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Flyers' comeback bid comes up short in loss to NHL's top team

Flyers' comeback bid comes up short in loss to NHL's top team originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Flyers couldn’t take down the best team in the NHL as they lost to the Avalanche, 3-2, Sunday afternoon at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Rick Tocchet’s club fell into a 3-1 deficit early in the second period. Travis Konecny made it a one-goal game a little over four minutes later.

The Flyers had some opportunities in the third period to draw even, but they were unable to take advantage (more on that below).

Sean Couturier also found the back of the net for the Flyers (15-9-3).

“We believed in our chances to win this game,” Couturier said. “But it just felt at times we maybe gave them a little too much respect, we watched them a little bit. But overall, we competed hard, we were right there until the end.”

Colorado still owns just two regulation losses. The Avalanche (21-2-6) came in leading the NHL with 4.00 goals per game, while also allowing the fewest at 2.18.

“Some people use games as measuring sticks and I think we don’t need to do that anymore,” Konecny said. “We’ve shown we can compete with the best teams, so why not start believing that we should be right there with them.”

If there was ever a good time to face Colorado, this might have been it for the Flyers. The Avalanche were playing their second game of a back-to-back set and third game in four days, all on the road.

The Flyers, on the other hand, were coming off three days of no games or travel. But it didn’t make a difference.

“I thought we played a pretty good game,” Tocchet said. “I thought a lot of guys tried hard. We’ve just got to tighten up the turnovers and we need some of our players to make some plays under pressure — that’s really what it comes down to.”

• The Flyers went back to Samuel Ersson after the 26-year-old played well in a 5-2 win Wednesday night over the Sabres.

Ersson converted 25 saves on 28 shots against high-powered Colorado. He made a huge stop on a Victor Olofsson breakaway in the second period to keep the Flyers down only 3-2.

You could certainly argue the Flyers should have played a rested Dan Vladar against the best team in the NHL. But it’s not like Ersson played poorly Sunday. He gave the Flyers a solid chance.

Mackenzie Blackwood was in net for both games of the Avalanche’s back-to-back set. He beat the Flyers with 24 saves on 26 shots after taking down the Rangers, 3-2, in overtime Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.

Trailing 3-2 to open the third period, the Flyers had 1:52 minutes of a power play, but they failed to capitalize.

A little over two minutes later, Trevor Zegras had a penalty shot after being held by Nathan MacKinnon on a breakaway. With a career 68 percent success rate in shootout attempts (17 for 25), Zegras was denied by Blackwood.

• The Flyers’ defensive depth was really tested without Cam York. The 24-year-old missed the game because of an upper-body injury.

The third defensive pair of Egor Zamula and Noah Juulsen was on the ice for two of Colorado’s goals. Juulsen also committed a tripping penalty that led to the Avalanche’s go-ahead 2-1 power play goal with 52 seconds left in the first period.

Zamula started losing some shifts in the second period and finished with 14:03 minutes. Juulsen played just 10:11.

“They’re scratching and clawing,” Tocchet said. “That’s what you’ve got to get from them, they’re trying.”

Three days after participating in the team’s morning skate, Rasmus Ristolainen joined the Flyers for practice Saturday. He remained in a non-contact jersey, but the 31-year-old defenseman appears to be getting closer to his season debut, which could come at some point this month.

Ristolainen has been recovering from surgery in March on a second triceps tendon rupture.

• Couturier had a special start to his 33rd birthday and 900th career game.

He redirected a Juulsen shot for the game-opening goal just 2:09 minutes into the action.

“It’s just great to see him play 900, he has been through a lot in his career,” Konecny said. “He has always just put his head down and gone to work, led by example. He’s a guy that you can say he doesn’t really care about that goal; he’ll care about if we won or lost the game, and that speaks to why he’s our captain.”

Couturier is the city’s longest-tenured athlete, a run that goes back to October 2011.

• The Flyers are back in action Tuesday when they host the Sharks (7 p.m. ET/NBCSP).

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Three Potential Trade Fits For Jets' Brad Lambert

Back on Nov. 20, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that the Winnipeg Jets have given Brad Lambert permission to seek a trade. While the young forward has yet to be dealt, that certainly could change before the trade deadline. 

Lambert is a 21-year-old former first-round pick, so there are likely many clubs that would love to add him to their system.

The 6-foot-1 center has shown promise early on in his career, including when he posted 21 goals and 55 points in 64 games in his second season with the AHL's Manitoba Moose in 2023-24. 

Although Lambert is still looking to break out at the NHL level, he has the potential to grow as he continues to gain more experience.

With that, let's look at three teams that could be good fits for Lambert. 

Nashville Predators 

The Nashville Predators could make a lot of sense as a landing spot for Lambert. With the Predators once again being one of the NHL's worst teams this season, they should be looking to add young talent who have the potential to benefit them long-term. Lambert could do just that if he breaks out and hits his full potential. 

When looking at the Predators' roster, Lambert would have the potential to immediately fit in their top nine. This would be even more of the case if the Predators end up moving on from top trade candidates like Ryan O'Reilly and Steven Stamkos this season. 

Three Potential Trade Fits For Predators' Ryan O'ReillyThree Potential Trade Fits For Predators' Ryan O'ReillyNashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly has been creating a lot of chatter in the rumor mill. Which teams could make sense for the veteran center?

Pittsburgh Penguins 

While the Pittsburgh Penguins have had a strong start to the 2025-26 season, they are still in the middle of a retool. Because of this, it would be very understandable if they made a major push for a young forward with good upside like Lambert. 

If the Penguins acquired Lambert, he would give them another promising forward prospect to work with. This would certainly not be a bad thing for Pittsburgh, especially when veteran star centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are up there in age.

Brad Lambert (Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images)

Boston Bruins 

The Boston Bruins also make sense as a potential landing spot for Lambert. The Bruins need more young and skilled forwards as they continue to build up their roster again. Thus, a player like Lambert could very well grab their attention. 

