Winnipeg Jets forward Gabe Vilardi confirmed he will return to the lineup for Wednesday's Game 5 ...

<p>Winnipeg Jets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6466" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6466">Gabe Vilardi</a> confirmed he will return to the lineup for Wednesday's Game 5 against the St. Louis Blues, according to <a href="https://x.com/WPGMurat/status/1917269163048829313">The Athletic's Murat Ates</a>.</p><p>Vilardi's been out of action since March 23 because of an upper-body injury. He practiced on the first line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> as well as the top power-play unit.</p><p>The 25-year-old registered a career-high 61 points in 71 games this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Blues won the past two games to tie the first-round series 2-2.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MARCH 23: Gabriel Vilardi #13 of the Winnipeg Jets looks on during the pre-game warm up prior to NHL action against the Buffalo Sabres at Canada Life Centre on March 23, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31139830/related

Jets' Vilardi returning for Game 5

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad will have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player ...

<p>Florida Panthers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a> will have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety for his hit to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> in Monday night's Game 4.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4582" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4582">Niko Mikkola</a>, who was given given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2589">Zemgus Girgenson</a>, earned a $5,000 fine. </p><p>Ekblad hit Hagel with a forearm to the head and was not penalized.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikGh9q2kKdI?si=suYhkteJ0o0Nv4Jb" 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><p>Hagel left the contest after the hit and didn't return. The Lightning winger was suspended one game earlier in the series for interference on Panthers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a>.</p><p>Game 4 was Ekblad's second contest after serving a 20-game ban for violating the league's performance enhancing substance policy. </p><p>Ekblad and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3005" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a> scored 11 seconds apart late in the third period to spur a comeback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277117" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277117">victory</a> for the Panthers. Florida leads the series 3-1 with Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday in Tampa Bay.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - APRIL 28: Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) gets talked to by an official after delivering a bit hit in the second period during the Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31138977/related

Ekblad earns hearing for hit on Hagel, Mikkola fined

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen won't play in Game 5 against the New Jersey Devi...

<p>Carolina Hurricanes goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a> won't play in Game 5 against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday and is day-to-day, head coach Rod Brind'Amour announced, according to <a href="https://x.com/WaltRuff/status/1917236893806100592">team reporter Walt Ruff</a>.</p><p>Andersen was injured in Game 4 after Devils forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4725" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4725">Timo Meier</a> crashed the crease during the second period. He was replaced by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12697" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12697">Pyotr Kochetkov</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pyotr Kochetkov is entering the game in goal for Carolina after Frederik Andersen was injured in this collision with Timo Meier<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RaiseUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaiseUp</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/anvVz6MuiU">pic.twitter.com/anvVz6MuiU</a></p>— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights &amp; News (@HockeyDaily365) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1916597939230708224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Meier was handed a five-minute major so the referees could review the play, but the penalty was ultimately rescinded.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Andersen's posted a .936 save percentage in the series, helping Carolina claim a 3-1 lead.</p><p>Kochetkov stopped 14 of 15 shots in relief in Game 4. He had an .897 save percentage in 47 appearances in the regular season.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 27: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes injured on the ice 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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31138794/related

Andersen out for Game 5 after collision with Meier

The Dallas Stars are hopeful Mikko Rantanen's key tally - his first goal of the playoffs - in Mon...

<p>The Dallas Stars are hopeful <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a>'s key tally - his first goal of the playoffs - in Monday night's Game 5 victory over the Colorado Avalanche can serve as a springboard for the remainder of the series.</p><p>"Huge," Dallas head Pete DeBoer said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/mikko-rantanen-breaks-through-for-dallas-stars-in-awesome-game-5">NHL.com's Nicholas Cotsonika</a>. "Huge relief for him. You could tell by our group's reaction how happy our guys were for him. I mean, they feel that. They see him carrying that around."</p><p>DeBoer added, "But this guy has scored his whole life. He gets paid to score, and I think when guys like that finally get one, hopefully, look out."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rantanen buried Dallas' third goal en route to a commanding 6-2 victory. He entered Game 5 with only one assist in the series against his former club and added two helpers after he scored.</p><p>"He's an awesome player," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10699">Wyatt Johnston</a> said. "He can see the ice so well. He can make plays. He can score. So that's awesome to see him get one. I thought he was awesome tonight, and yeah, eventually, if you do enough good things, it'll start to go in for you."</p><p>Rantanen registered 18 points in 20 games with the Stars after being acquired before the trade deadline from the Carolina Hurricanes, who flipped him to Dallas after landing him from Colorado. The 28-year-old has been a strong playoff performer throughout his career with 105 points in 86 contests.</p><p>Monday's win gave the Stars a 3-2 series lead with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday in Denver.</p>

