NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 26, 2025

by | Apr 26, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 26, 2025

The Canadiens, Devils and Oilers pick up big wins in their first-round series. Check out the recaps plus the latest news in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S PLAYOFF ACTION

NHL.COM: Three unanswered third-period goals by Christian Dvorak, Juraj Slafkovsky and Alex Newhook gave the Montreal Canadiens a 6-3 victory over the Washington Capitals in Game 3 of their best-of-seven first-round series.

Newhook and Cole Caufield finished with a goal and an assist each. Connor McMichael, Jakub Chychrun and Alex Ovechkin replied for the Capitals, who hold a 2-1 lead in the series. Game 4 is Sunday, Apr. 27, at 6:30 pm ET.

The two teams lost their starting goaltenders to injuries during this contest. Canadiens starter Sam Montembeault suffered an undisclosed injury in the second period and made way for Jakub Dobes. Capitals netminder Logan Thompson injured his left knee following a third-period collision with teammate Dylan Strome and was replaced by Charlie Lindgren. There were no post-game updates regarding their conditions.

Montreal Canadiens winger Josh Anderson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the most complete game I’ve seen the Canadiens play this season. After being dominated in the first two games in Washington, they fed off the energy in the Bell Centre, outshooting the Capitals 40-19, winning 53.7 percent of the faceoffs, going two-for-five on the power play, and outhitting the Caps 45-26.

Winger Josh Anderson didn’t collect any points, but made his presence felt as Montreal’s physical leader, dishing out six hits and battling Washington winger Tom Wilson in a scrap at the end of the second period that spilled into the Capitals bench. Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj made his playoff debut and led all blueliners with four hits.

Canadiens winger Patrik Laine missed this game with an upper-body injury. That might explain his subpar performances in the first two contests.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec scored in double-overtime as his club nipped the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in Game 3 of their first-round series.

The Devils had a 2-0 lead on goals by Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer, but the Hurricanes got two unanswered third-period goals by Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho to tie it. Game 4 is Sunday at 3:30 pm ET, with the Hurricanes holding a 2-1 series lead.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A big win for New Jersey after two lifeless losses to the Hurricanes in Carolina. Nemec set the franchise record as the youngest player (21 years, 69 days) to score a playoff overtime goal.

Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler returned to action after being sidelined by a lower-body injury in early February. However, blueliner Johnathan Kovecevic left the game with an undisclosed injury.

The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Los Angeles Kings 7-4 in Game 3 of their series. Evander Kane and Evan Bouchard scored the tying and winning goals 10 seconds apart in the third period.

Bouchard and Connor Brown each had two goals and Connor McDavid had a goal and two assists for the Oilers. Adrian Kempe and Drew Doughty each had a goal and an assist for the Kings, who lead the series two games to one. Game 4 is Sunday in Edmonton at 9:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane’s tying goal came under automatic review for a kicking motion. It was determined he did kick the puck, but then knocked it into the net with his stick, making it a good goal.

Kings head coach Jim Hiller challenged for goaltender interference but the call went against him, leading to a delay-of-game penalty with Bouchard’s winning goal on the subsequent power play.

HEADLINES

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights need more production from their top line of Jack Eichel, Mark Stone and Ivan Barbeshev if they hope to defeat the Minnesota Wild in their first-round series. The trio has yet to register a point in the series, with the Wild leading two games to one.

THE DENVER POST: Gabriel Landeskog has been promoted to the Colorado Avalanche’s second line and their top power-play unit. After being sidelined for the past three seasons by knee surgeries, the 32-year-old winger returned to action in Game 3 of their series with the Dallas Stars. The Stars have a 2-1 series lead over the Avalanche.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel received a one-game suspension by the NHL department of player safety for a late hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov in Game 2 of the series between the two clubs on Thursday.

Barkov left that game and remains questionable for Game 3 on Saturday.

