The Dallas Stars sank the Colorado Avalanche 6-2 in Game 5 on Monday night to grab a 3-2 lead in ...

The Dallas Stars sank the Colorado Avalanche 6-2 in Game 5 on Monday night to grab a 3-2 lead in the first-round series between the two Central Division titans.Dallas forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10699">Wyatt Johnston</a> chipped in with two goals and three points, while winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> haunted his former team with the eventual game-winner as part of a three-point night.Stars netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8282" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8282">Jake Oettinger</a> was strong between the pipes, turning aside 26 of 28 shots. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The victory comes after Dallas was dominated 4-0 in Game 4.Johnston's first tally Monday came just nine seconds into the contest, which is the fastest goal to begin a playoff game in Stars history. Defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8659">Thomas Harley</a> then scored in the final minute of the first period to double Dallas' lead.Though Rantanen would make it 3-0 on his club's eighth shot of the game, Colorado pulled within one goal after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5569" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5569">Artturi Lehkonen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> both found twine in the middle frame.It was all Dallas the rest of the way, though, with Johnston and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9435" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9435">Mason Marchment</a> restoring the three-goal lead before the start of the third period. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6400" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6400">Roope Hintz</a> gave the fans some extra breathing room with an empty-netter.Johnston, Rantanen, and Marchment all scored their first goals of the series in the victory. Avalanche goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4779" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4779">Mackenzie Blackwood</a> made 13 saves on 18 shots before being replaced to start the final frame by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1794">Scott Wedgewood</a>, who stopped all eight shots he faced in relief. Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday in Denver.

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 28: Wyatt Johnston #53, Jamie Benn #14, and Evgenii Dadonov #63 of the Dallas Stars celebrate a goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center at American Airlines Center on April 28, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Stars rebound in Game 5 to put Avalanche on edge of elimination

Things got a little ugly between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers during Game 4 on Mo...

Things got a little ugly between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers during Game 4 on Monday. Panthers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4582" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4582">Niko Mikkola</a> was ejected and assessed a five-minute major for boarding Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2589">Zemgus Girgensons</a> in the third period. Girgensons was already down when Mikkola hit him into the boards. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Niko Mikkola receives a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding on Zemgus Girgensons. <a href="https://t.co/XNWwW5EKSm">pic.twitter.com/XNWwW5EKSm</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1917022257236336758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Prior to that incident, Bolts forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> was injured on a controversial hit from Panthers rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a> in the second period. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hagel caught Ekblad's forearm up high and his head hit the ice on the way down. The winger retreated down the tunnel, and Ekblad wasn't assessed a penalty on the play.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikGh9q2kKdI?si=ZleGpBVCnPBYh7j2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>Hagel didn't return to the contest.Lightning head coach Jon Cooper wasn't interested in discussing the collision. "It's getting tiresome answering questions about a hit every single game. I'll ask you," he said while addressing a reporter, per <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1917050511230177708">TSN</a>. "You asked me the question, why are you asking me the question? Do you have anything to say about it? If anybody in here has something, stand up and let me know. Alright, let's move on." The Bolts responded to the hit on Hagel with two goals in a span of 11 seconds - scored by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9883" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9883">Mitchell Chaffee</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4680" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4680">Erik Cernak</a> - for the fastest two playoff tallies in franchise history. However, the Panthers also struck twice in 11 seconds in the final frame en route to a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277117" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277117">4-2 win</a>.Hagel missed the Bolts' 5-1 victory Saturday after being assessed a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3274901" href="https://thescore.com/news/3274901">one-game suspension</a> for interfering with Panthers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> in the previous contest.Ekblad, meanwhile, played in just his second game of the series on Monday after he was suspended 20 matchups for violating the NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substances program back in March. He scored his first goal since late January to make it 2-2 in Game 4.The Panthers now hold a 3-1 series lead.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - APRIL 01: Niko Mikkola #77 of the Florida Panthers looks on before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre on April 01, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Mikkola ejected for boarding, Hagel injured on unpenalized Ekblad hit

The Washington Capitals completed the comeback against Montreal on Sunday with a 5-2 victory in G...

The Washington Capitals completed the comeback against Montreal on Sunday with a 5-2 victory in Game 4 to push the Canadiens to the edge of elimination.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4791" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4791">Andrew Mangiapane</a> scored the winner with under four minutes left, while forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9879" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9879">Brandon Duhaime</a> and bruiser <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> sealed the deal with a pair of empty-netters, bringing the series to 3-1.Washington has lost five best-of-seven series in franchise history when leading 3-1, the most by any NHL team, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1916665993654313441">Sportsnet Stats</a>. Montreal erased a 3-1 first-round deficit against the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2021.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Capitals forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4562" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4562">Dylan Strome</a> opened the scoring in the second period on Sunday, but the Habs snagged the lead thanks to power-play goals from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12706">Juraj Slafkovsky</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10510" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10510">Cole Caufield</a>.Montreal held on to that advantage until Duhaime potted the equalizer with his first goal of the game before the midway mark of the final frame. Wilson set the tone right before Duhaime scored, unleashing a massive hit on Canadiens defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4569" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4569">Alexandre Carrier</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tom Wilson ROCKED Alexandre Carrier, leading to the Caps' game-tying goal! 💥 <a href="https://t.co/1YjY6cvyPZ">pic.twitter.com/1YjY6cvyPZ</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1916659580647379370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Carrier initially remained on the bench but eventually went down the tunnel and didn't return."Obviously, playoffs are extremely physical," Wilson told <a href="https://x.com/NHL_On_TNT/status/1916667984585585140">NHL on TNT</a> about his play. "They're hitting, we're hitting, you get hit, you give hits. Last couple games, I spent a lot of time in the box. Coming into this one, I just wanted to play between the whistles, play hard."Wilson racked up 12 penalty minutes in Game 3 but stayed out of the box on Sunday. Canadiens netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9298" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9298">Jakub Dobes</a> was expecting a stoppage in play after the massive hit on Carrier."I felt like it should've been a whistle," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1916673267277984247">Sportsnet</a>. "It was kind of a scary hit, but I guess the rules don't apply for everyone in this league. I have no idea."Habs head coach Martin St. Louis also expressed some concern with the officiating. "I don't know," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/video/postgame-vs-wsh-st-louis-6372011053112">said</a>. "It's hard. I'll be careful with my words, but it's hard to watch some of these calls. To me, tonight, one of the mandates (from the NHL) was about embellishing tonight.""(General manager Kent Hughes) talks with the supervisor each game day," St. Louis added, per <a href="https://apnews.com/article/canadiens-capitals-officials-ec895ee20c5cc832a9560615bdaeefd1">The Associated Press</a>. "We are told the things they want to clean up. Embellishment was one of them."The Capitals had five power plays - including a five-on-three - and failed to convert on any of them, while Montreal went two-for-four. Capitals goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10003">Logan Thompson</a> made 16 saves on 18 shots after departing the last contest with an injury. At the other end of the ice, rookie Dobes turned aside 21 out of 24 shots in his first playoff start.Usual starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4728" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4728">Sam Montembeault</a> is considered <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3275710" href="https://thescore.com/news/3275710">day-to-day</a> with an undisclosed injury. Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday in D.C. at 7 p.m. ET.

MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 27: Brandon Duhaime #22 of the Washington Capitals celebrates his goal with teammate Connor McMichael #24 during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens in Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on April 27, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Capitals score late to win Game 4, take stranglehold on Canadiens

The Carolina Hurricanes beat the New Jersey Devils 5-2 in Game 4 on Sunday to take a commanding 3...

The Carolina Hurricanes beat the New Jersey Devils 5-2 in Game 4 on Sunday to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7706">Andrei Svechnikov</a> led the way with the second playoff hat trick of his career. His first two tallies came in the opening minute of the first and second periods, and he capped it off with an empty-netter.Svechnikov scored the first postseason hat trick in Hurricanes history in 2020 against the New York Rangers.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"For him to get going is huge for us," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3188" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3188">Jordan Martinook</a> <a href="https://x.com/rbarkleyhockey/status/1916639979154837784">said</a> postgame of Svechnikov's performance. "I thought he was around it, he was physical, he was holding onto pucks."I said to him after the game, 'If we're gonna make a run, we're gonna need that outta you.' He was a beast tonight."Svechnikov also recorded five hits and six shots on Sunday.He had a down year offensively in the regular season, recording 20 goals and 48 points in 72 contests for the second lowest point-per-game rate (0.67) of his career. The Russian winger was more than happy to break through in Game 4. "It was kind of a hard season for me," he said. "Right now, in the playoff time, it's kind of my time. I love this time of the year. I love playing a physical game, just trying to do everything that's going to help my team win the game."Carolina held a 3-0 lead in the early goings of the middle frame Sunday, but the Devils picked away thanks to goals from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6426" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6426">Nico Hischier</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4725" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4725">Timo Meier</a>. Veteran defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/607" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/607">Brent Burns</a> gave his club some breathing room with a goal past the midway mark of the final frame.The Hurricanes have never lost a series when up 3-1. They've made it to at least the second round in each of the last four campaigns.It wasn't all good news for Carolina, as starting netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3276025" href="https://thescore.com/news/3276025">departed</a> Sunday's contest in the second period following a collision with Meier. Andersen was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the tilt.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12697">Pyotr Kochetkov</a> allowed one goal on 15 shots in relief. At the other end, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1677" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1677">Jacob Markstrom</a> turned aside 24 out of 28 shots for the Devils.New Jersey got on the board in the series with a 3-2 overtime victory in Game 3 on Friday.Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in Raleigh at 7:30 p.m. ET."We haven't lost the series yet," Hischier said, per team beat reporter <a href="https://x.com/amandacstein/status/1916635090467082685">Amanda Stein</a>. "We've got to go out there, win a road game, and bring the series back here. That's all in my mind right now. The last win for them is the hardest."

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 27: Andrei Svechnikov #37 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates his goal during the second period of Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 27, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Hurricanes put Devils on brink of elimination with Game 4 win

Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson started Game 4 against the Montreal Canadiens on Su...

Washington Capitals goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10003">Logan Thompson</a> started Game 4 against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night despite exiting the previous contest with an apparent lower-body injury.Thompson needed to be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3274940" href="https://thescore.com/news/3274940">helped off</a> the ice after Capitals forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4562" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4562">Dylan Strome</a> crashed into him in the third period of Washington's 6-3 loss Wednesday.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Logan Thompson leaves the game in pain following the Canadiens fifth goal of the night <a href="https://t.co/Qi6GvoJkLl">pic.twitter.com/Qi6GvoJkLl</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1915945327397638615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The netminder surrendered five goals on 35 shots before departing. Thompson was fabulous in Games 1 and 2, recording a .951 save percentage and 1.47 goals-against average across both victories.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Thompson was considered a game-time decision heading into Game 4 and was in the starter's net at morning skate, though he left the ice at the same time as running mate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5525" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5525">Charlie Lindgren</a>. Washington held a 2-1 series lead entering Sunday's tilt.

MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 25: Logan Thompson #48 of the Washington Capitals tends net during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens in Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on April 25, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Washington Capitals 6-3.

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Logan Thompson starts Game 4 after exiting previous contest

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel will have a hearing Friday for interference on Florida ...