In the short term, Lambert could compete for a spot in the Bruins' bottom six. However, he also would have the potential to be a part of Boston's top six if he broke out for the Original Six club. 

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Yankees checklist for 2025 MLB Winter Meetings: Breaking down the biggest needs

The Yankees' offseason, so far, has been uneventful.

Aside from some minor signings, and one big qualifying offer being accepted, New York has yet to fill out its roster to try to get back to the World Series. While division rivals like the Red Sox and Blue Jays have already made big splashes, Yankees GM Brian Cashman is seemingly biding his time. While the team's needs and priorities are very obvious, the Yankees enter the MLB Winter Meetings with a lot of questions and even more work to do.

Here's a checklist of what the Yankees need to do this week during the Winter Meetings in Orlando...

Bring Cody Bellinger back

The biggest offseason move the Yankees need to make is to re-sign Bellinger. Cashman got a steal when he made the trade with the Cubs last offseason to bring the former NL MVP to The Bronx. Bellinger had one of his best seasons as a pro and helped the Yankees lengthen the lineup and shore up the defense in the outfield. He won games single-handedly with his defense alone this past season and has proven that he's perfect for the pinstripes. 

It's clear Bellinger is Cashman's priority this offseason, just as Juan Soto was a year ago. And while that pursuit didn't pan out, Cashman can't possibly allow Bellinger not to return, especially when teams like the Dodgers and Mets are vying for his services.

It won't be easy, Bellinger — who is represented by Scott Boras — will look to have a lucrative multi-year deal and the Yankees may have to go further than they otherwise might be comfortable with; that's how important Bellinger is to the 2026 Yankees. Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham can't be the only veterans in the outfield next season while they try to capture lightning in a bottle with Jasson Dominguez or Spencer Jones. 

Oct 2, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (35) runs to home plate in the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium.
Oct 2, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (35) runs to home plate in the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Enact Plan B if Bellinger leaves

This offseason is becoming eerily similar to last year. Soto took the money to go to the Mets and Cashman had to pivot, and pivot he did.

Cashman traded for Bellinger and Devin Williams while signing Max Fried. The GM's moves worked and helped the Yankees tie the Blue Jays for the best record in the American League. Now, what could Cashman do for an encore?

If the Yankees can't re-sign Bellinger, Cashman needs to be ready to enact his Plan B. Whether that's signing Kyle Tucker or trading for an outfielder like Steven Kwan, the longtime GM has to show the fans that if Bellinger doesn't come back, the outfield will be just fine. 

Cashman has to be creative; he's done it before, and he may need to do it again. Hopefully, he's prepared.

Fill out the bullpen

Two moves the Yankees have made this offseason are re-signing Ryan Yarbrough and picking up Tim Hill's option, which helps fill holes in the bullpen, but there's still work to be done. 

Devin Williams is gone and Luke Weaver is still a free agent. Cashman and the organization have been great at creating a bullpen in the past and I expect this year to be the same. Perhaps a reunion with Weaver is on the way, or signing former Padres closer Robert Suarez to pair with David Bednar is a possibility. And, who knows, perhaps a trade could happen in the same way Williams was acquired. 

Figuring out the outfield is the priority for the Yankees, but finishing up the bullpen is second on the list and Cashman needs to address it soon.

Oct 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees pitcher Luke Weaver (30) throws in the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game one of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre.
Oct 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees pitcher Luke Weaver (30) throws in the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game one of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. / Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Get greedy and sign a starter

The Yankees' starting rotation is set ... when it's healthy.

Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon will miss the start of the 2026 season, but they will be back. But there may be questions about their effectiveness when they do return. Cashman and the Yankees also have to wonder if they can fully trust the trio of Luis Gil, Will Warren and Cam Schlittler for another season. 

The Yankees can give themselves some comfort by splurging on another starter either in free agency or via trade. 

There are some intriguing buy-low, reclamation projects like Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly who can shore up the back of the rotation. Miami has controllable starters like Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera that can be traded for as well. The rotation is definitely low on the list of priorities for the Yankees, but with so many question marks, it can't hurt to have as many starters as possible and if Cashman brings one in, the younger arms become trade pieces for the aforementioned outfielder.

Dispel all payroll questions

Heading into the Winter Meetings, there's been a lot of chatter about the Yankees' 2026 payroll and whether or not Hal Steinbrenner is willing to go over $300 million, including comments from Steinbrenner himself. They currently sit at around $283.6 million (after taxes), so there's not a lot of wiggle room for the Yankees if they hope to improve their team. 

I find it hard to believe the Yankees would operate below $300 million, so Cashman could show the baseball world — and Yankees fans — that they are ready to spend this offseason by signing a Bellinger or a handful of names. Not to rush the process, but leaving the Winter Meetings without a deal done would not quell fears. It'll be even worse if targets like Bellinger and Tucker sign elsewhere.

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Mets checklist for 2025 MLB Winter Meetings: Breaking down the biggest needs

The Mets have already made two bold moves this offseason -- trading Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for Marcus Semien and signing Devin Williams to bolster the back end of the bullpen.

With New York looking to rebound following a season with sky high expectations that ended with them missing the playoffs, expect more boldness -- especially with now seeming like the right time to trade some of the team's top prospects if the right impact player is available.

Here's what the Mets' checklist should be as David Stearns and Co. attend the MLB Winter Meetings this week in Orlando...

Re-sign Edwin Diaz

I said it right after the 2025 season ended, and nothing has changed. Re-signing Diaz should be the easiest decision the Mets make this offseason. 

With Williams on board, the team has added a usually lights-out reliever whose relatively down 2025 campaign feels like an aberration -- with that belief bolstered by Williams' underlying numbers and the fact that his changeup remained one of the most dominant pitches in the sport.

But Williams should be part one of two, and the endgame has him serving as the setup man and handing the ball to Diaz to close things out.

Much has been made of the Nimmo trade, and how it could be a sign that Stearns isn't sentimental when it comes to retaining fan favorites. But bringing Diaz back wouldn't be about pleasing the fan base. It would simply be the right baseball move for a team that is trying to win the World Series. 

