NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 21, 2025
The Capitals become the first team to clinch a playoff berth as Alex Ovechkin moves closer to breaking the goals record, the Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck and the Leafs’ John Tavares reach notable milestones, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
NHL.COM: The Washington Capitals became the first team to clinch a 2025 playoff berth by nipping the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2. Alex Ovechkin tallied his 888th regular-season goal and Anthony Beauvillier collected two assists as the Capitals sit first overall in the standings with 100 points. Ryan Poehling had a goal and an assist for the Flyers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is seven goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals. Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since March 11 and is now listed as day-to-day.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. (NHL Images).
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 21 shots for his 40th win of the season in a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Kyle Connor’s shorthanded goal in overtime gave the Jets the win as they sit first in the Western Conference with 100 points. Jeff Skinner tallied twice for the Oilers, who hold second place in the Pacific Division with 85 points.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck reached the 40-win plateau for the second time, joining Marc-Andre Fleury as the only active goaltender to achieve that feat and joined Ryan Miller as the second American-born netminder to do so. He also joined Hall-of-Famer Ken Dryden as the fourth-fastest goalie to reach the 40-win single-season milestone.
The Oilers entered the game with leading scorer Leon Draisaitl sidelined with an undisclosed injury. Captain Connor McDavid missed the third period with an upper-body injury for precautionary reasons and goaltender Stuart Skinner was pulled late in that period due to concussion protocols following a collision in the crease.
Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares scored twice and collected an assist to reach the 1,100-point plateau in a 4-3 win over the New York Rangers. Jake McCabe had three assists as the Leafs got their third straight win to tie the Atlantic Division-leading Florida Panthers with 87 points. Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck each had two points for the Rangers (72 points), who’ve lost three straight and sit two points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.
Speaking of the Panthers, they got an overtime goal from Aleksander Barkov to blank the Columbus Blue Jackets 1-0. Sergei Bobrovsky turned in a 25-save shutout as the Panthers hold first place in the Atlantic with 35 regulation wins. Elvis Merzlikins turned aside 27 shots for the Blue Jackets as they dropped their fifth straight game and sit three points back of the Canadiens.
Meanwhile, Montreal (74 points) picked up a point in a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders. Bo Horvat tallied twice, including the game-winner, and Ilya Sorokin kicked out 38 shots and collected two assists for the Islanders, who are two points behind the Canadiens. Patrick Laine and Brendan Gallagher scored as the Habs overcame a 3-1 deficit to force the extra period.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, Gallagher announced his mother Della passed away on March 8 following a long battle with brain cancer. My condolences to Gallagher and his family.
Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev tallied a hat trick in a 5-1 victory over the Boston Bruins. Dorofeyev reached the 30-goal plateau for the first time while Jack Eichel, Brandon Saad and Noah Hanifin each had two points for the Golden Knights, who sit first in the Pacific Division with 88 points. Morgan Geekie scored for the Bruins, who’ve lost four straight and sit five points behind the Canadiens.
An overtime goal by Philip Broberg lifted the St. Louis Blues over the Vancouver Canucks 4-3, vaulting them one point ahead of the Canucks into the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 77 points. Dylan Holloway and Tyler Tucker each had a goal and an assist as the Blues picked up their fourth straight win. Canucks winger Brock Boeser scored twice, including the tying goal with four seconds left in the third period.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Holloway and Broberg have become key contributors for St. Louis this season. Since being signed away from the Oilers last summer, Holloway sits second among Blues scorers with 56 points while Broberg (22 points) leads their defensemen with a plus/minus of plus-13 and sits fourth in ice time per game (20:21).
The Carolina Hurricanes extended their win streak to eight games by beat the San Jose Sharks 3-1. Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho and Sean Walker were the goal scorers as the Hurricanes sit second in the Metro Division with 88 points. William Eklund scored for the Sharks, who played without defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic (upper-body injury).
Brock Nelson scored his first two goals with the Colorado Avalanche in a 5-1 win over the Ottawa Senators. Cale Makar, Jonathan Drouin and Ross Colton each collected two points as the Avalanche put this game away early with four goals in the first period. Dylan Cozens scored for the Senators, who pulled goalie Linus Ullmark after he gave up those four first-period goals on 13 shots.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche sit third in the Central Division with 87 points. The Senators have lost two straight but hold the first Eastern wild card with 77 points, three up on the Canadiens. Senators defenseman Nick Jensen missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury.