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 28: Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Dallas Stars celebrates a goal with teammates against the Colorado Avalanche in the second period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on April 28, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31138315/related

Stars credit Rantanen's breakthrough goal: 'Huge relief for him'

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube anticipates his core players will be able to step up ...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube anticipates his core players will be able to step up in Game 5 on Tuesday night as they look to close out the Ottawa Senators. </p><p>"They've done a great job of that throughout the season for sure," Berube said of his top players, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/toronto-coach-looks-to-leaders-to-finish-job-in-game-5-of-nhl-playoffs-against-ottawa">NHL.com's Dave McCarthy.</a> "There's ups and downs throughout the season and our guys have responded well. I think the leadership has really grown here and that's the key. The leadership and our leaders leading the way.</p><p>"I expect the same in Game 5. We played a real good hockey game, didn't come out on top, but I think our guys will be ready to go and be highly competitive for Game 5. The leadership has been very good and that's the key, so I don't expect anything different."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pressure is on the Maple Leafs' big guns to deliver the knockout blow after they fell to 1-12 in potential elimination games since 2017. The "Core Four" has been productive in the series thus far but has gotten less productive the longer series go throughout their careers.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Goals</th>
<th>Assists</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Mitch Marner</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Nylander</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Tavares</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auston Matthews</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Top-line winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> has chipped in three goals in the series, and Toronto has gotten five tallies from defensemen - an area in which it struggled throughout the regular season.</p><p>Toronto mounted two separate comebacks to get Game 4 to overtime on Saturday but failed to convert on a four-minute power play in the extra frame before Jake Sanderson scored the winner for Ottawa.</p><p>Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in Toronto.</p>

OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 26: Matthew Knies #23, William Nylander #88, Mitch Marner #16. John Tavares #91 and Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs speak in a break in play against the Ottawa Senators during the first period in Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on April 26, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31128520/related

Berube expects Maple Leafs' leaders to respond in Game 5

The Pittsburgh Penguins and head coach Mike Sullivan mutually agreed to part ways after 10 season...

<p>The Pittsburgh Penguins and head coach Mike Sullivan mutually agreed to part ways after 10 seasons, the team announced Monday.</p><p>Sullivan led Pittsburgh to Stanley Cups in his first two years with the organization, but the club has missed the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.</p><p>"On behalf of Fenway Sports Group and the Penguins organization, I would like to thank Mike Sullivan for his unwavering commitment and loyalty to the team and city of Pittsburgh over the past decade," general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This was not a decision that was taken lightly, but as we continue to navigate the Penguins through this transitional period, we felt it was the best course forward for all involved."</p><p>Dubas said he consulted captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> about the decision Sunday, explaining he needed to do what's best for the team, according to <a href="https://x.com/Real_RobRossi/status/1916888025830969767">The Athletic's Rob Rossi</a>. Dubas also <a href="https://x.com/Real_RobRossi/status/1916890263072506237">said</a> he doesn't think the coaching change will impact Crosby's desire to remain with the Penguins after the veteran signed a two-year extension last September.</p><p>Sullivan "did an amazing job over the last 10 years here with his preparation and commitment to winning," Crosby wrote in an email, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6317549/2025/04/28/mike-sullivan-part-ways-penguins-nhl/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a>. "Personally, he pushed me to be better every day, and I learned a lot from him. We shared some great memories together, and I am grateful for his time here and everything he did for us."</p><p>Sullivan had two years remaining on his contract. He will be one of the most coveted free-agent coaches this offseason.</p><p>The Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, and Seattle Kraken are all in the market for a new coach.</p><p>Sullivan amassed a 409-255-89 record with the Penguins, though this past season was the club's worst under his guidance. Pittsburgh made the playoffs in five consecutive years after winning the Cup in 2017 but only won one series.</p><p>Sullivan coached the United States in February's 4 Nations Face-Off and will have the same role for next year's Olympics in Italy.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 11: Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on against the Dallas Stars at PPG PAINTS Arena on November 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31128403/related