New York indicated after signing Williams that they remain interested in bringing Diaz back, and they have to know that it will take at least four years to get it done. So their willingness to signal their continued interest in Diaz after inking Williams suggests they'll eventually be comfortable going to four years.

Apr 17, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) enters the field during the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field.
Apr 17, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) enters the field during the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. / Vincent Carchietta - Imagn Images

The big question, then, is whether any team is willing to offer Diaz a five-year contract, and if the Mets would match it. Taking all of the reporting into account, it doesn't seem like it will be the Dodgers, Yankees, or Red Sox who go long for Diaz. It could be the Blue Jays, but reports have connected them more to the relievers a tier below Diaz. Toronto is also in on Kyle Tucker, and is trying to re-sign Bo Bichette.

All of this points to a sensible resolution between the Mets and Diaz, who has been clear about his desire to stay. If some team does offer five years, perhaps the Mets can strike a balance by upping the average annual value on a four-year deal and making it just as appealing as any hypothetical five-year one.

Try to get clarity on Pete Alonso's plan

As was the case last offseason, it can be argued that Alonso is the best fit for the Mets and that the Mets are the best fit for Alonso.

But his free agency could drag out anyway, with reports that he's seeking a seven-year deal.

While a seven-year deal (or even a six-year contract) doesn't feel likely, Alonso and agent Scott Boras are under no obligation to give up that hope quickly. And that leaves the Mets in a tough spot.

They're going to need to add serious power, whether it's achieved by re-signing Alonso or signing/trading for someone else. But they can't afford to wait until January to find out if a reunion with Alonso is likely.

If they determine Alonso's asking price is too high, or that he's simply not willing to compromise in the next few weeks, they might have to pivot -- which could potentially result in the end of Alonso's tenure in Queens.

What that pivot could look like is anyone's guess, but free agent Kyle Schwarber is among the interesting possibilities.

Address the starting rotation

It was the failure of the rotation that was most responsible for dooming the Mets' 2025 season. And their biggest task this offseason is adding pitchers to it who help ensure that it doesn't wilt again.

While the easiest way to add impact pitching could be signing free agent Framber Valdez, it can be argued that it isn't prudent to give a 32-year-old pitcher a long-term deal.

Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez (59) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers in game one of the Wild Card round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park.
Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez (59) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers in game one of the Wild Card round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park. / Troy Taormina - Imagn Images

There are less expensive options on the free agent market, like Ranger Suarez and Michael King, but they come with their own question marks.

If the Mets believe in 27-year-old Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai as a No. 3 starter with the upside to be more, he could make the most sense as the free agent they set their sights on.

But New York needs to add a legitimate top of the rotation arm, and the best way to do that is by turning to the trade market, where Joe Ryan and Freddy Peralta are the best fits (assuming Tigers ace Tarik Skubal isn't available).

As is noted above, this could be the offseason for the Mets to dangle some of their top prospects if the right trade comes along. A deal for Ryan or Peralta would qualify.

Explore the outfield possibilities

The Nimmo trade means that there are now holes in both left field and center field, and there are a whole bunch of different ways the Mets can go.

Stearns said before the Nimmo trade that prospect Carson Benge could possibly break camp as the starting center fielder. Now, the possibility exists that he begins the season as the starting left fielder.

The presence of Tyrone Taylor gives the Mets a defense-first option to play center, but it seems unlikely they'd go internal in both center and left -- unless they bolster other positions in a big way.

There's also a chance the future of Alonso impacts what the Mets do in the outfield.

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) flips his bat as he rounds the bases after hitting a home run
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) flips his bat as he rounds the bases after hitting a home run / Jayne Kamin-Oncea - Imagn Images

For example, if Alonso leaves, it would make sense for New York to be more inclined to spring for someone like free agent Cody Bellinger.

There are also intriguing trade options, including Jarren Duran of the Red Sox, Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox, and Byron Buxton of the Twins -- players who should fit in a world with or without Alonso.

Resolve the situations with Kodai Senga and Jeff McNeil

Despite Stearns saying after the Nimmo for Semien trade that McNeil is on board with what the Mets are doing, it feels pretty likely that he will be playing elsewhere in 2026.

With just one year remaining on his deal, it shouldn't be difficult to find interested teams for the versatile 33-year-old. In the event the Mets don't find anyone willing to give fair value, they could always keep McNeil and have him be a super utility player.

The situation with Senga is much trickier.

Senga's upside is enormous, but he hasn't been on the mound enough (Stearns himself said it would be "foolish" to rely on Senga for 30 starts in 2026). Part of that is due to injury, and part of it is due to issues with Senga's mechanics and comfortability -- something that led to him going to the minors late last season, working on things, and deciding he wasn't able to contribute to the big league team after that minor league stint.

He is set to earn $30 million over the final two guaranteed years of his contract. And given what pitchers have been getting on the free agent market, Senga should be appealing to teams who think they can get his mechanics right and keep him healthy. But the Mets shouldn't be giving him away.

Other possible trade candidates include Ronny Mauricio, Luisangel Acuña, and Mark Vientos.

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Warriors provide encouraging update on Steph Curry's quad injury rehab

Warriors provide encouraging update on Steph Curry's quad injury rehab originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Steph Curry’s return to the Warriors might be right around the corner.

Golden State’s superstar point guard, who has been sidelined five games (including Sunday vs. the Chicago Bulls) with a left quadriceps contusion sustained in the 104-100 loss to the Houston Rockets on Nov. 26, is progressing in his rehab and could return to game action later this week.

The Warriors provided an official update on Curry’s rehab on Sunday, stating that the 37-year-old is making “good progress” and has started individual on-court workouts in the Bay Area and could participate in segments of the team’s practice back home on Wednesday.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr shared a brief update on Curry prior to his team’s 99-94 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday and stated that Curry returning for Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center, which the team initially was targeting, still is realistic.