NHL.COM: The league also fined the Ottawa Senators $25,000.00 for unsportsmanlike conduct and Senators forward Nick Cousins $2,083.33 for unsportsmanlike conduct for an incident during warm-ups for Game 3 of their series with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cousins’ offense was shooting a puck down the ice at Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: A mistrial was declared by the presiding judge in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case. A new trial will begin once new jurors are selected, which was expected to occur on Friday.

Former NHL players Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart and Cal Foote face one charge each of sexual assault for an alleged incident that occurred in 2018 while members of Canada’s World Junior team. McLeod faces an additional charge as a party to the offense.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 25, 2025

by | Apr 25, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 25, 2025

Recapping Thursday’s playoff action and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF THURSDAY’S PLAYOFF GAMES

NHL.COM: St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich tallied a hat trick and an assist and defenseman Cam Fowler had a goal and four assists to thump the Winnipeg Jets 7-2 in Game 3 of their best-of-seven first-round series.

St. Louis Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich (NHL Images)

Center Robert Thomas set up four goals for the Blues while David Gustafsson and Neal Pionk replied for Winnipeg. Jets backup goaltender Eric Comrie replaced starter Connor Hellebuyck after the latter gave up six goals on 25 shots. Game 4 is Sunday, Apr. 27, in St. Louis at 1 pm ET. The Jets lead the series two games to one.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues did a fine job smothering the Jets’ top offensive players with their physical plan. Mark Scheifele had five points in the first two games and Kyle Connor had four, but both were held scoreless in this contest. Winnipeg defenseman Dylan DeMelo was a late scratch due to an illness.

An overtime goal by Simon Benoit gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators in Game 3 of their first-round series. Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews also scored for Toronto while Claude Giroux and Brady Tkachuk replied for the Senators, who find themselves on the brink of elimination down 3-0 in this series. The Leafs can wrap things up in Game 4 on Saturday, Apr. 26 at 7 pm ET in Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the second straight game the Senators suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime defeat. Their lopsided loss in Game 1 aside, they’ve played well against the Leafs, but the latter’s depth and experience have been the difference thus far. Toronto goaltender Anthony Stolarz has been terrific between the pipes throughout this series.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov scored two goals for the second straight game to beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2. Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi each had a goal and an assist, and goalie Filip Gustavsson stopped 30 shots as the Wild took a 2-1 lead in the series. Alex Pietrangelo and Reilly Smith scored for the Golden Knights. Game 4 is Saturday, starting at 4 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights are having difficulty containing the Wild’s two leading scorers. Kaprizov is tied for the postseason lead with seven points, while Boldy is right behind him with six points. The Wild probably wouldn’t have struggled down the stretch had “Dollar Bill Kirill” been healthy during that period.

The Florida Panthers blanked the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0 in Game 2 of their series. Sergei Bobrovsky made 19 saves for the shutout while Nate Schmidt and Sam Bennett were the goal scorers as the Panthers took a 2-0 series lead. Game 3 is Saturday, starting at 1 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a costly victory for the Panthers as team captain Aleksander Barkov left the game in the third period with a possible upper-body injury following a big hit from Lightning forward Brandon Hagel, who received a five-minute major penalty for interference. There was no post-game update on Barkov’s condition.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen remains day-to-day with a knee injury. He participated in two-on-two drills during practice on Wednesday. Heiskanen’s been sidelined since suffering the injury on Jan. 28.

The Stars hold a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven series with the Colorado Avalanche. Game 4 is Saturday, starting at 9:30 pm ET.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Barring a last-minute change of heart, the Oilers will start backup goalie Calvin Pickard on Friday against the Los Angeles Kings, who hold a 2-0 lead in their series. Pickard replaced struggling starter Stuart Skinner after he gave up five goals on 28 shots in Game 2. Skinner also allowed six goals on 30 shots in Game 1.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen underwent surgery on March 26 to repair a right tricep rupture. His recovery is six months, meaning he’ll likely miss training camp in September.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 24, 2025

by | Apr 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 24, 2025

Recaps of Wednesday’s playoff action, the Rangers sign GM Chris Drury to a contract extension, no front-office shakeup for the Bruins, the fallout from the Islanders firing Lou Lamoriello, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING WEDNESDAY’S PLAYOFF GAMES

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Tyler Seguin lifted the Dallas Stars to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of their best-of-seven first-round series. Valeri Nichushkin opened the scoring for the Avalanche early in the first period but Stars captain Jamie Benn tied it in the third period, setting the stage for Seguin’s game-winner. The Stars hold a 2-1 lead in the series with Game 4 on Saturday, Apr. 26, at 9:30 pm ET.

Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars’ win spoiled the return to action of Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog after nearly three years sidelined by knee surgeries. He saw 13:16 of ice time and led the Avs with six hits.

The Los Angeles Kings got four-point performances from Adrian Kempe (two goals, two assists) and Anze Kopitar (one goal, three assists) to beat the Edmonton Oilers 6-2 in Game 2 of their opening-round series. Oilers forwards Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson narrowed the Kings’ early 3-0 lead to 3-2 before the latter pulled away with three unanswered third-period goals, two of them from Kempe. The Kings hold a 2-0 lead in the series, which shifts to Edmonton with Game 3 on Friday, Apr. 25, starting at 9:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers winger Evander Kane and defenseman John Klingberg returned to action after missing time this season due to injuries. It was Kane’s first game after being sidelined for the entire regular season, while Klingberg played only 11 games.

However, their return couldn’t save the Oilers from being soundly beaten in this contest. Starting goalie Stuart Skinner gave way to backup Calvin Pickard after giving up five goals on 23 shots while the Kings went 3-for-5 on the power play.

Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael tallied twice in a 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 2 of their series. Logan Thompson stopped 25 shots as the Capitals overcame a 1-0 deficit in the second period with two quick goals by McMichael and Dylan Strome. Josh Anderson scored for the Canadiens, who got a 29-save performance from Sam Montembeault. The series moves to Montreal for Game 3 on Friday, starting at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Game 2 was nearly identical to the opening contest, with the Capitals dominating the first two periods before the Canadiens rallied back in the third. The Habs pushed back hard for the equalizer in the final frame, but Thompson shut the door before McMichael sealed it with an empty-netter with two seconds left.

Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis sent an unsubtle message to underperforming forwards Patrik Laine and Joel Armia. Laine was benched for the third period while Armia saw only one shift in that frame.

HEADLINES

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers announced that general manager Chris Drury signed a multi-year contract extension. This move comes after the Blueshirts missed the playoffs a year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy as the top regular-season team in 2023-24.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some Rangers fans didn’t receive this news well, taking to social media to voice their displeasure. Nevertheless, Drury’s extension is ownership’s stamp of approval on his somewhat heavy-handed efforts to retool the roster since last summer.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: It appears Don Sweeney will return as general manager of the Bruins. Despite missing the playoffs this season, CEO and team chairman Charlie Jacobs praised Sweeney’s management of the club, citing their impressive winning percentage under his stewardship, including eight straight postseason appearances before 2024-25.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting the Islanders nearly fired Lou Lamoriello in December before finally relieving him of his duties as GM and team president earlier this week.

Friedman claimed Lamoriello was clashing with team minority owner and Business Operations Director John Collins. There was also friction between Lamoriello and head coach Patrick Roy, and unhappiness over the historically bad season for their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. A late-season blowout loss to the Rangers appeared to be the final straw.

Meanwhile, the Islanders also parted ways with long-time radio broadcasters Chris King and Greg Picker.

NEW YORK POST: Former Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck announced his retirement on social media yesterday. Clutterbuck spent 17 seasons in the NHL, beginning with the Minnesota Wild from 2007-08 to 2012-13 before being traded to the Isles, where he spent the remainder of his career to 2023-24.

A gritty checking-line forward, Clutterbuck played 1,065 NHL regular-season games, finishing with 143 goals and 150 assists for 293 points. He also had 12 goals and 20 points in 81 playoff contests.