Penguins, Sullivan part ways after 10 seasons

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk won't face any discipline for his interference major on ...

<p>Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> won't face any discipline for his interference major on Tampa Bay Lightning counterpart <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5578" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5578">Jake Guentzel</a> in Saturday's Game 3, <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1916515137214710006">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reports. </p><p>Tkachuk was penalized for targeting Guentzel prior to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4748" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4748">Anthony Cirelli</a>'s empty-net goal that sealed Tampa's win. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matthew Tkachuk was given a five-minute major for this late hit on Jake Guentzel<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TimeToHunt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TimeToHunt</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBolts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBolts</a> <a href="https://t.co/0O4Lt1DVVE">pic.twitter.com/0O4Lt1DVVE</a></p>— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights &amp; News (@HockeyDaily365) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1916216824053616772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The hit came after Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> was suspended one game for interference on Panthers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a>. However, the league views Tkachuk's hit as different than Hagel's because of less force, no head contact, and because Guentzel played the puck, Friedman noted.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Guentzel wasn't injured on the play. Barkov left the contest after he got hit, but he was in the lineup for Game 3.</p><p>Game 4 is scheduled for Monday with the Panthers holding a 2-1 series lead.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - APRIL 26: Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) skates tot the bench in the second period during the Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31118490/related

Report: Tkachuk won't face further discipline for hit on Guentzel

Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon is blown away at how quickly captain Gabriel Landes...

<p>Colorado Avalanche superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> is blown away at how quickly captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2034" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2034">Gabriel Landeskog</a> has got up to speed since returning to game action after nearly three years off. </p><p>Landeskog made his first NHL appearance since the 2022 Stanley Cup Final in Game 3 of his club's opening-round series against the Dallas Stars. In Saturday's Game 4, he registered a goal and an assist while also being bumped up to the second line and top power-play unit. </p><p>"It's beyond all of our expectations," MacKinnon said, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6314609/2025/04/27/gabriel-landeskog-avalanche-goal-nhl-playoffs-2025/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. "I was kind of laughing in my head, but he's like, 'I don't think there's a difference between a month off or three years off.' And I was thinking, like, 'Hmm, whatever. OK.' But he was right. It looks like he's been out for four weeks."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>MacKinnon added, "It just shows you ... his story, everyone has seen it, I guess, but how hard he's worked. It just shows if you're good at hockey, you're good at hockey. He can come back, and he's one of our best players out there. It's amazing. We missed him."</p><p>Landeskog's goal was the exclamation point on a dominant victory for the Avalanche, who evened the series at 2-2 before it shifts back to Dallas for Game 5.</p><p>The 32-year-old has stepped up in the playoffs throughout his career, registering 69 points - including 22 during Colorado's championship run - in 71 games.</p>

DENVER, CO - APRIL 23: Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) warm up near supporters before game three of the Western Conference 1st Round between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on April 23, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31117153/related

MacKinnon: Landeskog's play since return 'beyond all our expectations'

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard will start Friday's Game 3 against the Los Angeles King...