The Warriors are 2-2 in the four games Curry has missed with the quad injury, and with numerous other Golden State players dealing with injuries, the four days off after Sunday’s game come at a good time.

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Should the Knicks trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo?

The murmurs surrounding a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade have heated up in recent days, which has naturally thrust the Knicks — now at 15-7 and winners of seven of their last 10 — into the rumor mill. 

The Mecca of Basketball is reportedly atop the perennial MVP candidate’s preference list, so the Knicks should have a fair shot at the star if they put together their best offer, the question is should they?

The case for trading for Giannis

Despite having seven different champions in seven different seasons, one thing stayed constant about modern NBA champions: employing a generational superstar. Now while Jalen Brunson deserves every superlative in the book, including MVP candidate, Antetokounmpo is undoubtedly in another tier of greatness.

For reference, Giannis is averaging 29.9 points, 11.8 rebounds and six assists on 57.7 percent shooting from the field — over the last seven seasons. He was off to an even hotter start this year before injury.

He’s only five seasons removed from an NBA Championship and Finals MVP, and another year from back-to-back MVPs. He’d have more hardware if not for other rising stars and the Bucks roster slowly disintegrating around him.

So it’s easy to imagine this peak-Shaq-esque production in an improved context and not really gripe much about the cost. Care about losing Karl-Anthony Towns and you’re replacing him with an equally threatening scorer, care about losing OG Anunoby and you’ve replaced him with another Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner. 

A Giannis trade will likely have to cost two of them or other key rotation pieces, along with draft capital, a predictable and necessary pill to swallow to pair him with Brunson. Doing so maximizes your championship ceiling, which has been the ultimate goal of the Leon Rose era in New York.

Concerns about filling out the rest of the roster can be addressed at the trade deadline and by calling on current fringe rotation guys to step up. Last year’s Thunder were an aberration with their impressive depth, built up by years of tanking and trading — most recent champs grinded it out with a core eight-man rotation. 

Those worried about Antetokounmpo’s fit with a smaller guard after the Damian Lillard combination blew up should note that Brunson’s younger and much more adept at screening and being a threat off the ball. Lillard also needed a year to adjust to his new surroundings, and the Bucks went through a midseason firing trying to right the ship.

The Knicks have a far stronger foundation to build a winner around Brunson and Antetokounmpo, with even their ill-fitting assets being valuable enough to swap if need be. You can nitpick fit and asset management to death, or you can trade for a top-five talent in the league and live with the results.   

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles as New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles as New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden / Vincent Carchietta - Imagn Images

The case against trading for Giannis

Unfortunately, the concerns with an Antetokounmpo fit are more than nitpicky. Almost any variation of this trade, save for moving Brunson, leaves more basketball questions than answers.

Dealing Towns leaves New York’s center rotation down to an ailing Mitchell Robinson, Ariel Hukporti and Trey Jemison III. Outside of the overall talent, none of them can space the floor for Antetokounmpo, a long-standing must out of his frontcourt mate.

Antetokounmpo never spent more time at the five than he had to in his youth, and likely won’t want to do it more now that he’s past 30. Assuming the trade is Towns and a wing, you could trade one of Josh Hart or Mikal Bridges for a five to help smooth out the starters, but it’s impossible to ignore how thin the rotation looks after all these moves.

If the Knicks deal “Wingstop” for Antetokounmpo and manage to keep Towns, they’ll be in a similar glut on the wing, forced to rely on Hart, their guards, potentially Kyle Kuzma, Mohamed Diawara and whatever a potential Robinson trade could bring. Even if that’s addressed, the on-court chemistry may take longer to materialize than people expect.

Towns hasn’t found his full rhythm in this Mike Brown offense yet. How would that go with a second alpha in front of him on the touch ladder? Defensively, would he still be able to anchor things come playoff time without the strong defensive depth once surrounding him on this team?

There’s also more to the Brunson-Antetokounmpo question than simply dismissing the Lillard situation at face. Antetokounmpo captured his title alongside two big guards in Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday that ran a ton of pick-and-roll with him as both handlers and screeners.

Even with his off-ball game, it’s not clear Brunson can replicate that formula, especially making the tough passes to Antetokounmpo when crowded on screens at his size. Those were also relatively low-usage guards that could defer to Giannis at any time, while Brunson, though flexible, primarily needs his hands on the ball.

Finally, the cost of the trade is going to eat the Knicks' present and future chances of winning, for only a small bump to their championship ceiling. The Spurs and anybody with a similar asset pile is ready to offer up the boat for Giannis, and to match New York will have to part with every remaining scrap of its draft capital and rotational depth. 

You do that for a sure thing, and while Antetokounmpo is as close as you’re getting, he’s 31 years old with a battery of injuries down his resume and a ton of questions to answer once he arrives. This doesn’t even get to the opportunity cost of such a trade.

Right now, the Knicks are a favorite to get out of the East, and few of their counterparts have the juice for an Antetokounmpo trade. That means New York can stand by, count its wins, watch him likely leave the conference and only have to worry about a bunch of teams they’ve already bounced out of the playoffs in years prior. 

Why sacrifice that, and this impressive core that’s coming together, in a midseason blockbuster trade? The Knicks are in contention mode, not desperation mode, and this move reeks more of the latter than the former.

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Columbus Blue Jackets (32 pts) vs. Washington Capitals (37 pts) Game Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are on the road to take on the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena.    

Blue Jackets Stats

  • Power Play - 19.1% 15th in the NHL
  • Penalty Kill -70.7% - 30th in the NHL
  • Goals For - 86 - 13th in the NHL
  • Goals Against - 96 - 26th in the NHL

Capitals Stats

  • Power Play - 16.7% - 23rd in the NHL
  • Penalty Kill - 74.4% - 28th in the NHL
  • Goals For - 101 - 2nd in the NHL
  • Goals Against - 72 - 5th in the NHL

Series History vs. The Capitals 

  • Columbus is 21-27-1-10 all-time, and 10-14-1-4 on the road vs. Washington.
  • The Jackets are 6-6-1 at Capital One Arena in the last 13 games.
  • The CBJ went 2-1-1 vs. the Caps last season.
  • The Capitals have won both meetings this season by a combined score of 10-2.