STLTODAY.COM: Blues center Robert Thomas missed practice for maintenance reasons, but he will be ready for Game 3 against the Jets on Thursday.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Jets, sidelined forward Gabriel Vilardi (upper-body injury) traveled with the team to St. Louis. Meanwhile, winger Nikolaj Ehlers (lower body) remained in Winnipeg. The Jets hold a 2-0 lead in their series with the Blues.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers announced they are moving on from assistant coaches Rocky Thompson, Darryl Williams, and assistant/skills coach Angelo Ricci.

TSN: Czechia leaders are condemning apparent threats by former Russian prime minister and president Dmitry Medvedev against Hall-of-Fame goaltender Dominik Hasek for his critical comments about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 23, 2025

by | Apr 23, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 23, 2025

Results of Tuesday’s playoff action, the Islanders part ways with GM Lou Lamoriello, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S PLAYOFF GAMES

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk scored twice and collected an assist in a 6-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of their best-of-seven first-round series. Tkachuk had been sidelined with a groin injury since the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.

Nate Schmidt tallied twice and forwards Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett each had a goal and an assist for the Panthers. Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point replied for the Lightning. Game 2 is Thursday, Apr. 24, at 6:30 pm ET in Tampa Bay.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk and the Panthers played like defending Stanley Cup champions. They haven’t lost that tenacious work ethic that made them back-to-back Cup finalists, something the Lightning must match if they hope to win this series.

An overtime goal by Max Domi gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators, and a 2-0 lead in their first-round series. John Tavares had a goal and an assist and Anthony Stolarz stopped 26 shots for the Leafs. Brady Tkachuk and Adam Gaudette scored for the Senators. This series shifts to Ottawa for the next two games with Game 3 starting Thursday at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the first time the Leafs have had a 2-0 lead in a playoff series since 2002. The Senators had a better effort in this game but they’ll need more in Game 3 to avoid going into a much deeper hole.

The Leafs looked like they would run the Senators out of the building in the first period but took their foot off the gas in the second. That led to Tkachuk’s flukey goal, setting the stage for Gaudette’s tying goal in the third.

The Minnesota Wild opened a 4-0 lead that resulted in a 5-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, tying their series at a game apiece. Kirill Kaprizov scored twice and set up Matt Boldy, who finished the night with two points. Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl scored for Vegas. The series moves to Minnesota with Game 3 on Thursday starting at 9 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov’s long pass to Boldy for the latter’s breakaway goal was a thing of beauty. The Golden Knights played better than the score indicates, but their defensive breakdowns and turnovers were their downfall.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen stopped 25 shots in a 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils to open a 2-0 series lead. Jordan Martinook scored the winning goal and set up Seth Jarvis for the empty-net insurance goal. Jesper Bratt scored for the Devils. This series moves to New Jersey with Game 3 on Friday, Apr. 25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a better effort by New Jersey than Game 1, but they were frustrated by Andersen’s goaltending and the Hurricanes’ stifling penalty kill. Devils forward Timo Meier had a golden opportunity to make it 2-2 in the third period but whiffed on the bouncing puck. Devils defensemen Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon missed this game due to injuries suffered in the previous game.

HEADLINES

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders announced yesterday that they were not renewing the contract of team president and general manager Lou Lamoriello. The status of assistant GM Chris Lamoriello and head coach Patrick Roy remains uncertain.

Russ Macias believes the Islanders’ stagnation since 2021 and several mistakes by Lamoriello led to his downfall. It led to a decline in attendance and a revolving door of coaches that finally forced ownership to make a change.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears listed former Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland, Toronto Maple Leafs assistant GM Brandon Pridham, former Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis, and former Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin among the potential candidates to replace Lamoriello.

Sears also pondered Roy’s future as head coach under Lamoriello’s replacement. A team spokesman said the plan is for Roy and his coaching staff to meet with the new GM and take it from there.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello did a fine job in his early years as Isles GM, building up the club into a back-to-back Conference finalist in 2020 and 2021. However, the decline began with the departure of head coach Barry Trotz in 2022 and accelerated as Lamoriello stubbornly stuck with his aging core.