Tampa Bay Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> will have a hearing Friday for interference on Florida Panthers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> during Thursday's Game 2, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced.Hagel was assessed a five-minute major on the play. The hearing will take place Friday. The incident occurred around the midway mark of the third period with the Bolts down 1-0. The call on Hagel was upheld after a review, and Barkov went down the tunnel afterward.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/owJ3P24w9sE?si=aJu8L3vPe5YF8ZXY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>"Refs made the call," Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said of the penalty, per <a href="https://apnews.com/article/aleksander-barkov-panthers-169c02a17d1234ec4d49a5e040af8a05">The Associated Press</a>. "I was a little surprised it was a (major) ... five minutes in a 1-0 game with eight minutes to play, nine minutes to play, that's a tough situation to be in."Barkov logged an assist on defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2910" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2910">Nate Schmidt</a>'s first-period icebreaker and recorded one block and one hit in 15:41 minutes of ice time before departing.Florida went on to win the game 2-0 thanks to an empty-netter from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a>, though Barkov never returned.Panthers head coach Paul Maurice had no postgame update on Barkov's status, per team reporter <a href="https://x.com/KatieEngleson/status/1915585396483727577">Katie Engleson</a>.The Finnish center chipped in with two assists during Florida's 6-2 Game 1 victory Tuesday.

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 24: Brandon Hagel #38 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Florida Panthers of Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on April 24, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Lightning's Hagel faces hearing for interference on Barkov

Ottawa head coach Travis Green didn't have much of a message for his Senators after Thursday's 3-...

Ottawa head coach Travis Green didn't have much of a message for his Senators after Thursday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 3 put them in a 0-3 hole. "There's not much I'm gonna say to them right now that's gonna help or make them feel any better," Green <a href="https://www.nhl.com/senators/video/travis-green-postgame-media-vs-tor-6371908934112">said</a>. "It's disheartening, to say the least. I thought both teams played a hell of a game. Sometimes playoff hockey comes down to little inches or bounces, and we were on the wrong end of it tonight."Despite the daunting task that faces Ottawa during its first taste of playoff action since 2017, Green said he's certain his players will be ready to fight in Saturday's must-win Game 4.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The one thing I know about our team is, we're not going to lie down, we're not going to go away, we're going to be ready to play," the bench boss said.Like Green, Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> knows the series isn't over yet."It's not too long ago I watched the Red Sox versus Yankees documentary when they came back from 0-3," Tkachuk <a href="https://www.nhl.com/senators/video/brady-tkachuk-postgame-media-vs-tor-6371907763112">said</a>. "It's been done before, and I have the belief that it can happen again."Green added that he didn't see a need to change much about Ottawa's play. Game 2 also went to overtime, and despite the Senators controlling 59.2% of shot attempts and 52.8% of expected goals in over 150 minutes of five-on-five play in the series, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30110">Natural Stat Trick</a>, they've been outscored 7-3 in those situations.Thursday's clash was a hard-fought loss for Ottawa. <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/911">Claude Giroux</a> gave the Sens their first lead of the series with a five-on-three goal in the second period, but the Maple Leafs responded with a power-play goal of their own.Toronto captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> put his team ahead in the first minute of the third stanza before Tkachuk forced the extra frame. However, the comeback attempt was short-lived, as Leafs defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9758" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9758">Simon Benoit</a> bagged the winner just over one minute into overtime.The Canadian Tire Centre lived up to its end of the bargain, though. The fans were raucously loud, and their enthusiasm didn't go unnoticed by Tkachuk. "It was unbelievable," he said. "That was probably the coolest atmosphere I've ever played in. Honestly, I can't really describe it because I came out there, and I had immediate goosebumps, chills. ... Gonna need it again on Game 4. I know they're gonna bring it. ... We'll find a way for them."The puck drops on Saturday's showdown at 7 p.m. ET. "I know we're going to play with absolutely everything that we have," Tkachuk said. "There's nothing to save it for."

OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 24: Ottawa Senators Head Coach Travis Green addresses the media after Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators on April 24, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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Green: 0-3 hole 'disheartening' but Senators 'not going to lie down'

Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery credited goalie Logan Thompson as being "the diffe...

Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery credited goalie <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10003">Logan Thompson</a> as being "the difference" in Wednesday's 3-1 Game 2 victory after the Montreal Canadiens ran the show in the final frame."He wins us that game in the third period," Carbery <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/spencer-carbery-postgame-6371854906112">said</a> after Washington took a 2-0 series lead. "(Habs netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4728" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4728">Sam</a>) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4728" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4728">Montembeault</a> was fantastic in the first 40 (minutes). ... You're playing with fire if you're not able to capitalize and execute and find a way to get that game to 2-1, 3-1, 4-1."You let a team stay right there within a goal. We obviously do a really poor job of managing that game in the third period."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Capitals held a 2-1 lead entering the last stanza and limited Montreal to 12 shots through the first two frames, but the underdogs threw everything they could at Washington over the final 20 minutes. The Habs fired 14 shots on net while holding a 3-0 edge in high-danger chances and a 34-15 advantage in shot attempts at all strengths, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30132&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.Thompson rose to the occasion and made a bevy of difficult saves, including on a dangerous rush chance by forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3044" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3044">Josh Anderson</a> and a particularly clutch kick save on a deflected puck with less than five minutes to go. Capitals center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8611">Connor McMichael</a> allowed Washington to breathe with an empty-netter in the dying seconds.All in, Thompson saved 1.47 goals above expected during the contest and made 25 saves on 26 shots. "He's dialed. ... (He's) always going to battle for us, we know that," Washington veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/tom-wilson-postgame-6371853327112">said</a> of Thompson's big game. "He made some huge saves, timely saves. Bit of a highlight reel there, for sure."Thompson was similarly outstanding in Game 1, turning aside 33 of 35 shots. His strong postseason starts come after he missed the last seven games of the regular season with an upper-body issue.Though Thompson won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, he didn't get to suit up during that run due to an injury.Thompson's first taste of playoff action came last spring, when he logged a .921 save percentage in four games during Vegas' first-round loss to the Dallas Stars. "It didn't really end the way I wanted it to, so to get another chance at it, I'm hungry, and I'm thankful for this opportunity," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/thompson-strome-postgame-6371851538112">said</a> Wednesday.Thompson requested a trade out of Sin City last summer in search of more playing time, and the 28-year-old has made it worth Washington's while."He's been huge for us all season," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5588" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5588">Pierre-Luc Dubois</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/capitals/video/pierre-luc-dubois-postgame-6371855103112%20">said</a>. "Tonight's another showcase of what he's done for us. ... He's played a lot of good games for us this year, and he's gonna play a lot of good games going forward."Game 3 is scheduled for Friday in Montreal at 7 p.m. ET.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 23: Capitals fans cheer after a save by goalie Logan Thompson (48) during game two of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on April 23, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C..