The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1, mathematically eliminating the latter from the 2025 playoff race. Trevor Moore, Alex Turcotte and Joel Edmundson scored for the Kings, who’ve won six of their last seven contests to sit two points behind the Oilers with 83 points. Connor Bedard replied for the Blackhawks, who’ve lost six straight games.
Four unanswered third-period goals by Connor Zary, Daniil Miromanov, Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri lifted the Calgary Flames over the New Jersey Devils 5-3, putting them within two points of the Blues for the final Western wild-card spot. Devils captain Nico Hischier had a goal and an assist as his club sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 80 points.
Shootout goals by Nikita Kucherov and Gage Goncalves gave the Tampa Bay Lightning a 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars. Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli each had a goal and an assist for the Lightning (85 points), who sit two points behind the Panthers and Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division. Oskar Back and Mason Marchment replied for the Stars, who got a 38-save performance from Casey DeSmith. They sit second in the Central with 90 points.
The Anaheim Ducks got 33 saves from goalie John Gibson to defeat the Nashville Predators 4-1. Gibson had missed seven games with a lower-body injury. Trevor Zegras had a goal and an assist for the Ducks while Steven Stamkos scored for the Predators.
Three unanswered third-period goals by Dylan Guenther, Kevin Stenlund and Mikhail Sergachev got the Utah Hockey Club a 5-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. The Stenlund goal resulted from an attempted pass by Sabres center Tage Thompson on a 6-on-4 situation that inadvertently went into his own net. The win puts Utah (73 points) four points behind the Blues for the final Western wild card.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres announced defenseman Jacob Bryson signed a one-year, $900K contract extension before this game.
Last night’s game between Ottawa and Colorado underscores the basic flaw in this Senators team (and I stress “team”) and emphasizes why they are STILL not ready to take their place among the acknowledged contenders. Not the loss itself … as I posted the other day there is zero chance they were going to close out the final 17 games undefeated … but rather the WAY they went down.
To a man they HAD to know the Avalanche, after having lost in Toronto the night before, would be determined to get off to a fast, strong start in this one … which they did … and the Senators, to a man, had no clue … or more likely, no ability … as to how to counteract the push and, instead, resembled the proverbial deer caught in the headlights. That – to this observer anyway – says it all as to their current status as a “team” … from the goaltending out.
They might still manage to work their way into a playoff position … but I wouldn’t bet the farm on that either. In fact, I see the Habs and the Islanders grabbing those two spots.
I get the frustration of seeing one’s team having their ass handed to them, George. But for as hot as the Habs have been, like the Sens they aren’t going to win all their remaining games and they are in a dog fight with 4 other teams below them.
But this is so much more enjoyable for us than in past years and I’d rather have my team where they are now, as you would. As a wise poster said recently, no need for crepe hanging.
LJ, as I keep reiterating, losses I can accept – and fully understand in a highly-competitive league – but what I cannot accept from a professional making money most of us can’t even envisage, is a complete TEAM lack of consistency of effort.
There can be NO excuse for that.
George,I only watched the condensed version of the game, so hard to tell when the change came. Ottawa the first 10 minutes or so, seemed to be attacking Colorado before they got across their own blueline, keeping the pressure on. Similar to what Toronto did the night before. But then the Ottawa defence seemed to fall back giving Colorado room to gain speed between the bluelines. That seemed to be where the game started to shift. Toronto didn`t allow Colorado to use their speed as much by attacking as much as they could before they got to centre ice. Once Colorado got their legs going it was all over but the crying
Yogi, thanks for the re-cap of the first half of the 1st period … I missed that completely as I was visiting my wife.
I turned the TV on literally seconds before the opening goal at about the half-way mark, and before 7 minutes was up it was 4-0 and I was searching around for something else to watch đ
I kept going back to the game until they made it 5-0 and that’s when I ignored it for good. With the way they were playing – and skating – there was to be no miracle-comeback in that one.
What a gong show. The missus and I braved the rain, but benefitted from throw back thursday prices (6$ for a juice glass of beer)…we were crying in those beers pretty quickly. Colorado is so well coached. Bednar starts his fourth line. And it was like fighters circling each other in the ring for the first 2 minutes. Then whammo. You could see the collective group of Avalanche players shift gears knowing the Sens had no answer. Hamonic Hamonic Hamonic.