THE ATHLETIC: Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen’s been through a lot since January, changing teams twice and participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off. He’s been trying to adjust to the upheaval but the Stars need him to regain his form if they’re to stage a Stanley Cup run this spring.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary’s season is over after undergoing surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee. He suffered the injury during the Capitals’ second-last game of the regular season.

TSN: Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher’s absence from practice on Tuesday raised eyebrows. However, head coach Martin St. Louis said Gallagher will be fine. The Canadiens face the Capitals in Game 2 of their first-round series on Wednesday. The Capitals took Game 1 by a score of 3-2.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Sidelined Oilers Evander Kane and John Klingberg could be options for Game 2 of their series against the Los Angeles Kings. Klingberg is considered “a very good possibility”, according to head coach Kris Knoblach. The Oilers were beaten 6-5 in the opening game.

NEW YORK POST: Five members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team pleaded not guilty Tuesday to sexual assault in a London, Ontario court. The jurors who will hear their case were selected yesterday.

Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton were charged last year for an incident that allegedly occurred in June 2018. McLeod faces an additional charge of being a party to the offense of sexual assault.

DAILY FACEOFF: The list of potential witnesses includes Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson, and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 22, 2025

by | Apr 22, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 22, 2025

In today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines: recapping Monday’s playoff action, the Kraken make coaching and management changes, plus the latest on the Canucks, Rangers, and Red Wings as they head into the offseason.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S PLAYOFF GAMES

NHL.COM: The Los Angeles Kings blew 4-0 and 5-2 leads before nipping the Edmonton Oilers 6-5 in Game 1 of their best-of-seven first-round series.

Phillip Danault scored twice, including the winning goal with 42 seconds left in the third period. Kings forwards Adrian Kempe and Andrei Kuzmenko each had a goal and two assists. Oilers captain Connor McDavid led his club’s comeback with four points, including the tying goal. Evan Bouchard picked up three assists. Game 2 is Wednesday, Apr. 23, in Los Angeles, with a 10 pm ET start.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A wild game that seemed poised for a blowout win by the Kings until Edmonton made it interesting in the third with McDavid leading the way. It certainly wasn’t a defensive masterpiece, with goalies Darcy Kuemper of the Kings and Stuart Skinner of the Oilers looking shaky at times, whilst both clubs committed costly blunders in their own zones.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored two goals (including his first NHL playoff overtime goal) to down the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in Game 1 of their opening round series. The Capitals jumped to a 2-0 lead before the Canadiens tied it on goals by Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, with rookie defenseman Lane Hutson collecting two assists. Game 2 is Wednesday, starting at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals dominated the first two periods as their postseason experience was on display during that stretch. Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault was sharp, keeping his team in the game until they gained their footing and rallied back.

The Winnipeg Jets squeezed past the St. Louis Blues 2-1 with Kyle Connor breaking a 1-1 tie early in the third period. Mark Scheifele also scored and Connor Hellebuyck made 21 saves for the Jets, who take a 2-0 lead in the series. Rookie Jimmy Snuggerud scored his first NHL playoff goal and Jordan Binnington stopped 20 shots for the Blues. The series shifts to St. Louis for Games 3 and 4 with the next match scheduled for Thursday, Apr. 24, at 9:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both games have been closely contested and could’ve gone the Blues’ way with some puck luck. Scheifele (five points) and Connor (four points) have stepped up to lead offensively for the Jets, with the latter tallying both winning goals.

An overtime goal by Colin Blackwell gave the Dallas Stars a 4-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, tying their series at a game apiece. Jake Oettinger turned aside 34 shots and Tyler Seguin scored his first goal since returning from hip surgery. Mackenzie Blackwood made 35 saves and Logan O’Connor had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche. Game 3 is Wednesday at 9:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche created a stir before the game by announcing captain Gabriel Landeskog was activated off long-term injury reserve. He was not in the lineup for Game 2, but he appears a step closer to appearing in this series at some point. Due to knee surgeries, Landeskog hasn’t played since Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final.

