NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 9, 2025

by | May 9, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 9, 2025

The Oilers take a two-game lead over the Golden Knights, the Capitals tie their series with the Hurricanes, the first six players of the Quarter-Century Team are announced, the Ducks name Joel Quenneville as their new coach, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF THURSDAY’S PLAYOFF GAMES

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Leon Draisaitl lifted the Edmonton Oilers to a 5-4 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of their best-of-seven second-round series.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

The Oilers held a 4-2 lead early in the third period, but the Golden Knights got goals from Victor Olofsson and Alex Pietrangelo to force the extra frame. Connor McDavid collected the assist on Draisaitl’s winning goal while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Viktor Arvidsson and Vasily Podkolzin each collected two points. Olofsson finished with two goals and an assist and Jack Eichel had three helpers for the Golden Knights.

This series moves to Edmonton for the next two games, with the Oilers holding a 2-0 series lead. Game 3 is on Saturday, May 10, at 9 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Edmonton’s depth made the difference in this game, getting goals from Podkolzin, Jake Walman, Darnell Nurse and Evander Kane.

The Oilers have won six straight playoff games, all of them comeback victories. Those wins came with goaltender Calvin Pickard between the pipes. He’s 6-0 in this postseason.

Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy was upset that Arvidsson wasn’t penalized for shoving Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb into the boards moments before Draisaitl’s goal, leaving McNabb with an injured left arm.

Earlier in the period, Golden Knights forward Nicolas Roy received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for cross-checking Oilers forward Trent Frederic in the face. The Oilers failed to score on the ensuing power play.

Vegas winger Pavel Dorofeyev missed his second straight game in this series with an undisclosed injury. He also missed his club’s series-clinching victory against the Minnesota Wild.

Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson stopped 27 shots (including 16 in the third period) in a 3-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, tying their second-round series at a game apiece.

Connor McMichael, John Carlson and Tom Wilson scored for the Capitals, with Wilson collecting an assist on Carlson’s goal. Shayne Gostisbehere replied for the Hurricanes.

The series shifts to Carolina for the next two games, with Game 3 on Saturday at 6 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A better team effort by the Capitals in this game, though at times they were hanging on for dear life in the third period. Thompson was solid again for the Capitals and has been their most valuable player thus far in this postseason.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The first six skaters named to the league’s Quarter-Century Team were unveiled on Thursday. The group was made up of players who debuted before 2000.

They are defenseman Zdeno Chara, winger Jarome Iginla, defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, center Joe Sakic, winger Teemu Selanne, and center Joe Thornton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Four of them (Iginla, Lidstrom, Sakic and Selanne) are in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Chara and Thornton will be joining them soon.

The next seven skaters will be revealed on Friday, May 9, and will be comprised of players who debuted between 2000 and 2010. It’s safe to assume Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin will be on that list.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Ducks named Joel Quenneville their new head coach.

Quenneville is second in career wins by an NHL coach (969) and won three Stanley Cups as head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks. However, he stepped down as head coach of the Florida Panthers in 2021 for his role in failing to adequately address sexual allegations by Chicago player Kyle Beach against the Blackhawks’ video coach in 2010. The league banned Quenneville from coaching for three years.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek told reporters that the club had conducted its due diligence into the efforts Quenneville made during his banishment to atone for his actions, which included working with groups that deal with sexual assault and helping survivors. Quenneville expressed remorse for his actions and took full responsibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers believe Quenneville should never coach in the NHL again. Others think he’s paid the price for his actions and should be given a second chance.

It was inevitable that Quenneville would land another NHL coaching job after former Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman (who also received a three-year ban from the league for his role in the coverup) was named GM of the Oilers last summer.

I’m curious about Beach’s reaction to this news. When the Oilers hired Bowman, he said he contacted Beach beforehand, claiming he had an “encouraging conversation” with the former player.

