• Martin Straka (4)
• Larry Murphy (4)

Points

• Jaromir Jagr (10)
• Ron Francis (7)
• Evgeni Malkin (6)
• Sidney Crosby (6)
• Chris Kunitz (6)
• Mario Lemieux (6)

Plus/Minus (Best/Worst)

• Jaromir Jagr (plus-5)
• Ron Francis (plus-5)
• Evgeni Malkin (plus-4)
• Chris Kunitz (plus-4)

• Mario Lemieux (minus-4)
• Danton Heinen (minus-2)
• Ulf Samuelsson (minus-2)
• Paul Coffey (minus-2)

Penalty Minutes

• Mario Lemieux (6)
• Paul Coffey (6)
• Jaromir Jagr (4)
• Evgeni Malkin (4)
• Petr Nedved (4)
• Rick Tocchet (4)
• Phil Bourque (4)
• Bryan Rust (4)

Game Winners

• Bryan Rust (2)
• Jaromir Jagr (1)
• Jiri Hrdina (1)
• Chris Kunitz (1)
• Max Talbot (1)
• Norm Maciver (1)
• Bill Guerin (1)
• Darius Kasparaitis (1)
• Jan Hrdina (1)

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Overtime Heros

• Darius Kasparaitis (2001)
• Chris Kunitz (2017)

Best Game Performances

• Sidney Crosby (3 - goal, two assists)
• Ron Francis (3 - three assists)
• Martin Straka (3 - goal, two assists)
• Jaromir Jagr (3 - three assists)
• Chris Kunitz (3 - two goals, assist) 

Inside the Numbers: Opponents

As of 2025, 295 players have skated against the Penguins in Game 7. However, only one player in NHL history has managed to get into the opposing lineup on three occasions: Dominic Moore. Even though he skated 59 regular-season games with Pittsburgh in 2006-07, he did not advance to the playoffs with the club. But, as a member of the Montreal Canadiens (2010), Tampa Bay Lightning (2011), and Rangers (2014), Moore went a perfect 3-0 against the Penguins in Game 7.

Overall, 33 players have skated against Pittsburgh in Game 7 twice. Interestingly, 13 players played on both sides, skating at least one game with the Penguins and an opponent. The list of these players includes:

• Brooks Orpik - 5 (Pittsburgh: 2009, 2009, 2010, 2011 - Washington: 2017)
• Sergei Gonchar - 4 (Pittsburgh: 2009, 2009, 2010 - Washington: 1995)
• Martin Straka - 4 (Pittsburgh: 1993, 1999, 2001 - Florida: 1996)
• Miroslav Satan - 3 (Pittsburgh: 2009, 2009 - Buffalo: 2001)
• Kjell Samuelsson - 3 (Pittsburgh: 1993, 1995 - Philadelphia: 1989)
• Hal Gill - 3 (Pittsburgh: 2009, 2009 - Montreal: 2010)
• Carl Hagelin - 3 (Pittsburgh: 2016, 2017 - New York Rangers: 2014)
• Rick Tocchet - 2 (Pittsburgh: 1993 - Philadelphia: 1989)
• Kevin Hatcher - 2 (Pittsburgh: 1999 - Washington: 1992)
• Ken Wregget - 2 (Pittsburgh: 1995 - Philadelphia: 1989)
• Jim Johnson - 2 (Pittsburgh: 1989 - Washington: 1995)
• Dave Tippett - 2 (Pittsburgh: 1993 - Washington: 1992)
• Darius Kasparaitis - 2 (Pittsburgh: 2001 - New York Islanders: 1993)

Historically, Ken Wregget is the only goalie to win a Game 7 for the Penguins (1995) and defeat the franchise as an opponent (1989). As of 2025, he remains one of three netminders to pitch a shutout in Game 7 for Pittsburgh, along with Pietrangelo (1991) and Marc-Andre Fleury (2017).

Former Penguin Marc-Andre Fleury Named To NHL Quarter-Century TeamTwo days after Pittsburgh Penguins' forwards Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were named to the NHL Quarter-Century Team, another longtime former teammate will be joining them.