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Capitals' Carbery: Thompson 'wins us that game' in 3rd period

The New York Rangers agreed to a multi-year contract extension with president and general manager...

The New York Rangers agreed to a multi-year contract extension with president and general manager Chris Drury, the team announced Wednesday.The Rangers endured a tumultuous 2024-25 campaign, finishing fifth in the Metropolitan Division with a 39-36-7 record and missing the playoffs by six points."I am pleased that Chris will continue to lead the Rangers' hockey operations in his role as president and general manager," MSG Sports CEO James L. Dolan wrote in a statement. "Over his tenure, Chris has shown passion for the Rangers, relentless work ethic, and a tireless pursuit of excellence.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"While we are all disappointed in what transpired this past season, I am confident in his ability to guide this organization to success."Reports emerged in December that a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3164507" href="https://thescore.com/news/3164507">rift</a> developed between the players and the Rangers' front office due to decisions Drury made before and during the season.Among the points of contention was New York's move to waive <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3255" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3255">Barclay Goodrow</a> last summer. The San Jose Sharks claimed Goodrow despite reportedly being on his 15-team no-trade list, allowing the Rangers to shed the remaining three years of the veteran forward's contract, which carried a cap hit of around $3.64 million.New York then traded captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> to the Anaheim Ducks in early December. The defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3152271" href="https://thescore.com/news/3152271">revealed</a> that the Rangers discussed putting him on waivers as a "threat" to pressure him into facilitating a trade, adding that his exit from the Big Apple "could have been handled better."Drury also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3139493" href="https://thescore.com/news/3139493">reportedly</a> sent a message to other NHL teams in November indicating that he'd be open for a trade, specifically mentioning Trouba and longtime Rangers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a>.New York made a big splash in late January by acquiring star<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170"> J.T. Miller</a> from the Vancouver Canucks, but it wasn't enough to get the Rangers into the postseason. The club was largely done in by a 4-15 run in November and December.The rough campaign came just a year after the Rangers won the Presidents' Trophy as the league's top regular-season team with a franchise-best 55 wins and 114 points. They went on to make the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in the past three seasons, though the Florida Panthers bounced them in six games.Drury has been New York's general manager since May 2021, with the team amassing a 193-105-30 record during his tenure."I am honored to sign this contract extension and continue in this position with the team I grew up supporting," Drury said. "As I said when I began in this role nearly four years ago, there isn't a more special organization in hockey, and I look forward to continuing our work this offseason to help us reach our goals for next season and in the coming years."The Rangers head into next season with $9.672 million in cap space and several key restricted free agents on their hands, such as rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9103" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9103">K'Andre Miller</a> and forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9235" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9235">Will Cuylle</a>, per <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/new-york-rangers">PuckPedia</a>.New York <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3270817" href="https://thescore.com/news/3270817">fired</a> head coach Peter Laviolette on Saturday.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 28: General Manager Chris Drury of the New York Rangers speaks during a press conference prior to the jersey retirement ceremony for Henrik Lundqvist taking place before the game between the New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2022 in New York City. Henrik Lundqvist played all 15 seasons of his NHL career with the Rangers before retiring in 2020.

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Rangers agree to multi-year extension with GM Drury

Alex Ovechkin has 971 goals between the regular season and playoffs, but Monday's was his first o...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> has 971 goals between the regular season and playoffs, but Monday's was his first overtime winner in the postseason.Unsurprisingly, the sniper wasn't too moved by his career first after his extra-period heroics lifted the Washington Capitals to a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1."A goal is a goal," Ovechkin said. "It doesn't matter in the playoffs - especially in OT - who scores."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lVLlN0HxNLg?si=Elve_EM3wXds33nn" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>Ovechkin may have been relatively blase, but his goaltender found himself in awe of the veteran forward."The guy's the best player in the world, right?" said <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10003">Logan Thompson</a>, who turned aside 33 of 35 shots. "What else can you say? He comes in clutch today, all game. I think he had a part on all the goals. It's awesome to see, it's a privilege to be his teammate."Before potting the overtime winner, Ovechkin opened the scoring on the power play in the late stages of the first frame and assisted on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4721" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4721">Anthony Beauvillier</a>'s second-period marker. His two-goal outing gives him 74 playoff tallies in 152 games, tying him with Joe Pavelski for the 13th most all time. He's only five away from cracking the top 10."He doesn't need much time and space," Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis said, according to <a href="https://x.com/TomGulittiNHL/status/1914510360599572565">NHL.com's Tom Gulitti</a>. "He scores two big goals tonight, right? That's kind of what he does."It was a promising eruption for the Capitals captain, who was held without a point in four games as the New York Rangers swept Washington in the first round last spring.Ovechkin also led both teams with seven hits in Game 1 against Montreal. "He's a beast. He's a machine," Capitals forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> said. "When he's out there creating energy for our team, scoring, he does it all. He does everything for us. That's what a leader does. ... That's why he's a legend."Though Ovechkin ultimately saved the day, it was a rocky finish for Washington. The Capitals held a 2-0 lead heading into the third, but the Canadiens struck twice in the final 10 minutes to force overtime.Wilson knows his team can't let up moving forward. "Our third period, we were just a little bit too passive," he said. "Took our foot off the gas, allowed them to make plays, allowed them to get a little bit more time with the puck. We knew that, we just regrouped. It was pretty calm."Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates after scoring the game winning goal against the Montreal Canadiens during overtime of Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 21, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