Who To Watch For The Capitals 

  • Tom Wilson leads the Caps with 17 goals and 31 points.
  • Alex Ovechkin has 14 goals on the season.
  • Dylan Strome and John Carlson lead Washington with 17 assists each.
  • Goalie Logan Thompson is 12-6-1 with a .919 SV%. His last start was on December 5th.
  • Charlie Lindgren is 5-3-1 with a SV% of .893. His last start was on December 3rd against San Jose

CBJ Player Notes vs. Capitals 

  • Zach Werenski has 20 points in 27 career games against Washington.2
  • Charlie Coyle has 14 points in 32 games.
  • Sean Monahan has 17 points in 23 games vs. the Caps.

Injuries 

  • Erik Gudbranson - Upper Body - Missed 20 Games - IR - No timeline for a return
  • Boone Jenner - Upper Body - Missed 12 Games - IR - Could return this week
  • Mathieu Olivier - Upper Body - Missed 5 Games - IR- No timeline for a return

TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 53

How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FanDuel Sports Network. Steve Mears will be on the play-by-play. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan, with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story. 

Let us know what you think below.

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Why Guerschon Yabusele has yet to find footing with Knicks and how things can improve

It took nearly 40 minutes of the Knicks’ 146-112 win against the Utah Jazz on Friday night for Guerschon Yabusele to see the floor. 

The forward was able to cobble together a season-high 11 points in just nine-plus minutes of an already decided game. But the final quarter signified that Yabusele is far away from the role he was expected to assume this season. The return of OG Anunoby from a nine-game absence in the 34-point drubbing pushed Yabusele further out of the rotation. Rookie second-round draft pick Mohamed Diawara also saw minutes over the forward in the first half.

The Knicks signed Yabusele to a two-year, $11.3 million deal with a player option in the second year, using the taxpayer midlevel exception. The move was an attempt to bolster a bench that finished last in the NBA in scoring last season. 

Though Yabusele was supposed to be a key factor in New York’s bench redemption arc this season, the free agent acquisition has been left behind in head coach Mike Brown’s lineups. Through 21 games, Yabusele is averaging 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.1 minutes. Those numbers are a far cry from last year, when the forward put up 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds in 70 games.

As New York has gone to a smaller lineup, Yabusele hasn’t played more than about 17 minutes in a game all season. His stints on the floor are often a quick three or four minutes before being subbed out.

Yabusele’s role on the floor is much more muted than it was in Philadelphia. Due to a series of injuries that limited 76ers centers Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond to 19 and 40 games played, respectively, last season, Yabusele was given plenty of time at the center. According to Basketball Reference, 73 percent of Yabusele’s minutes with the 76ers last season were at the five. 

With the Knicks, that number has dropped to 40 percent. Karl-Anthony Towns starts at center and Mitchell Robinson usually takes up the other minutes at the five. When Robinson has sat, second-year big Ariel Hukporti has received playing time. Brown explained earlier this week that Yabusele being at the four has limited chances for him to be used as a screener.

Yabusele is like a locomotive train. When he’s given momentum on a drive, he’s hard for defenders to slow down. As the five, Yabusele was involved more often as a screener with the 76ers. It gave him the opportunity to rumble into the paint for drives or to post up against smaller defenders on switches. 

Ways to generate offense

In New York, Yabusele has been nailed to the three-point line as a floor spacer, with 65.6 percent of his attempts coming from beyond the arc, up from 48.7 percent in 2024-25. Though he’s getting up threes, Yabusele is shooting a paltry 27.5 percent from the three-point line. Mixing up drives and shots in the paint would help get him in a better flow. Last year, Yabusele had 44 dunks, and this year, he has just one slam.

Playing in transition could also be helpful for Yabusele. According to NBA Stats, 12.4 percent of Yabusele’s points came off fast break opportunities with Philadelphia. This year, that figure has dropped to 4.8 percent. Though Brown has talked about the Knicks playing faster, they are currently ranked 26th in pace. 

The Knicks brought the Frenchman in for offense, and if he’s not contributing, it’s hard to envision him seeing much more time on the floor. The Knicks have more depth than last year, but there’s a lack of size on the perimeter. Reserves Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson, Landry Shamet and Tyler Kolek are all shorter than 6-foot-4. 

Eastern Conference foes like the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons have length across the entire roster, so it’s not outside the realm of possibility that Yabusele could find his footing later in the season. But so far, the early returns are a concern.

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Islanders Keep Showing They Belong With The League’s Best: ‘It’s A Statement’

TAMPA -- The New York Islanders don't just have three straight wins. Over the last week, they've defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning twice and the Colorado Avalanche. 

Back on Tuesday, the Islanders put an end to Tampa's seven-game win streak with a 2-1 win before handing Colorado their second regulation loss, ending their 17-game point streak (14-0-3) with a 6-3 victory.

Then, on Saturday, in general manager Mathieu Darche's return to Tampa, the Islanders shut out the Lightning, the first time Jon Cooper's squad has been shut out this season.

Impressive. 

Lightning Thank Islanders GM Mathieu Darche, Equipment Manager Jason Berger In Their Return To TampaLightning Thank Islanders GM Mathieu Darche, Equipment Manager Jason Berger In Their Return To TampaEx-Lightning exec Mathieu Darche and equipment manager Jason Berger return to Tampa, reliving past Stanley Cup glory with the Islanders.

"It's a statement," Islanders forward Calum Ritchie said. "I think we're up there with any of the top teams in the league, and we show it when we play against the top teams that we are right in it with them."

"I think we're playing some good hockey right now. We just have to continue to build off of it."

The Islanders battle the Florida Panthers on Sunday evening, looking to push their win streak to four games. 