HEADLINES

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken announced Monday they fired head coach Dan Bylsma after one season on the job. They have reportedly reassigned general manager Ron Francis to team president, with assistant GM Jason Botterill taking over the management job.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken missed the playoffs for the second straight year under Bylsma, finishing 20 points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Francis had recently come under criticism for the club’s stalled improvement, including last summer’s expensive signings of center Chandler Stephenson and defenseman Brandon Montour.

The Kraken reached the playoffs in their second season, but that set heightened expectations they have struggled to meet. Botterill has management experience, serving three seasons as GM of the Buffalo Sabres from 2017 to 2020. Time will tell if he’ll have better luck in Seattle than he did in his brief tenure in Buffalo.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford raised eyebrows during his end-of-season press conference, saying team captain Quinn Hughes hopes to one day play alongside brothers Jack and Luke, who play for the New Jersey Devils.

Rutherford said a reunion of the Hughes brothers is partly out of the Canucks’ control. He added that bringing Jack and Luke to Vancouver would be within the club’s control, adding that he had to be careful with tampering and left it at that. Rutherford also said his club cannot afford to lose Quinn and would do everything they could to keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford wasn’t saying his club was trying to bring Jack and Luke to Vancouver. He also wasn’t saying Quinn wants out of Vancouver.

It’s unlikely that Rutherford gets his fingers slapped for any violation of the league’s tampering rules. Realistically, such a move is highly doubtful. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill.

Quinn Hughes has two years remaining on his contract with the Canucks. Whatever Rutherford and general manager Patrik Allvin do this offseason could determine whether he remains in Vancouver beyond 2027.

Rutherford also said the Canucks won’t pick up the option year in head coach Rick Tocchet’s contract. If he returns next season, it’ll be on a new long-term deal. Tocchet is at his Las Vegas home, taking a breather and mulling things over. He could make his decision later this week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford and Allvin are keen to keep Tocchet behind the Canucks’ bench. They commended him and his coaching staff for their handling of a difficult season, including a major rift between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller that led to the latter’s trade to the New York Rangers in January.

Speaking of Pettersson, the club plans to stick with the struggling center, hoping a stronger off-season training regimen will help him regain his high-scoring form. Allvin is keeping his options open, but insists the team still has faith in Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks options will narrow considerably when Pettersson’s no-movement clause kicks in on July 1.

TSN: The Canucks also intend to let Brock Boeser reach this summer’s free-agent market on July 1. However, they haven’t ruled out bringing him back if he doesn’t find a better deal elsewhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser could return to the Canucks after July 1 on the latter’s terms. However, there will be teams with plentiful cap space seeking scoring depth who could be willing to meet his asking price.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider underwent surgery on Apr. 17 to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder that’s been nagging him for the past two years. He can resume skating in three months.

Rangers winger Chris Kreider revealed he suffered back spasms in November and vertigo in December. He also injured his left hand in February following the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which could require surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those issues explain why Kreider’s production dropped significantly this season, making him the subject of trade speculation.

The Rangers don’t intend to approach former NHL coach Joel Quenneville about their vacant head-coaching position. It’s believed there is a mutual recognition that it would not be the best landing spot for his potential return to the NHL coaching ranks.