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Ovechkin shrugs off 1st playoff OT winner: 'A goal is a goal'

Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl was back in action for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Ki...

Edmonton Oilers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> was back in action for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday.Draisaitl missed the Oilers' last seven contests of the regular season after getting hurt on an <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3257994" href="https://thescore.com/news/3257994">innocent-looking play</a> versus the San Jose Sharks on April 3.Edmonton's leading scorer also ran into injury trouble in March, sitting out four games with an undisclosed issue. All in, Draisaitl missed 11 of the Oilers' last 14 outings.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The German native won the first Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy of his career this season, pacing the league with 52 goals in 71 contests. Draisaitl also recorded 106 points, hitting the century mark for the sixth time in his career.Additionally, Oilers winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> returned for the series opener after sitting out the last three regular-season games with an undisclosed injury. Hyman chipped in 27 goals and 44 points in 73 contests this campaign.Edmonton also got forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5614" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5614">Trent Frederic</a> back. He played in just one regular-season game for the Oilers on April 5 but reinjured his ankle after seeing just 7:10 of ice time.

EDMONTON, CANADA - MARCH 29: Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers in action during the game against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place on March 29, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Draisaitl back from 7-game absence for opener vs. Kings

The Los Angeles Kings are feeling themselves ahead of their fourth straight opening-round clash w...

The Los Angeles Kings are feeling themselves ahead of their fourth straight opening-round clash with the Edmonton Oilers."I think our goaltending is very solid this year. I think our D-corps became more solid this year, and I think our forwards became deeper throughout the whole lineup," veteran defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/560">Drew Doughty</a> said Sunday. "All those things make us a much better team this year, and I feel we have a lot more confidence going into it."He added, "We believe that we're fully prepared for them. They're that good that we're still going to have to tip our hats sometimes, but we're confident that we have a lot of guys that can do the job." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The previous three postseason meetings between the Pacific Division rivals have gone the Oilers' way, but the Kings have performed better this campaign than they have in the past.Los Angeles finished the season with four more wins and six more points than it did last year. The club ranked second in the league in goals against per game (2.48), first in expected goals against per 60 minutes (2.17), and third in save percentage (.923) at five-on-five, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php?fromseason=20242025&amp;thruseason=20242025&amp;stype=2&amp;sit=5v5&amp;score=all&amp;rate=y&amp;team=all&amp;loc=B&amp;gpf=410&amp;fd=&amp;td=">Natural Stat Trick</a>.The Kings earned home-ice advantage for the first time since 2016 as a result of their efforts, which Doughty knows is a "huge bonus." Crypto.com Arena has been a difficult venue for opponents, with Los Angeles owning a 31-6-4 record in its own barn this season.L.A. also won the regular-season series against Edmonton, going 3-1-0 while outscoring the Oilers 12-4 and shutting them out twice.Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4112" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4112">Kevin Fiala</a> echoed Doughty's sentiment, stating there's "a more positive" feeling in the locker room this time around."Just the belief," Fiala added. "The whole season we've been through together, I don't think I've been (on as close of a team) before. Everybody is really, really close with each other, loves each other, believes in each other, and wants to work for each other. There's no doubt about it."There's going to be mistakes happening, but all season (has been) up and down, and we never had it out on anybody. We always came back strong. We've been consistent like crazy this season, so hopefully we can keep it going."The puck drops on Game 1 at 10 p.m. ET.

EDMONTON, CANADA - APRIL 14: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates a first-period goal by Warren Foegele #37 at the bench during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on April 14, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Doughty: Kings much more confident entering latest series vs. Oilers

Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson returned to the crease Monday for Game 1 against th...

Washington Capitals goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10003">Logan Thompson</a> returned to the crease Monday for Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens.The netminder missed Washington's last seven games of the regular season after suffering an upper-body injury April 2. Running mate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5525" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5525">Charlie Lindgren</a> got the bulk of the starts in Thompson's absence, going 3-2-0 with an .881 save percentage over that stretch.Thompson ended the campaign with a sparkling 31-6-6 record to go along with a .910 save percentage and 2.49 goals-against average. He also ranked eighth at his position in goals saved above expected (24.9) at all strengths, according to <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/goalie_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_gl_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_gl_team=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_str=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_gl_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_gl_span=%22Regular%22&amp;std_gl_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_gl_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_gl_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_status=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=null&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 28-year-old has faced the Canadiens twice in his career, with both head-to-heads occurring this season. He went 1-0-1 against the Habs with an .889 clip and 3.04 goals-against average.Thompson won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, though he was injured during the run and didn't get his first taste of playoff action until the following spring. He started four games for Sin City last postseason, recording two wins and a .921 save percentage during his club's first-round loss to the Dallas Stars.Thompson was traded to the Capitals at the 2024 draft in exchange for two third-round picks. Washington signed him to a six-year extension with a $5.85-million cap hit in January.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 30: Capitals goalie Logan Thompson (48) rests during a time out during the Buffalo Sabres versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on March 30, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C..