<p>Edmonton Oilers goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> will start Friday's Game 3 against the Los Angeles Kings, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed.</p><p>Pickard entered Game 2 in relief of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> in the third period, allowing one goal on three shots as the Kings posted a dominant 6-2 victory to take a 2-0 series lead. </p><p>Pickard said Friday that he's unfazed by taking on a bigger role at a critical point in the matchup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Same way I've approached every game as an Oiler: go out and do my job and give our team a chance to win," Pickard said. "Obviously, the first two games didn't go as planned, basically in all facets, but we've got a better effort in this locker room, and we're definitely going to do that tonight."</p><p>Skinner has produced an .810 save percentage in the opening two games of the playoffs. </p><p>The Oilers deflected blame from their netminders after Game 2, with blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3273899" href="https://thescore.com/news/3273899">saying</a> the club is hanging them out to dry with their defensive play.</p><p>Pickard started Games 4 and 5 of last year's second round as Skinner struggled. Skinner rebounded with a .914 save percentage over the next 15 games once he got the net back.</p><p>Pickard had a .900 save percentage and 2.71 goals against average in 36 appearances this campaign.</p><p>Game 3 is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 23: Calvin Pickard #30 of the Edmonton Oilers protects the goal during the third period of Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on April 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31088256/related

Oilers turn to Pickard for pivotal Game 3

The NHL fined Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins $2,083.33 for "unsportsmanlike conduct" relate...

<p>The NHL fined Ottawa Senators forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2113" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2113">Nick Cousins</a> $2,083.33 for "unsportsmanlike conduct" related to an incident prior to Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the league announced Friday.</p><p>The fine is the maximum allowable fine under the current collective bargaining agreement.</p><p>The Senators were also fined $25,000.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The incident took place Thursday, with Cousins shooting a puck at Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> during warmups.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here’s what NHL is looking at from last night. “Friend of Bieksa” Nick Cousins shoots puck at Stolarz. NHL not crazy about pre-game stuff…also clamped down on funny Scheifele/Hofer standoff in Blues/Jets series <a href="https://t.co/ZF08AZwdO4">pic.twitter.com/ZF08AZwdO4</a></p>— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1915771667877425452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's an active investigation. I'm not sure I should be commenting," Senators head coach Travis Green said jokingly, according to <a href="https://x.com/SunGarrioch/status/1915794677967577515">Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch</a>. "It's a game within the game."</p><p>Cousins and Stolarz were teammates last year with the Florida Panthers. </p><p>Stolarz has stymied the Senators throughout the series, posting a .926 save percentage in three games. Toronto put Ottawa on the verge of elimination with an overtime win in Game 3. </p><p>Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 22: Nick Cousins #21 of the Ottawa Senators skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 22, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31086602/related

NHL fines Cousins, Senators for pregame shot at Stolarz

Sam Bennett's distaste for the Tampa Bay Lightning grows by the day, and he wasn't afraid to expr...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a>'s distaste for the Tampa Bay Lightning grows by the day, and he wasn't afraid to express that after his Florida Panthers took a 2-0 series lead over their in-state rivals Thursday.</p><p>"Two teams that have played each other a lot in the playoffs, and that rivalry is just growing and growing," Bennett told <a href="https://x.com/KatieEngleson/status/1915588575095095775">Panthers team reporter Katie Engleson</a> postgame. "We just hate them more and more every time we play them, so it makes for good hockey."</p><p>This is the fourth postseason series between the Panthers and Lightning in the past five years. Tampa Bay won the first two, but Florida prevailed in the first round last season en route to winning the Stanley Cup. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The rivalry could turn up a notch further when the series resumes Saturday, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> was given a major penalty for leveling <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> away from the puck.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/owJ3P24w9sE?si=LlMb69M9Je3BrZJy" 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><p>"It's tough to see," Bennett said. "Any time your best player goes down like that, it's tough to lose him. He does everything for this squad. We care about him a lot. He's a tough guy, so I'm sure he'll be fine."</p><p>The Panthers didn't give an update on Barkov after the game, and it hasn't been announced if Hagel will receive supplemental discipline.</p><p>Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.</p>

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 24: Nick Paul #20 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against Sam Bennett #9 of 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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31086227/related

Bennett: Panthers' hatred for Lightning grows every game

Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis believes a return to home ice can help his club ga...