"Yeah, resilient. We're just doing little things really well right now," Islanders forward Bo Horvat said. "Obviousl,y we're getting great goaltending, which has been unbelievable for us. And I think everybody's playing the same way.  I think we're getting contributions from all four lines."

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Game #29: Ducks vs. Blackhawks Gameday Preview (12/07/25)

A Sunday matchup gives the Ducks an opportunity to close out their three-game homestand with a win. They are coming off a 4-3 shootout win on Friday night against the Washington Capitals. This is their third and final matchup of the season against the Blackhawks. The two previous results both went the Blackhawks' way. A victory on Sunday would represent the first time the Ducks have won two consecutive games since Nov. 17 and Nov. 19 against the Utah Mammoth and Boston Bruins.

"Right from the get-go, I thought we did a really good job," Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville said after Friday's win. "We had a lot of good things going for us. We had pace. I know we were chasing the game a couple times, we scored pretty quickly after to get ourselves back into it. I thought everybody contributed in a lot of ways. Some great action in overtime, some thrilling shootout moves as well."

Mikael Granlund returned from a 10-game absence caused by re-aggravation of a lower-body injury, which had already forced him to miss eight games previously. While he wasn't on the scoresheet, his presence on the ice was notable.

Nov 13, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Mikael Granlund (64) skates with the puck in the third period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

"I thought he got better as the game went on," Quenneville said. "I thought he was a threat later on, had the puck on his stick a lot more. Looked like he had some evasiveness as well. One more guy that adds pace to our game and possession to our team game as well."

"I'm just glad I got to play again," Granlund said. "I'm just happy. Got out there again and play some hockey. I know my own game is going to get better and better once we move on. Just happy to be out there."

The Blackhawks are coming off a shell-shocking performance on Saturday, in which the Los Angeles Kings put six goals past them and also held the Blackhawks scoreless. They have now lost seven of their last nine. Spencer Knight was in net for Saturday's game, so backup Arvid Söderblom will likely start against the Ducks.

Ducks Projected Lines

Chris Kreider - Leo Carlsson - Troy Terry
Cutter Gauthier - Mason McTavish - Beckett Sennecke
Frank Vatrano - Ryan Strome - Alex Killorn
Ross Johnston - Ryan Poehling - Mikael Granlund

Jackson LaCombe - Jacob Trouba
Olen Zellweger - Radko Gudas
Pavel Mintyukov - Drew Helleson

Ville Husso (projected)

Blackhawks Projected Lines

Ryan Greene - Connor Bedard - André Burakovsky
Oliver Moore - Frank Nazar - Tyler Bertuzzi
Ryan Donato - Jason Dickinson - Ilya Mikheyev
Colton Dach - Sam Lafferty

Alex Vlasic - Artyom Levshunov
Wyatt Kaiser - Louis Crevier
Matt Grzelcyk - Connor Murphy
Sam Rinzel

Arvid Söderblom (projected)

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Panthers Remain Optmistic About Playoff Chances; ‘It’s About Just Getting In’

The Florida Panthers pulled off a thrilling comeback on Saturday afternoon, and it could be just the thing the Panthers needed to begin repairing their season.

It wasn't always pretty, and coach Paul Maurice likely has plenty of notes about things he didn't like, but in the end, the Panthers picked up a vital two points after defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-6 in overtime. 

The Panthers trailed by multiple goals twice, trailing 4-1 in the second period and 6-4 in the third period, but a goal by Sam Bennett with 3.2 seconds remaining allowed everyone to forget about the negative things. 

The Panthers are dealing with numerous extracurricular issues, in addition to being the two-time Stanley Cup champions, who now have the largest target on their back. They've gone to three consecutive Stanley Cup finals and have played the most games in this time period. Fatigue is becoming a factor if it hasn't already. Additionally, they are dealing with several injuries, two of which are to a pair of superstar forwards.

Despite that, expectations of the Panthers remain sky high, and they have continued with their mentality that 'beating who's in front of you.' Now, possibly more than ever, do the Panthers have to lean into it, and it starts with the general manager. 

“There’s so many schools of thought on that, right?” Zito told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun prior to their loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 2.  “There’s the ‘just getting in.’ We made it to the final as No. 8 seeds (in 2023). We won the Presidents’ Trophy (2022) and didn’t win (lost in second round). So, you never really know. That’s why it’s about just getting in.”

When Zito said this, the Panthers had lost two consecutive games to the Philadelphia Flyers and the Calgary Flames. Following his comments, the Panthers would lose to the Maple Leafs before suffering their fourth successive defeat, this time to the Nashville Predators in overtime. 

The Panthers continue to possess a positive mindset, and although this win doesn't ensure they turn things around, it's at the very least a start. 

“Emotionally, we needed that game,”  Maurice said postgame.

Florida Panthers (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)

The Panthers are more than capable of turning things around, but they are five points back of the Montreal Canadiens for third place in the Atlantic Division, with three teams in between them. They are also five points back of the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but six teams are ahead in the standings. 

There is plenty of work for the Panthers to do, and a win against the New York Islanders today, one of those teams the Panthers are chasing, would go a long way. 

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Canadiens Smother Maple Leafs In 2-1 Shootout Win

The Montreal Canadiens were taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night, and Martin St-Louis’ men were hoping to get a second consecutive win against the old enemy. While the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast team was focused on whether the Leafs would set a league record for the most consecutive games with a goal on their first shot, the Habs were focused on playing a complete 200-foot game and being smart on both sides of the puck.

The first two meetings between the two sides this season had finished 5-2, with each team grabbing a win, and those who believed they’d be treated to a goal festival were sorely mistaken.

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Dobes’ Attitude In Net

For a second game in a row, rookie netminder Jakub Dobes was manning the Canadiens’ net, and there was a lot to like about his game. His movements were well-calculated, his reflexes were lightning sharp, and he was very proactive in the net.

The Czech netminder doesn’t wait for shots to come to him to be involved in the game; he has a knack for harpooning the puck and cutting off passes, which could have led to scoring chances.