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Capitals' Thompson returns for Game 1 vs. Canadiens

The Ottawa Senators had trouble staying out of the penalty box during their 6-2 loss to the Toron...

The Ottawa Senators had trouble staying out of the penalty box during their 6-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, but head coach Travis Green didn't seem to think all the calls against his club were warranted."I thought there was a couple calls that (the Leafs) did a good job selling," he said. "It's tough on the refs, but we can't take that many penalties, for sure."The Senators racked up 38 penalty minutes in Game 1, and Toronto converted on half of its six opportunities on the man advantage. It was the first time the Maple Leafs scored three power-play goals in a playoff game since 1999, per <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1914131039942742522">Sportsnet Stats</a>. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ottawa got two power-play chances Sunday, but Toronto killed both."Penalties are penalties," Leafs head coach Craig Berube said when asked if the difference in opportunities could be attributed to Toronto's edge in playoff experience. "We were disciplined. We're going to keep being disciplined."There were no penalties called in the first period, and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> thinks his team just got "a little careless" in the final 40 minutes. "It's clear as day what the issue is," he said. "We took too many penalties, they scored on it, and that's the game."That's on us, we've got to be more disciplined. I think everybody's first-game jitters, nerves, whatever you want to call it, now that's passed. ... Obviously frustrated, but at the end of the day, it's a new game (Tuesday)."In a particularly back-breaking sequence for Ottawa, Senators forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9190">Ridly Greig</a> was sent to the box for cross-checking <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a> up high in the second period. <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7637">Adam Gaudette</a> was then whistled for cross-checking <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, putting Toronto on a five-on-three. <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> capitalized on the two-man advantage to make it 4-1. While it was a tough night for the Senators' penalty kill, Green was a fan of his team's even-strength play. Ottawa dictated 64% of the shot attempts and 65% of the expected goals at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30111&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.The bench boss also made sure to defend <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a>. The goaltender surrendered four tallies on the Leafs' first 10 shots and ended the night with a .750 save percentage after allowing six goals on 24 shots."I like our goaltending," Green said. "I like our goalie a lot. He's a good goalie. He's won a Vezina, he's pretty good. There is no elephant in our room." Ullmark, meanwhile, is trying to keep a short-term memory so he's ready for the next tilt. "Just have the mind of a goldfish," he said. "Go out there and play Game 2 with a little bit of a chip on your shoulder."The Senators will try and even the series Tuesday. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. ET.

OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 05: Ottawa Senators Head Coach Travis Green during a press conference after National Hockey League preseason action between the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators on October 5, 2024, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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Senators' Green: Leafs 'did a good job selling' penalties

Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe knew the Hurricanes were too much for his team to handle in the m...

Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe knew the Hurricanes were too much for his team to handle in the middle frame of New Jersey's 4-1 loss to Carolina during Sunday's Game 1."I thought the second period we were just overwhelmed, and that was not good enough," the bench boss said. "The third period was good, but the damage was done by then."The Hurricanes took it to the Devils in the second stanza, outshooting New Jersey 21-8 with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10707" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10707">Logan Stankoven</a> finding twine twice. Devils captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6426" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6426">Nico Hischier</a> got his team on the board with a sharp-angle shot with just over one minute left in the frame, but Carolina netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> turned aside all 11 shots in the third to secure the victory.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Devils' worst sequence occurred in the last period when defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10579" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10579">Luke Hughes</a> exited after crashing into the net. He labored off the ice while appearing to favor his left arm and shoulder, though he ultimately returned. The blue-liner missed the first nine games of the Devils' season with a shoulder injury.Moments before Hughes' scare, forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6455" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6455">Cody Glass</a> was felled after getting clipped by netminder <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1677">Jacob Markstrom</a>. Keefe had no update on Glass' status postgame.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Luke Hughes and Cody Glass left the ice after two separate collisions. <a href="https://t.co/Ivuc1o4bNU">pic.twitter.com/Ivuc1o4bNU</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1914071971035234620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Devils rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1903" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1903">Brenden Dillon</a> sustained an injury in the second period and was unable to return. Keefe said Dillon was "eager to get back out there" but was held back by the medical staff for precautionary reasons."Some of it's unfortunate, some of it's playoff hockey," Keefe said of the Devils' injury troubles in Game 1. "It's physical, it's fast, it's competitive. "We had a lot of guys I thought really looked uncomfortable out there and took some time to really find themselves. Some got better and some didn't, but obviously we're going to need a whole lot more in Game 2."All in, Carolina outshot New Jersey 45-24 while controlling 56% of the expected goals and 73.9% of the high-danger chances at five-on-five, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30141">Natural Stat Trick</a>. "We're not gonna get a lot (of chances)," Keefe said. "That's just the reality of it. ... With that said, we had more than enough to score more than we did. There were some opportunities there if we dig in a little bit more."He added, "It's gonna come down to us maximizing the chances that we do get and being better on special teams than we were today."New Jersey will look to even the series Tuesday night.