<p>Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis believes a return to home ice can help his club gain some momentum against the Washington Capitals after losing the first two games of the series in D.C. </p><p>"There's nothing like playing at home, especially at the Bell Centre, with our fans, in the playoffs," St. Louis said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/montreal-seeking-boost-from-bell-centre-for-game-3-vs-washington?utm_source=nhldotcom&amp;utm_medium=social">NHL.com's Tom Gulitti</a>. "I think it will be exactly what we need."</p><p>The Canadiens haven't played host to a full-capacity playoff game since 2017. Attendance limits were in place because of the pandemic when the club reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2021.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Montreal's success on home ice down the stretch was a key reason it claimed the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens went 10-0-2 at the Bell Centre after the 4 Nations Face-Off in late February.</p><p>The Habs have kept the series close despite their underdog status. The Capitals won Game 1 in overtime after Montreal mounted a two-goal comeback in the third period, then Washington fended off a late push with an empty netter to win 3-1 in Game 2.</p><p>"I think our group feels that we can play with them," St. Louis said. "We've got to find more minutes of good hockey, like our brand. And it's hard because 'Wash' is a really good team."</p><p>The Capitals beat the Canadiens in their only visit to the Bell Centre this season, a 4-2 result in December. </p><p>Puck drop for Game 3 is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET Friday.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA- APRIL 5: Montreal Canadiens Head Coach Martin St-Louis speaks to the media after the NHL regular season game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Bell Centre on April 5, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Philadelphia Flyers by a score of 3-2.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31075856/related

St. Louis: Returning home is exactly what Canadiens need

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty made his series debut Thursday in Game 3 against the O...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a> made his series debut Thursday in Game 3 against the Ottawa Senators, replacing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8758" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8758">Nick Robertson</a> in the forward corps.</p><p>"He's worked hard, kept a good attitude for he most part," head coach Craig Berube said, according to <a href="https://x.com/JClipperton_CP/status/1915440767197159525">Joshua Clipperton of The Canadian Press</a>. "It's not easy. ... He's been around a long time, veteran guy. It's always harder for those guys."</p><p>Pacioretty hadn't played since Feb. 8 due to an undisclosed injury. The 36-year-old skated with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13037">Bobby McMann</a> and Game 2 overtime hero <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3007" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3007">Max Domi</a> at practice.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Robertson registered an assist in Game 1 but has six penalty minutes in the series, including a costly high-sticking minor in Game 2 that led to a Senators power-play goal.</p><p>His 9:36 of ice time in Game 2 was the lowest of any Maple Leafs skater. Robertson tallied 15 goals and seven assists in 69 games this season.</p><p>Pacioretty had 13 points in 37 appearances in his first campaign with Toronto. He has 50 points in 78 career playoff games. </p>

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 5: Max Pacioretty #67 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck against the Boston Bruins at the Scotiabank Arena on November 5, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31074456/related

Pacioretty replaces Robertson for Leafs in Game 3

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog would have preferred to end his night with a win, bu...

<p>Colorado Avalanche captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2034" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2034">Gabriel Landeskog</a> would have preferred to end his night with a win, but the reception he received Wednesday to begin his first NHL game in nearly three years is something he won't soon forget.</p><p>Landeskog was greeted with a raucous ovation from Avalanche fans prior to Game 3 against the Dallas Stars. It marked his first time suiting up for the Avs since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TbfjQT6iYKI?si=RpZ2c5Zc62UxS0DN" 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><p>"From my perspective, regardless of the outcome of the game, that was a memory of a lifetime for me," Landeskog said, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6303922/2025/04/24/gabriel-landeskog-avalanche-comeback-nhl-playoffs/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=twhq&amp;source=twitterhq">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Landeskog underwent multiple knee surgeries after winning the championship, and only returned to game action earlier in April with a brief conditioning stint in the AHL. </p><p>The veteran winger was held off the scoresheet in Wednesday's overtime loss, but registered six hits in 13:16 of ice time. </p><p>"I've probably played this game 100 times in my mind already and envisioned what it was going to feel like," Landeskog said. "And obviously it wasn't even close to what it actually felt like."</p><p>He added, "But at the same time, (I was) allowing myself to enjoy everything because it’s a very special night."</p><p>The loss put Colorado down 2-1 in the series. The matchup resumes Saturday in Denver.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 23: Gabriel Landeskog #92 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on before the game against the Dallas Stars in Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 23, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31072949/related