Furthermore, he’s really fiery on the ice. If you poke at a puck he has covered and he doesn’t like your aggressiveness, he will hack at you. Not quite in a “in-your-face-Billy-Smith-crazy” kind of way, but he will do it, and you will get the message. The same goes if you are in his crease and taking up too much room; he won’t wait for his blueliners to do the heavy lifting; he will do the heavy lifting and fight for his space.

These are all little details, but they are confidence-inspiring details. Having a goaltender who both looks and is in control will settle any team's nerves. Even though the Canadiens hadn’t won in the regular season in Toronto since February 2021, they were highly confident in front of Dobes on Saturday night.

Dobes made perhaps the save of the game in the third frame when confusion behind the net between Alexandre Carrier and Noah Dobson handed the Leafs a golden chance. Still, the goalie moved right in front of Dakota Joshua, and used his head to keep the score 1-1.

Shutting The Leafs Down

The Habs’ confidence was also evident in their defensive play as a five-man unit. St-Louis has been on their case all season about defending from the moment you lose the puck, and that’s precisely what they did on Saturday night.

The fact that the Leafs had only 10 shots after 40 minutes and that Montreal had only six blocked shots in the same time span tells the story of a team that didn’t have time to set up its attack. By smothering the locals’ attack, the Canadiens also sucked the air out of the building, and you could have heard a pin drop for most of the game.

Toronto did press on in the third frame, as is to be expected from a team that’s down by one goal. Still, the Leafs could only manage to get a single goal while shorthanded, thanks to an Oliver Kapanen brain cramp. The Finn turned the puck over while the Habs were in deep, which allowed Scott Laughton to take off all alone on the breakaway and beat Dobes with a slapshot.

After 65 minutes, the Leafs only had 23 shots, while the Canadiens had 34.

The First Line

It was a great night for the first line, aside from the fact that Suzuki had a 36% success rate at the faceoff dot. Cole Caufield scored the only regulation goal for the Canadiens with assists from Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov, extending his point streak to 10 games. The sniper had four shots on goal, three missed shots and three hits. The American also scored one of the Habs' two shootout goals, lifting the puck above Dennis Hildeby’s shoulder once he saw how bent forward the goaltender was, a perfect read.

Meanwhile, Slafkovsky had four shots on goal, one missed shot, two hits, a blocked shot and a giveaway. Beyond the stats, though, it’s his dedication to the defensive side of the game that stuck with me tonight. The backcheck, the diving play to delay the Leafs going the other way, the big Slovak was on his game tonight.

The captain’s game streak with a point came to an end, but that’s hardly something he’ll be worried about, and his passing game with his winger was on point.

For the second game in a row, St-Louis decided to use Alexandre Texier in the shootout, and this time it paid off. When he was signed, we were told he had some excellent offensive skills, and while we had seen it in practice so far, he showcased them when it mattered tonight, allowing the Canadiens to claim the second point.

On Sunday night, the Canadiens will be back in action at the Bell Centre when they welcome the St. Louis Blues. With Dobes’ performance in Toronto, one can wonder if the coach won’t be tempted to stick with him for that game as well, after all, Samuel Montembeault is struggling mightily right now, and the Czech netminder wasn’t overworked on Saturday night.

 

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Logan Mailloux Returns To Face Canadiens For First Time Since Trade To Blues That Brought Zack Bolduc To Montreal

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. – There were plenty of mixed emotions running through Logan Mailloux back on July 1, the day he was traded by the Montreal Canadiens to the St. Louis Blues for Zack Bolduc.

But when the dust finally settled, one of the first things the first things the 22-year-old from Belle River, Ontario did was check a calendar.

When would be the first game between the Blues and Canadiens? Which player, Mailloux or Bolduc, would face his former team for the first time in the building said player used to call home?

Well, it’s Mailloux and the Blues (10-12-7), who visit the Canadiens (15-9-3) on Sunday inside Bell Centre in Montreal.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Mailloux said. “Just playing there, playing against the guys. These are some meaningful games for us right now too. I’m excited to get back there and hopefully get the win.”

The trade wasn’t one that was viewed around the league as something that had been cooking, perhaps other than the two that consummated the deal: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong and his counterpart, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes. So naturally there will be comparisons made since each was a first-round pick in the 2021 NHL draft, Bolduc the No. 17 pick, Mailloux No. 31.

And when Bolduc, who broke out last season with the Blues, putting up 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists) in 72 games and a plus-20, opened the season with the Canadiens scoring his first three games (four points) while Mailloux was struggling at the outset with the Blues, people were already making their presumptions.

But what people forget is one is a forward and the other is a defenseman and defensemen take longer to nurture and bring along until ready for full-time duty at the NHL level.

The Blues gave Mailloux a job out of training camp, but decided after nine games (no points) and a minus-12, maybe a sting with Springfield of the American Hockey League might do him some good. Play in meaningful minutes, in all situations before bringing him back.

Mailloux went to Springfield and scored twice, returned in time to get back into the lineup Nov. 24 against the New York Rangers and one can see a noticeable difference.

“I think the young man’s done a real good job since he’s been back here,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. “… I thought that the game where he started with New York, I thought New Jersey, he showed tremendous character coming back from the cut and playing real good minutes for us. In the third, he was going to get out there in the 3-on-3 situation, so yes, we’re really happy with his development.

“(He moves) his feet better offensively and defensively, to have a good gap to support offense, and he’s played with a snarl. He’s been physical. He’s a big man and we really encourage him to use that snarl.”

Since returning, Mailloux has played in seven games and has an assist (Nov. 26 against the New Jersey Devils), and even played a season-high 18:19 against the Boston Bruins on Thursday. But it’s obvious he’s feeling more at home with his new teammates. Of his 16 shots on goal in 16 games, six have come the past two games.

“I think I’ve definitely been building, taking steps in the right direction,” Mailloux said. “I’m playing more my game, my style. Just got to try and keep building on it. It’s been going better since I got back from Springfield, so I’m just hoping to keep building.”