Well, Dark G, the Habs are about to experience the onslaught of the Avs. Everyone seems to be on the Stars or Panthers bandwagon for the Cup. I think the favourite are the Avs. Trading Rantanen and ultimately coming out better was a tidy piece of work.
GeorgeO your Sens are like any other team that makes the wild card! Don t see anyone beating TB,Toronto or Fla. It s a big step in what looks like a new alinement in the Atlantic Division!Experience can only help you in the playoffs! Remember the second season is very different than the first 82 games!
Oh, I get that Sr … but I haven’t been following hockey for the better part of 7 decades without learning something about what constitutes a “team.”
I wasn’t under any illusions that, should they get in, the Senators would or even could upset a Washington or a Florida or Tampa.
However, a loss at any time – whether a game or a series – is less hard for the fan base to digest when the effort is at least evident. That 1st period example of wide-eyed surrender is inexcusable.
And just to be clear … by not mentioning Toronto above I wasn’t belittling the Leafs in any way.
Just that, for whatever reason, the Senators have no problem in getting “up” – as a team from the goaltending out – whenever they play them at home or on the toad, whereas the same consistency of effort is definitely not there when playing against the others. Something that must drive Leafs fans nuts … and sure as Hell puzzles us Senators fans.
Inconsistent and high peeks and valleys go hand and hand with young teams. I know itâs been a while but when you look at the whole picture they are still young and have limited experience.
This is the time to ride the highs and not take the lows to seriously, after all itâs just growing pains. Sometimes the process is much more important than the results and the process in Ottawa has been a bit inconsistent but expected.
Ron, see my response to that viewpoint above in response to LJ.
I see your point but the fact of how much money they are earning – and Iâm one for they deserve it and more type fan, simply because I believe if your a top level professional you deserve all the money you can earn because as in the case of the players, they gave up a lot to become a pro where your chances are slim and career is short, plus your putting yourself in bodily harm, willingly really has nothing to do with not showing up and reinforces my point of inexperience and sense of urgency. What you described Iâve witnessed people making millions as well as people making minimum wage.
I would be shocked if the Sens donât get in and make some noise in the postseason. Thereâs a good group of young players that need more reps and growth there so we will be treated to sure stinkers as well as games youâve seen them the best you have. When you canât have it all, at least enjoy the pleasant surprises when you get them.
Just to add one more thing, yes I would agree with you if they didnât show up against teams where they should win. Sometimes, with teams like the Avs, which are not ever considered a team that one would get an easy win, but do have the ability to outplay and/or wonât allow teams to play their game. Young teams itâs about process rather than results as the latter comes after years of refining their process. The Avs have theirs dialed right in. The Sens just donât yet but you have to admit, they are getting closer. It just sucks that itâs on their timeline and not a fans one.
Sr!! I’ve noticed something!!
Your keyboard!! A key is stuck!!
Lj,glad I taught History,not English.
Sr! That being the case, let’s see if I can slide in a history reference via hockey talk. Did you know Hartland Molson, part of the Canadiens ownership history, is referenced in “the Battle of Britain, Canadians in their finest hour” by Ted Barris?
After flying 62 missions he came home, bought the Canadiens, and was instrumental in promoting the NHL via sponsoring Hockey Night in Canada. Had he not survived being shot down, one wonders how different the NHL would be now!! đ
Lj someday I will discuss the history of the Hobey Baker Award given to the MVP in college hockey! The 10 finalists were listed on this very sight a couple of days ago!
We won’t make it to the dance this year, but man, what a run we experienced. Here’s to a lucky rebuild!
Ya SOP, if it wasn’t obvious earlier in the year it sure as heck is now. And it was nice while it lasted.
Not sure if they go full rebuild or not, but if we want to be in the “cup contender” category of team again, I’m starting to think we need to do the full rebuild. Start accumulating some high end draft picks and hit on a good percentage of them.
And your right about luck. Especially lottery luck and timing of it. Not all draft classes created equal. You would much rather pick in the top 2 or 3 in the McDavid/Eichel/Marner draft year than the Yakupov/Murray/Galchenyuk draft class.