Landeskog: Reception in return 'a memory of a lifetime'

The Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse came to the defense of his team's goaltending tandem...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> came to the defense of his team's goaltending tandem after it allowed six goals for the second time in its opening-round series against the Los Angeles Kings.</p><p>"No team in this league can give up the amount of Grade A's and high-danger chances that we've been giving up (and still win)," Nurse <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm48TYdrZBY&amp;ab_channel=EdmontonOilers">said</a>. "We've been hanging our goalie out to dry."</p><p>The Oilers lost 6-2 on Wednesday to take a 2-0 series deficit back to Edmonton. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> allowed five goals on 28 shots, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> let in the first shot he faced after entering the game in relief in the third period.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Kings have controlled 56.39% of expected goals at even strength in the series, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30180">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>"I don't think there's been any bad goals," head coach Kris Knoblauch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yjOHfgo66c&amp;ab_channel=EdmontonOilers">said</a>. "There's been a lot of goals, but boy, the chances that we're giving up are Grade A's, and I'm not sure there's many that I would say, 'Geez, where's the save there?'"</p><p>Knoblauch added, "When you're making a gaffe and a guy's all by himself in the slot, and we've seen probably three of those in the last two games, that's not giving your goaltender much help."</p><p>No decision has been made on which goalie will start Game 3 on Friday.</p><p>Skinner has an .810 save percentage this postseason through two starts. He owned a .896 clip in 51 regular-season appearances.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 23: Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts to allowing a goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31072766/related

Oilers' Nurse: 'We've been hanging our goalie out to dry'

The PWHL confirmed plans to bring an expansion team to Vancouver starting in the 2025-26 season. ...

<p>The PWHL confirmed plans to bring an expansion team to Vancouver starting in the 2025-26 season. </p><p>The franchise will be the PWHL's seventh, joining Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, New York, Boston, and Minnesota, which were a part of the league's launch in 2024.</p><p>"It is a momentous day for us," executive vice president of business operations Amy Scheer said, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6302038/2025/04/23/pwhl-vancouver-expansion-2025-26-season/">The Athletic's Hailey Salvian</a>. "Each day we're so grateful and appreciative of how the fans and the cities have embraced us.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"To be able to grow this fast is just a testament to the great sport, our great athletes, and how people feel about the work that we're doing and what our players are putting out on the ice."</p><p>Expansion draft details and Vancouver's involvement into the 2025 player draft will be revealed in the coming weeks.</p><p>Vancouver will play at the Pacific Coliseum, which formerly housed the WHL's Giants and the NHL's Canucks.</p><p>Branding will be unveiled at a later date, but Vancouver's PWHL jerseys will feature "Pacific blue" and cream as their colors.</p><p>The PWHL is expected to announce a second expansion team, but a timeline isn't confirmed. Seattle is a front-runner to become the eighth franchise, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-hockey-pwhl-vancouver-expansion-70176e67cf9cc4d918efd737e8de371f">The Associated Press</a>.</p>

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 1: The PWHL logo is seen prior to the match between Toronto and New York at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on January 1, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31065306/related

PWHL confirms Vancouver expansion team beginning next season

Cal Clutterbuck announced his retirement from the NHL on Wednesday with a post on Instagram.     ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/608">Cal Clutterbuck</a> announced his retirement from the NHL on Wednesday with a post on Instagram. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIy-BCltyoA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIy-BCltyoA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewbox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIy-BCltyoA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Cal Clutterbuck (@cal.clutter)</a></p>
</div></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Clutterbuck didn't play this past season. The forward's contract with the New York Islanders expired after the 2023-24 campaign.</p><p>The 37-year-old spent 11 years with the Islanders and was an effective bottom-six player for much of his career. Clutterbuck is the NHL's all-time hits leader with 4,029, although the stat wasn't officially tracked until 2007-08.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Clutterbuck was a third-round draft pick of the Minnesota Wild in 2006. He spent six seasons with the club before joining the Islanders.</p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - MARCH 07: Cal Clutterbuck #15 of the New York Islanders skates against Colorado Avalanche at UBS Arena on March 07, 2022 in Elmont, New York.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31064583/related