Inside the Numbers: Penguins Goalies

Nine goalies have backstopped the Penguins in Game 7, with Fleury skating in six contests, breaking the record formerly held by Tom Barrasso (five). Only Matt Murray appeared in more than one Game 7, making two appearances in 2016 and 2017.

Here's an extended look into the numbers of Penguins netminders in Game 7:

Wins

• Marc-Andre Fleury (3)
• Tom Barrasso (2)
• Matt Murray (2)
• Ken Wregget (1)
• Johan Hedberg (1)
• Frank Pietrangelo (1)

Losses

• Marc-Andre Fleury (3)
• Tom Barrasso (3)
• Tristan Jarry (1)
• Gary Inness (1)

Goals Against

• Tom Barrasso (13)
• Marc-Andre Fleury (10)
• Tristan Jarry (4)
• Matt Murray (3)
• Johan Hedberg (2)
• Brent Johnson (1)
• Gary Inness (1)
• Johan Hedberg (1)

Save Percentage

• Frank Pietrangelo (1.000)
• Ken Wregget (1.000)
• Gary Inness (.941)
• Matt Murray (.934)
• Johan Hedberg (.933)
• Marc-Andre Fleury (.923)
• Tom Barrasso (.891)
• Tristan Jarry (.867)
• Brent Johnson (.857)

Throughout their 18 appearances in Game 7, the Penguins have surrendered just one empty-net goal. Fleury remains the only goalie to start a game and get pulled, skating only 25:14 in 2010 against the Canadiens and getting relieved by Johnson. 

10 Best 11th Overall Picks In NHL HistoryThe 2025 Draft will take place in June 2025, with the Pittsburgh Penguins selecting 11th overall. This year will be the second time in franchise history that the team will pick 11th, following Bob Smith in the 1967 Draft.

Meanwhile, 18 goalies have played against Pittsburgh in Game 7, with no one playing more than once. This list includes several Hall of Famers: Martin Brodeur (W - 1995), Dominik Hasek (L - 2001), and Henrik Lundqvist (W - 2014)

Final Numbers

The Penguins are 10-8 in 18 Game 7 appearances and have struggled against the New York teams (0-4), but enjoy playing the team on the other side of the Hudson River, the Devils (3-0). Here's a look at their totals against other teams:

• New Jersey Devils (3-0)
• Washington Capitals (3-0)
• Buffalo Sabres (1-0)
• Ottawa Senators (1-0)
• Detroit Red Wings (1-0)
• Tampa Bay Lightning (1-1)
• Philadelphia Flyers (0-1)
• Florida Panthers (0-1)
• Montreal Canadiens (0-1)
• New York Rangers (0-2)
• New York Islanders (0-2)

Overall, the Penguins have been shut out twice (1-0) in Game 7, once in 1975 (Islanders) and again in 2011 (Lightning). On the flip side, they shut out the Capitals twice, first in 1995 (3-0) and again in 2017 (2-0). The franchise's first Game 7 win came via the shutout, against the Devils in 1991. 

The team's best Game 7 performance came in 2009 against the Capitals (6-2), with their worst coming in 2010 against the Canadiens (5-2). Regarding one-goal games, the Penguins are 4-5 in those contests, losing twice by shutout. Here's a look at their record in these games:

• 4-3 (0-2)
• 3-2 (2-0)

• 2-1 (2-1)
• 1-0 (0-2)

In 2009, the Penguins became the 15th team to win the Stanley Cup in Game 7, joining a list of 18 teams, including the Maple Leafs (1942, 1945, 1964), Red Wings (1950, 1954, 1955), Canadiens (1965, 1971), Edmonton Oilers (1987), Rangers (1994), Colorado Avalanche (2001), Devils (2003), Lightning (2004), Carolina Hurricanes (2006), Boston Bruins (2011), St. Louis Blues (2019), and Panthers (2024). 