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 13: New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe looks on during a NHL game between the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 13, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Keefe: Devils were 'overwhelmed' in 2nd period vs. Hurricanes

Justin Thomas made a 21-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to beat Andrew Novak at the RB...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1747" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1747">Justin Thomas</a> made a 21-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4861" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4861">Andrew Novak</a> at the RBC Heritage on Sunday.The victory marks Thomas' first since the 2022 PGA Championship, a span of 1,064 days. <figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
<th>Round 4 score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Justin Thomas*</td>
<td>-17</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Andrew Novak</td>
<td>-17</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Daniel Berger</td>
<td>-14</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Mackenzie Hughes</td>
<td>-14</td>
<td>67</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Brian Harman</td>
<td>-14</td>
<td>69</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Maverick McNealy</td>
<td>-14</td>
<td>70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 7</td>
<td>Tommy Fleetwood</td>
<td>-13</td>
<td>70</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>*Won on first playoff hole<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Winning's hard," a relieved Thomas said after his victory. "It's really, really hard. I've worked my butt off, stayed patient, stayed positive. I've got a great wife, great team, a great daughter. Just take it for granted sometimes when you get on those runs. I didn't realize how much I missed winning. Battling out there today was so much fun." He added: "I'm really, really proud of myself today. ... I've never made a putt to win a tournament before. I've been fortunate to have a lot of tap-ins, but I've never made a putt. That was pretty cool, that was as fun as I thought it'd be."Thomas' winning putt wasn't the only electrifying shot he made during the final round. The 31-year-old sank a birdie putt from over 24 feet away on the 15th hole to take a one-stroke lead, but Novak matched him with a birdie on No. 16. Novak was in pursuit of his first PGA TOUR victory but missed an 8-foot birdie putt on No. 18 to set up the playoff against Thomas.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a>, meanwhile, finished among a group tied for eighth at 12-under par. He recorded three bogeys Sunday, including a double on No. 15.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA - APRIL 20: Justin Thomas of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the final round of the RBC Heritage 2025 at Harbour Town Golf Links on April 20, 2025 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

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Few players are happier to leave the 2024-25 season behind than Charlie McAvoy.   The defenseman ...

Few players are happier to leave the 2024-25 season behind than <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a>. The defenseman opened up during his final media availability Thursday about how it felt to deal with a season-ending shoulder injury at the 4 Nations Face-Off on top of the Boston Bruins' abysmal campaign."You're running a race and you don't get to cross the finish line," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins/video/end-of-season-raw-charlie-mcavoy-6371603015112">said</a>. "I ran the whole thing but didn't finish. That's sort of how it feels. It's disheartening in every way. And then you're watching your friends, your teammates struggle. You're trying to be there to help with that - you can't. So many things this year were just unfortunate.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"There's frustration, there's certainly motivation to never be here again, to find ways for us to improve this culture, to get back to what it looks like because this isn't a good place to be right now."He added, "I don't even feel like I played hockey this year." McAvoy suited up for 50 games this season, recording seven goals and 23 points while averaging a team-leading 23:40 of ice time per contest.The blue-liner's campaign came crashing down in February, though, after suffering a significant injury to his acromioclavicular joint while representing the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He had to be hospitalized to undergo a procedure to clean out an infection in his shoulder.Boston was reportedly unhappy about how Team USA handled McAvoy's ailment, but he made clear Thursday that he's more angry at the whole situation rather than any individual."Mentally, emotionally, physically, I've gone through so much because of that damn experience," he said. "It cost me my season, it cost me my sanity in a lot of ways. None of this has been easy and I get emotional when I talk about it. Look, yeah, it was an incredible experience and I waited my whole life to be a part of something like that. But the way that it ended and the aftermath of it and what I had to go through, it cost me a lot more than I was willing to give, and that's unfortunate. "But it's over now. ... After we talk about it, I don't want to talk about it ever again, honestly." The Bruins went a paltry 6-15-4 in McAvoy's absence on top of dealing key players such as former captain <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>, center <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2474">Charlie Coyle</a>, and defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4643">Brandon Carlo</a> before the March 7 trade deadline.Boston ended the season with a 33-39-10 record to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016. McAvoy is eager to meet with other leaders such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4122" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4122">David Pastrnak</a> to help the Bruins right the ship, and the work might start as early as next week."What an opportunity," he said. "What an exciting challenge for us to be the people that will get it back to where it needs to be. ... It's not going to be easy, but it can be done."

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 26: Charlie McAvoy #73 of the Boston Bruins skates during the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at the TD Garden on October 26, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Ducks won 4-3 in overtime.

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Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard isn't interested in entertaining any speculation that he's ...

Chicago Blackhawks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a> isn't interested in entertaining any speculation that he's unhappy in the Windy City. "I'm a pretty mild-mannered guy, and if I look a little sad on the bench or something, maybe people can take it out of context," the forward <a href="https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/video/connor-bedard-end-of-season-media-6371613168112">said</a> during his end-of-season availability Thursday. "I've said it so many times, I love being here and the city, the people. Even before I got drafted, I was embraced like one of their own."He added, "Anything can get said. I don't really look at that, I don't really see a whole lot of that unless someone shows me. People that know me know that I love to be here and really trust the direction we're going."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Blackhawks selected Bedard with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. He is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2025-26 campaign and is eligible to sign an extension July 1, but he said he hasn't thought about it much yet because his focus has been on the season."I've said it a hundred times, I love it here," he said. "I have a great relationship with Kyle (Davidson, Chicago's general manager) and everyone. I don't even know what to expect with that. ... I'm not too worried about any of that. I know that I want to be here for a long time."Bedard added that he had "no real preference" when asked if he'd like to explore negotiations this summer or hold off for now.The youngster's season had its fair share of frustrating moments - including a 12-game goalless drought - but he still finished with a team-leading 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists) while appearing in all 82 outings.It was another losing campaign for the Blackhawks on a whole, though. They finished the season in last place of the Central Division with a 25-46-11 record. However, they have plenty to look forward to after the emergence of future pieces such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12728" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12728">Frank Nazar</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15084" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15084">Artyom Levshunov</a>."If you get the first overall pick, you're probably not winning the Cup the next two years," Bedard said. "It's an understanding of where you're at. We're going out there to win every game, but at the end, we're in a process of growing and learning. And that’s an exciting time."When you lose, it makes winning a lot sweeter once you get there. So, we're excited for that."Bedard feels as though he grew his all-around game in his sophomore campaign, but he's already honed in on the area he wants to improve the most this offseason: speed."I'm not gonna ever be (Nathan) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">MacKinnon</a> or (Connor) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">McDavid</a> or anything like that, but I think if I can just kind of gain another step, it puts guys on their heels a little more," he said. "With the way I think the game, that could be a huge plus for me."

OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 15: Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) celebrates center Frank Nazar (91) game winning goal during overtime National Hockey League action between the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators on April 15, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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The Montreal Canadiens clinched the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference on Wednesday nigh...

The Montreal Canadiens clinched the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference on Wednesday night, locking up a first-round meeting with the Washington Capitals.Montreal secured its place after beating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 in its regular-season finale, though the club needed only one point to seal the deal.The Columbus Blue Jackets have officially been eliminated from playoff contention as a result.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Just really proud of our group," captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6457" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6457">Nick Suzuki</a> told <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1912689247577833516">Sportsnet's Shawn McKenzie</a> postgame. "I think there's not a lot of people that believed in us and didn't think that we could do this. We've been working every single day for this opportunity. To clinch our spot in the last game seems pretty fitting for us."Habs defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9187" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9187">Kaiden Guhle</a> led the way against Carolina with his first career two-goal performance. Suzuki also scored to secure his second consecutive 30-goal season, and forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7658" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7658">Jake Evans</a> iced the game with an empty-netter.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12709" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12709">Lane Hutson</a> also recorded his 60th helper of the campaign, tying Larry Murphy (1980-81) for the NHL record for most assists by a rookie blue-liner in a single season.It's been a remarkable run for the Habs, who were in last place in the Eastern Conference with an 11-16-3 record Dec. 16. They've gone 29-15-8 in their past 52 contests to turn things around, though, including a sparkling 15-5-6 stretch since the 4 Nations Face-Off break."The adversity that we went through all season, I think it just prepared us for these moments," Suzuki said. "The resiliency of the group was really showing, especially in this game. One of our better games of the season, so I think everyone's really excited for this opportunity." Montreal hasn't made the playoffs since its stunning run to the Stanley Cup Final in COVID-shortened 2021. The club finished last in the Atlantic Division in each of the next three campaigns."It means a lot to be back," veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2112" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2112">Brendan Gallagher</a> said. "I'm going to enjoy it, for sure. It hasn't been the easiest week, obviously, trying to get this thing done. "No better building to do it in, in front of our home crowd tonight. It's special for sure. Now the fun begins. Now we can see what we're made of." The Habs failed to clinch their playoff spot on Monday after losing 4-3 to the Chicago Blackhawks in the shootout.This season, the Canadiens have been powered by Suzuki, who leads Montreal with a career-high 89 points in 82 games. Sniper <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10510">Cole Caufield</a> has also reached new heights with a team-best 37 goals.On the blue line, Hutson seems primed to take home the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3258250" href="https://thescore.com/news/3258250">Calder Trophy</a> as the league's top first-year player. He finished with 66 points in 82 games and on Monday broke Chris Chelios' Canadiens record for most points by a rookie defenseman.In the crease, <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4728">Sam Montembeault</a> has posted a 31-24-7 record to go along with a .902 save percentage. He turned aside 27 of the Hurricanes' 29 shots and saved 1.13 goals above expected during Wednesday's pivotal victory, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=21301">Natural Stat Trick</a>.Montembeault entered Wednesday's action fourth in goals saved above expected (29.32), trailing only <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2003">Darcy Kuemper</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a>, according to <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/goalie_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_gl_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_gl_team=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_str=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_gl_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_gl_span=%22Regular%22&amp;std_gl_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_gl_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_gl_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_status=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=null&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>."I feel like we deserve to be where we are," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12706">Juraj Slafkovsky</a> said. He added, "We kind of made it harder on ourselves at times, but it doesn't matter. We're in." The Capitals won the first two games of their season series against Montreal in regulation, but the Canadiens picked up a 3-2 overtime victory during their final meeting Jan. 10."That's gonna be a tough challenge for us," Gallagher said. "We played them quite a bit early on in the year. I would say one of our low points of the season was in Washington, so I think it's a good opportunity for us to show what we've become."

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - APRIL 16: Kaiden Guhle #21 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates his goal with teammates Lane Hutson #48, Juraj Slafkovský #20 and Nick Suzuki #14 during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes at Bell Centre on April 16, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson suffered a lower-body injury in his club's regular-season fi...

Dallas Stars forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6608">Jason Robertson</a> suffered a lower-body injury in his club's regular-season finale against the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night.Robertson appeared to be hurt after taking a hit from forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3067" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3067">Michael McCarron</a> early in the second period, according to the <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/stars/2025/04/16/jason-robertson-leaves-stars-regular-season-finale-vs-predators-with-injury/">Dallas Morning News</a>. The star winger limped off the ice and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest."The purpose of resting people down the stretch was to hopefully avoid injury, and, unfortunately, we didn't do that with the Robertson injury," Dallas head coach Peter DeBoer said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/MikeHeika/status/1912703874185461909">NHL.com's Mike Heika</a>. "So, tough night."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Stars ended up dropping the contest 5-1 and are going into the playoffs having lost seven straight games.Robertson was seen leaving Bridgestone Arena in Nashville with a brace on his right knee, per <a href="https://x.com/emma_lingan/status/1912706654258274545">The Hockey News' Emma Lingan</a>.Robertson, 25, recorded one block in 6:06 of ice time before exiting the contest. He entered Wednesday's slate with a team-leading 35 goals while ranking second on Dallas with 80 points in 81 outings.Dallas will face the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the postseason. The puck drops on Game 1 on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

ST. LOUIS, MO - JANUARY 25: Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) during a regular season game where the St. Louis Blues hosted the Dallas Stars on Saturday January 25, 2025, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis MO