Bolduc will get his welcome back to St. Louis on Jan. 3 but having gotten the ease of facing his former mates for the first time past him. Mailloux will step onto the ice Sunday for the first time facing Montreal for the first time and facing friends he was groomed in the organization with.

“I think that’s natural for anyone that gets traded away,” Mailloux said. “I’m definitely looking forward to playing the other team and hopefully leaving a sour taste in their mouths. I’m looking forward to getting back there, but I’m thankful for everything they did for me.

“I was with the organization for a while. They helped me a ton for the years that I was there. I’ve built some great relationships there, some of my best buddies are there. I have a good relationship with the staff and stuff as well. I’m definitely excited.

“(Jakub) Dobes is one of my best buddies. Hopefully he’ll be playing and I could get one on him. That would be fun. We played at Laval (of the AHL) together for a couple years. We lived in the same apartment building last year. I’m looking forward to playing against him.”

Montgomery knows how the defenseman feels, having just gone through the first visit to Boston since being fired there last year. It’s a different kind of feel.

“I think it’s natural for everybody … when you go back to somewhere where somebody’s moved on from you, that you have a little bit of extra fight inside of you,” Montgomery said.

Mailloux only played eight games with the Canadiens, so it’s not as if a beloved player is returning, but he still doesn’t know what kind of reception he’ll receive.

“I’m leaving it open,” Mailloux said. “I only played a few games there. The fans were awesome to me when I was there.

“They live and breathe hockey there. No matter what it is, no matter what night it is, that place is always juiced up. It’s pretty special as a player. But I’m excited to go there on the other side of things now to kind of see how it is.”

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'Wish We Found A Way To Get This For Him': Dennis Hildeby Shows Promise In Maple Leafs' Shootout Loss To Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs owe Dennis Hildeby one after their shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

Hildeby was starting for the team after Saturday morning's news that Joseph Woll was going on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Hildeby had played seven games before this one, but it felt like this was a moment where he could put his stamp on being an NHLer.

And he did so.

In the first period, Toronto played well, getting as many chances as they gave up. When they needed a save, Hildeby was there to make it. The same went for the second and third periods, though he was busiest in the middle frame, facing 14 shots from the Canadiens.

"Kept us in it," said Scott Laughton, who scored Toronto's third-period goal to tie the game at one. "He's been solid right from day one. He's been good every game I've seen him. We're going to need that going forward here. And it's good to see. But he's a great, great kid, and he deserves it."

A second-period power play goal from Cole Caufield off a back-door pass from Juraj Slafkovský was the only puck that got behind Hildeby in regulation. Caufield would add another in the shootout, along with a nice one-handed marker from Alexandre Texier, to get the extra point.

"Yeah, I'm not happy about that," Hildeby described his first shootout at the NHL level.

"It seems to be a learning process there, too. I felt like I could have done more there, so that sucks a little bit to finish off that way."

Maple Leafs React To Joseph Woll Leaving Win Against Hurricanes And What We Know About His ‘Lower-Body’ Injury Maple Leafs React To Joseph Woll Leaving Win Against Hurricanes And What We Know About His ‘Lower-Body’ Injury Just as the Maple Leafs found their stride on a successful road trip, the team faces a potential crisis in the crease after Joseph Woll exited Thursday’s win with a concerning lower-body injury.

Hildeby finished the game, stopping 33 of 34 shots against. Despite the game going into the loss column, the 24-year-old should be proud of the saves he made. Particularly, one in the second period, where he robbed Zachary Bolduc on a breakaway.

"He's been really good," Oliver Ekman-Larsson said. "This year, he seems like he took that next level and just gets the confidence and poise. I really like how he handles himself, off and on the ice."

Nicolas Roy added, "I just wish we found one more and find a way to get this one for him tonight."

After Saturday's loss, Hildeby improves to a .927 save percentage through eight games this season.

The good thing is, Hildeby is getting more confident with every game he gets into, and the statistics definitely prove it. The Swede has the fourth-best save percentage among NHL goaltenders who've played five or more games this year.

The goalie right in front of him is Woll, who Hildeby will have to hold the fort for until he's ready to return to the lineup, which could be in a week.

"He was really good, I thought," said Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube. "He did the job for us, made some real good saves, and so I was happy. Good to see that with him."

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"World Class Shot": Patrick Kane's Red Wings Teammates Love What He Brings

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The Detroit Red Wings have now collected three of four possible points to begin their six-game road swing, and they have future Hall of Fame forward Patrick Kane to thank for their victory on Saturday evening against the Seattle Kraken.

It was Kane who fired a wrist shot past the glove of Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord with just 2:29 left in the third period, breaking a 3-3 tie and moving him to within three goals of 500 for his career. 

The Red Wings managed to knot the score at 3-3 late in the second period after veteran forward James van Riemsdyk, who was selected second overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL Draft just one pick after Kane was picked by the Chicago Blackhawks, scored for the third consecutive game. 

While van Riemsdyk has played against Kane plenty of times in his career, including the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, he's loving every second of being on the same NHL squad. 

"It's been the same for the 20 years I've known him," van Riemsdyk said following the game in a postgame interview. "When the game is on the line, he's the guy you want the puck on his stick. He usually comes through."

"A word class shot there and a big two points for us."

The Red Wings also were boosted by goals from rookie Emmitt Finnie, who notched his sixth tally of the season in the opening 20 minutes of play.

Following the first goal by Red Wings forward Andrew Copp since Oct. 11, the Kraken seized the lead with two straight goals, only to have van Rimesdyk score late in the second period to knot the score at 3-3

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Kane himself didn't seem much in the mood to take credit for the go-ahead tally, instead saying he felt his performance in the early goings of the contest wasn't what he wanted it to be. 

“I wasn’t very good tonight," Kane said. "But sometimes you don’t have your best and you can find ways to win on the road. That’s a good skill to have.”

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