Clutterbuck retires after 17-year career

Masters champion Rory McIlroy is in the field at this weekend's Zurich Classic of New Orleans for...

<p>Masters champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> is in the field at this weekend's Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the first time since completing the career grand slam earlier in April, and he was naturally asked about how he's digested his historic feat.</p><p>McIlroy said he underestimated the impact of his win outside of the golf world.</p><p>"Very much beyond golf," McIlroy said Wednesday, per <a href="https://x.com/GolfDigest/status/1915057451256230065">Golf Digest</a>. "I spoke to two presidents the day after, which was pretty cool. Just people reaching out, from all walks of life, whether it be sports, entertainment, culture ... people that you would never even think that would watch golf or would know what's going on. That was very, very humbling."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>McIlroy's Masters came after 11 years of attempting to become the sixth player in PGA TOUR history to win all four majors. His past failures at Augusta National were publicized each time the famed tournament rolled around.</p><p>"I think people can see themselves in the struggle at times, and everything that, you know, you sort of try to put into getting the best out of yourself and that journey," McIlroy said. "I think people watching someone finally get it done, something they've been trying to do for a decade-plus, I think it resonated with a lot of people."</p><p>McIlroy is teaming up with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/325" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/325">Shane Lowry</a> at this week's paired event. They won the tournament together in 2024.</p>

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 13: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland is awarded the Green Jacket by Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler after the final round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31063625/related

McIlroy: Long-awaited Masters win resonated with a lot of people

Columbus Blue Jackets bench boss Dean Evason is set to coach Canada at the upcoming World Champio...

<p>Columbus Blue Jackets bench boss Dean Evason is set to coach Canada at the upcoming World Championship in Sweden and Denmark, <a href="https://x.com/DarrenDreger/status/1915053971657687343">TSN's Darren Dreger</a> reports.</p><p>Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska will also be part of the staff, Dreger notes.</p><p>Evason is coming off an impressive first season with Columbus, nearly leading the club to the playoffs after many expected it to be a bottom-feeder.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 60-year-old spent parts of five seasons with the Minnesota Wild before he was fired during the 2023-24 campaign. Evason has amassed a 187-110-36 regular-season record as an NHL coach.</p><p>Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas will be in charge of picking Canada's roster.</p><p>Canada failed to medal at last year's tournament, finishing fourth.</p><p>The event is scheduled to begin May 9.</p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - FEBRUARY 24: Head coach Dean Evason of the Columbus Blue Jackets talks to members of the media while visiting Ohio Stadium ahead of the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series game on February 24, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31063001/related

Report: Evason to coach Canada at World Championship

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk returned in Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning after...

<p>Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> returned in Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning after missing the final 25 contests of the regular season with a lower-body injury.</p><p>Tkachuk was injured in a round-robin win over Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. He missed the following game and was limited to fewer than seven minutes played in USA's championship-game loss.</p><p>The Panthers dealt with numerous injuries down the stretch but have nearly a full lineup for Game 1. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a>, who's eligible to return for Game 3 after serving a 20-game suspension for a performance-enhancing substance, is the only regular missing.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tkachuk lined up in Florida's top six alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10633">Mackie Samoskevich</a>, according to <a href="https://x.com/J_McPherson1126/status/1914835927551144313">Miami Herald's Jordan McPherson</a>.</p><p>Tkachuk registered 57 points in 52 games this season before being sidelined. He had 22 points in 24 postseason contests last spring, helping the Panthers win the Stanley Cup.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 08: Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) waits for a face-off during the game between the Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Amerant Bank Area in Sunrise, FL.