Time will tell if Quenneville can coach the rebuilding Ducks into becoming a playoff contender. Despite his impressive coaching resume, it’s been four years since he was last behind an NHL bench.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz did not travel with his teammates to Florida for Games 3 and 4 of their second-round series with the Panthers. Stolarz suffered a head injury following a Game 1 collision with Panthers center Sam Bennett. The Leafs hold a 2-0 series lead.

TSN: On Thursday, Winnipeg Jets defensemen Josh Morrissey and Logan Stanley participated in the club’s optional skate. They are game-time decisions for Game 2 on Friday against the Dallas Stars, who hold a 1-0 lead in their second-round series.

STLTODAY.COM: Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington and center Brayden Schenn have joined Canada’s roster for the upcoming IIHF World Championship in Sweden and Denmark.

DAILY FACEOFF: New Jersey Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic underwent knee surgery on Thursday and won’t be ready for training camp in September.

Former Vancouver Canucks goaltender Frank Caprice died on Thursday at age 63. He spent six seasons with the Canucks from 1982-83 to 1987-88, with a record of 31 wins, 46 losses and 11 ties in 102 games with a 4.20 goals-against average, a save percentage of .859, and one shutout.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Caprice’s family, friends, former teammates and the Canucks organization.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 25, 2025

by | Feb 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 25, 2025

The latest on Mikko Rantanen, Jordan Binnington, Brock Boeser, Erik Karlsson, Matias Maccelli and Jake Evans in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON MIKKO RANTANEN

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun isn’t buying into the recent speculation suggesting the Carolina Hurricanes could trade Mikko Rantanen if he hasn’t re-signed by the March 7 trade deadline.

He acknowledged that the Hurricanes still hope to re-sign Rantanen and didn’t rule out the possibility of him getting shopped if he doesn’t sign. However, he believes they could keep him as a rental player to take their shot this season in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

LeBrun doesn’t believe the Hurricanes are telling teams that Rantanen could become available by the deadline. He thinks some teams are calling to inquire what they might do if he doesn’t sign.

YARDBARKER: cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reporting the Hurricanes made an offer north of $13 million annually to the Rantanen camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rantanen is reportedly taking time to think things over following a hectic several weeks settling in and adjusting to his new teammates and surroundings. Money isn’t the issue. Instead, he’s trying to determine if a long-term commitment with the Hurricanes is the best thing for his future.

WILL THE BLUES SHOP JORDAN BINNINGTON?

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman and Jeremy Rutherford examined whether the St. Louis Blues should try to capitalize on goaltender Jordan Binnington’s success at the 4 Nations Face-Off by trading him.

The Blues are retooling their roster and could consider shopping Binnington if his trade value improved because of his 4 Nations performance. He has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million and an 18-team no-trade list.

St. Louis Blue goaltender Jordan Binnington (NHL Images)

Binnington’s inconsistent play with the Blues and his contract could make it difficult to move him. Goldman and Rutherford suggest that long-shot playoff teams like the Utah Hockey Club and Philadelphia Flyers could consider a change in net.

They also mentioned contenders like the Carolina Hurricanes and the Edmonton Oilers. There are concerns over the durability of Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen and backup Pyotr Kochetkov’s playoff experience and the reliability of the Oilers’ tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently cited TSN’s Darren Dreger musing over whether Binnington might be a fit with the Oilers. However, he also cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming they’re not planning to change their goaltending amid uncertainty over whether Evander Kane will be sidelined for the rest of the regular season

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is reportedly open to exploring the trade value of some of his core players. Binnington’s 4 Nations play may have improved his trade value but he’s unlikely to draw as much interest as two-way center Brayden Schenn and scoring forwards Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich.

TRADE RUMORS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” PODCAST

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said contract term remains a big issue between the Vancouver Canucks and Brock Boeser. However, he pointed out how their contracts for J.T. Miller and Kevin Lankinen came out of nowhere, so he doesn’t rule out a new deal for Boeser.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman’s colleague Courtney Jacobsen listed the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings and the Utah Hockey Club as potential trade destinations for Boeser. With the trade deadline fast approaching, we won’t have to wait long to find out the Canucks’ intentions.