THE SCORE: Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin believes management’s inaction at the trade deadline didn’t help the club gain momentum in the playoff race. Their only move was acquiring goalie Petr Mrazek and forward Craig Smith from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for center Joe Veleno. The Wings wound up missing the postseason for the ninth straight year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin’s frustration over the club’s long playoff drought could raise further questions about general manager Steve Yzerman’s efforts to build this club into a postseason contender.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 21, 2025

by | Apr 21, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 21, 2025

Recaps of Sunday’s playoff action, plus the latest on Gabriel Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Pierre-Luc Dubois and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING SUNDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: “The Battle Of Ontario” resumed after 21 years with the Toronto Maple Leafs getting a convincing 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of their best-of-seven first-round series.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Mitch Marner had a goal and two assists and Anthony Stolarz stopped 31 shots for Toronto, who went 3-for-6 on the power play. Leafs forwards William Nylander and John Tavares each had a goal and an assist and Auston Matthews collected two assists. Drake Batherson and Ridly Greig replied for the Senators. Game 2 of this series is Tuesday, Apr. 22, at 7:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators swept the three-game regular-season series, but the Leafs’ experience in postseason play was evident in this contest. They were tenacious on the forecheck, their “Core Four” of Matthews, Marner, Nylander and Tavares stepped up, and they didn’t shy away from the Senators’ physical style, seizing the opportunity with the man advantage.

The Senators will have to regroup and focus on a more disciplined effort. They’ll also need a better performance from goaltender Linus Ullmark, who continues to struggle in postseason play.

Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl had a goal and an assist to double up the Minnesota Wild 4-2 in Game 1 of their opening-round series. Brett Howden tallied twice and Adin Hill turned aside 18 shots for the Golden Knights. Matt Boldy scored both of the Wild’s goals and Filip Gustavsson made 23 saves. Game 2 of this series is Wednesday, Apr. 23, at 11 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the most closely contested game of the evening. There weren’t many penalties, but the Golden Knights made the most of their opportunities, going 2-for-2 with the man advantage.

NHL linesman Bryan Pancich left this game in the second period following an accidental collision with Howden. Backup official Frederick L’Ecuyer replaced Pancich for the remainder of the game.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven scored two goals in a 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils. Taylor Hall picked up two assists and Frederik Andersen made 23 saves as the Hurricanes took a 1-0 lead in this first-round series. Nico Hischier scored for the Devils. Game 2 goes Tuesday, Apr. 22, at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The score flattered New Jersey as Carolina dominated most of this game. It got worse for the Devils as Brenden Dillon and Cody Glass left the game with injuries. Glass was accidentally struck on the knee by teammate Jacob Markstrom as the Devils’ goalie attempted to whack Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov with his stick.

HEADLINES

SI.COM: Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar told reporters not to read too much in Gabriel Landeskog’s absence from practice on Sunday, saying the team captain remains on his own recovery schedule. However, he didn’t rule out Landeskog replacing injured winger Ross Colton for Game 2 of their series against the Dallas Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Landeskog’s last NHL game was Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup. He’s been sidelined since by knee surgeries but recently completed a two-game conditioning stint with the Avs’ AHL affiliate as he attempts a comeback.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars need winger Mikko Rantanen to be a bigger factor in their series against his former team. On Saturday, he was held scoreless in their 5-1 loss to the Avalanche in Game 1.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy said he felt like he played last season on one leg following back surgery in 2023. He claims he’s feeling like he’s back to his old self this season and has a clear mind entering the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The improvement in Vasilevskiy’s performance contributed to the Lightning’s improvement as a team this season, rising from sixth overall in the Eastern Conference in 2023-24 to third overall this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals center Pierre-Luc Dubois credits head coach Spencer Carbery with helping him regain his focus and form. The 26-year-old Dubois has become one of the league’s best two-way centers and a beloved leader in the Capitals’ dressing room. Dubois and his teammates face the Montreal Canadiens with Game 1 of their first-round series starting Monday.

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers winger Jeff Skinner looks forward to his first playoff game in his 15-season NHL career when he and his teammates meet the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of their first-round series on Monday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner played for the Hurricanes when they struggled throughout most of the previous decade. He also played for the hapless Buffalo Sabres until they bought out his contract last summer. His postseason drought was 1,078 regular-season games.

ROTOWIRE: Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Jeannot remains week-to-week with an undisclosed injury.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets are prepared for another physical contest with the St. Louis Blues when the two clubs face off for Game 2 of their first-round series on Monday. The Jets won Game 1 5-3 but were outhit 53-33.