The Pittsburgh Penguins just wrapped up their 57th season, missing the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third consecutive season. Despite their recent lack of success, the franchise has appeared in the playoffs 37 times and won five championships.

Our newest series will reflect on how the Penguins performed on specific days leading up to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.

Today, May 20, Pittsburgh has compiled a 3-1 record in three games on this date.

• 1995 - Game 1 Win vs. New Jersey Devils (3-2)
• 1996 - Game 2 Win vs. Florida Panthers (3-2)
• 2016 - Game 4 Loss vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (4-3)
• 2021 - Game 3 Win vs. New York Islanders (5-4)

Notable Penguins Performances On This Day

May 20, 1995 - The Penguins open up their series with the Devils by winning 3-2 thanks to three assists from Hall of Famer Larry Murphy. This was his fourth and final three-point playoff game of his legendary career. 

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May 20, 1996 - Pittsburgh evened their Eastern Conference Final series with the Panthers thanks to a 3-2 victory. Mario Lemieux had a goal and an assist, while Petr Nedved collected two assists. This would be the final time Nedved would score two points in a playoff game, achieving the feat for the 10th and final time. 

May 20, 2021 - Kris Letang helps the Penguins take a 2-1 series lead with three points (goal, two assists) in a 5-4 Game 3 victory over the Islanders. Meanwhile, Jeff Carter (two goals) and Evgeni Malkin (two assists) had productive nights as eight players found their names on the scoresheet. As of 2025, this was Letang's fifth and final time recording three points in a playoff game. Moreover, it was Carter's last multi-point playoff game before retiring in 2024.

Marc Bergevin and Mathieu Darche were two candidates reported to have interviewed for the New York Islanders' GM position earlier this month. Yesterday, Pierre LeBrun reported that Bergevin had a second interview, while Frank Seravalli added it was a two-horse race between the Montreal Canadiens’ former GM and alumnus Darche.

Bergevin spent over nine years at the helm of the Canadiens and had good and bad moments. In 2021, he led the team to its first Stanley Cup final since 1993 but was fired the following season when the team crumbled. Shea Weber and Carey Price’s health and inability to play resulted in the team’s collapse.

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During his time with the Canadiens, Bergevin’s most notable winning moves included trading for Jeff Petry, sending two veterans well past their prime to the Chicago Blackhawks for Philip Danault, trading P.K. Subban for Weber, sending disgruntled captain Max Pacioretty to the Vegas Golden Knights for Nick Suzuki, acquiring Eric Staal from the Buffalo Sabres and signing free agents Tyler Toffoli and Corey Perry.

Bergevin also signed some generous contract extensions that didn’t age well, such as Brendan Gallagher’s six-year pact with a $6.5 M cap hit and Josh Anderson’s seven-year deal with a $5.5 M cap hit. While Gallagher’s body of work deserved a sizeable raise, it was written in the sky that he couldn’t keep the same level of performance for much longer, given his style of play. As for Anderson, he was signed purely on potential, but he never lived up to the GM’s lofty expectations.

The GM also lost two centers on the free agent market when Danault signed with the Los Angeles Kings as a free agent, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi signed an offer sheet that wasn’t worth matching.

His drafting record was far from perfect, but he did make some great selections in later years, and players he drafted like Kaiden Guhle and Cole Caufield are now key cogs in the Canadiens’ core.

For most of Bergevin’s reign, though, he focused on building a big, punishing defense around Carey Price while the league increasingly moved to a more skillful and talented approach. If he gets the job, it will be interesting to see if he has evolved or will still prioritize that kind of player. It would also be interesting to see how he would handle the Noah Dobson case. Since being fired by the Canadiens, he has worked as a special advisor to the Kings’ GM.

As for Darche, he played 250 NHL games over a nine-year NHL career. The left winger picked up 72 points in that span and played the last three seasons of his career with the Canadiens. He has been working for the Tampa Bay Lightning since 2019, starting as the director of hockey operations, a function he still holds along with his assistant GM role. We’ll closely monitor the Islanders’ ongoing GM search and report any progress.

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