The Oilers had #1 in both, only one of those drafts made them a contender regardless of who they would have picked 1st in 2012.
Absolutely, Ray. Add Detroit and the Rags to the list of clubs who had top picks in weaker draft years.
We have some incredible looking young kids in the Dub.
I’d be scouting heavily in the west if I were in charge of anything other than the fellers tearing out my iron today.
McKenna is gonna be a star. 100%! Dupont sure looks like it as well. There’s a few more, but next seasons results should paint a clearer picture.
I sure hope our timing is right, cause I’d sell the acerage for the aforementioned players.
Ray Bark,I thought this might have happened last year but the Swayman,Ullmark duo was unbelievable! Not a big fan of Sweeney s but de did well at the trade deadline! Those 5 players,minus Marchand were at the end of the rope! He did not have the vision that to see this years team built on size,was way to slow to be competitive! Team still centers around Mcavoy and Lindholm to stay healthy! Geekie being their 2nd best offensive forward must be signed!
Ya SR, our boys have looked pretty flat most of the year. Or simply not good enough. They really miss Charlie Mc. I think he’s our best player. But even with him all year, would that make us better than a WC team? Will it next year without Coyle, Marchand and Carlo? Not much out there for high end UFA’s or our prospect pool to close a large gap.
The path seems pretty clear IMO, Sweeney and the Jacob’s may disagree. Who knows.
SOP, darn rights, the dub is good again! The limited times I have watched McKenna it is a wow. Hard to tell how strong he will get as he is young and scrawny, but the guy can wheel and makes scoring and setting guys up look easy even when he was the youngest kid on the ice by 3 or 4 years. Flippin amazing at that age.
Next year draft is supposed to be significantly better at the top than this year, with McKenna being the ultimate prize. That guy could change an organization. He is the the best 16 yr old I have ever seen live, but I never got to watch McDavid or the other greats live at that age.
Looked more dominant that his cousin, Mr Bedard as he controls the game with the puck on his stick.
The kids legit IMO.
Habs outplayed, outshot, outchanced the NYI last night in a welcome to playoff hockey and hot goaltending.
The bright side is that rather than getting frustrated they continied to send wave after wave and leave with 1 point.
Sens were disappointing last night in facing an Avs team on a back to back and didn’t come out hot to take advantage.
The two teams played at different speeds, are the Avs that much faster or were the Sens sleepwalking.
From what I’ve seen this year, it’s a night to forget and regroup for the next one, with Ullmark back to his usual self.
George O, I have seen the Avalanche do that to many teams even when down a goal or two. They are capable! I didn’t see last night’s game, listened to it on the radio. It sounded like Ottawa had the first 5 shots on goal, if one of those goes in does it change the outcome? I understand the frustration by senator fans such as yourself. That’s a big game. Shouldn’t be giving up 4 in one period! Sometimes, when the Avalanche gets the juggernaut going it isn’t easy to stop even starting out in the hole.
I think what makes these recent deals that the Avalanche did so important is they addressed a lot of their issues by getting more skill, experience and grit. Even despite trading Rantanen who has serious skill . Wether that translates into a SC is another thing. They will be fortunate to make it out of the Central
The NYR donât look well. Thereâs something going on there besides the frustration we see on players when scored upon. They used to have a hard skating drive to the net and take out opponents type in your face team but I didnât see any of that last night. I think there was barely a handful of grade A opportunities and hardly ever seen them get into the house area in front of the netâŚon the defense things looked even worseâŚsoft and zero cover able or boxing out.
Not good team there right now.
I see Marner was MIA again, his play has gone downhill a lot since the 4 nations. 5 terrible giveaways just in the last 2 games. Just in case any of you Ranger fans happen to run across our MIA Marner wandering aimlessly in your travels today, there is no reward for his return
Yogi are your views of Marner based on because he wouldnât take a selfie with you or something? Marnerâs best skill that most people donât even understand is how often he recovers or controls pucks along the walls and with control put it in dangerous scoring situations. He doesnât need to physically overpower players to do that. But I guess both me and Jon Cooper share a fanboy opinion of him and donât know who are good or great players.
But seriously, no selfie right?
KFC’s OT goal wasn’t short-handed… Good grind out road win for the Jets though.
Colonel Saunders scored????