Friedman cited Erik Karlsson’s strong performance for Sweden during the 4 Nations Face-Off. He thinks the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman would be a great fit with the Dallas Stars but stressed that was just a theory, adding he wasn’t sure if it could happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson turns 35 on May 31 and is signed through 2026-27, with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million AAV. He also still has a full no-movement clause.

Karlsson might be receptive to a trade to the Stars if they were interested. However, a lot will depend on whether top blueliner Miro Heiskanen goes on long-term injury reserve for the rest of the regular season.

Taking on Karlsson’s cap hit would bite deeply into their cap space over the next two years. It could complicate their efforts to re-sign Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene and Wyatt Johnston this summer and Jason Robertson, Thomas Harley and Logan Stankoven in 2026.

Friedman also noted that Utah HC forward Matias Maccelli has been a frequent healthy scratch lately. He suggested the 24-year-old winger could be worth watching.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maccelli enjoyed a career-high performance last season, tallying 17 goals and 40 assists for 57 points for third in team scoring. He’s struggling this season, with 18 points in 52 games. Maccelli is in the second year of a three-year contract with an affordable AAV of $3.425 million. He could be a cost-effective gamble for clubs seeking a playmaking forward.

UPDATE ON JAKE EVANS

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports that Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans continues to draw interest in the trade market. One source claims multiple teams are calling about the 28-year-old center.

D’Amico listed the Los Angeles Kings, Seattle Kraken, Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evans is a solid checking-line forward with a decent scoring touch slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries an affordable $1.7 million cap hit this season. Evans would be an attractive rental option to cap-strapped playoff contenders and a potential long-term addition to rebuilding clubs with the cap space to re-sign him.

TVA SPORTS: cited a report in The Athletic suggesting the Canadiens could consider bundling Evans with linemate Joel Armia to garner a more attractive return. Meanwhile, Renaud Lavoie speculates the Evans camp wants a deal between three and five years from the Canadiens. Lavoie still believes there’s a pathway to a deal between the two sides.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 21, 2025

by | Feb 21, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 21, 2025

Canada defeated the United States in overtime to win the 4 Nations Face-Off. Check out the details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid scored at 8:18 of overtime as Canada defeated the United States 3-2 to win the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Team Canada center Connor McDavid celebrates his winning goal in the 4 Nations Face-Off (NHL.com).

Nathan MacKinnon and Sam Bennett scored in regulation while Mitch Marner assisted on Bennett’s game-tying goal and McDavid’s OT winner. Jordan Binnington made 31 saves, including six in overtime, twice thwarting Team USA captain Auston Matthews on point-blank scoring chances.

Matthews finished with two assists, Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson scored, and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 24 shots for the United States.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s goal occurred because Matthews left him uncovered in the slot. Marner quickly fired a pass to the Edmonton Oilers superstar, who beat Hellebuyck high to the glove side.

On Bennett’s goal, Marner drew two defenders toward him as he entered the American zone, leaving the Florida Panthers forward open to snipe a top-shelf shot over Hellebuyck’s right shoulder.

All three Canadian goals were the result of shooting high on Hellebuyck. MacKinnon beat him on the stick side with a deflected shot through traffic to open the scoring.

MacKinnon was named tournament MVP, leading all scorers with four goals. Team USA defenseman Zach Werenski led the tournament with six points, followed by McDavid and Canadian captain Sidney Crosby with five points each.

Crosby joined Wayne Gretzky as the second player to captain two championship teams in NHL international tournament play. He also captained Canada to gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2015 IIHF World Championship.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits believe this game was the passing of the leadership torch from Crosby to McDavid. The Oilers captain dismissed that notion, predicting Crosby would be leading Canada’s Olympic team next February.

THE ATHLETIC: Binnington silenced his doubters with his performance in this game, particularly in overtime. “He saved his best for last,” said Canadian head coach Jon Cooper. “That’s what winners do, and there wasn’t a chance I was not going to back the winner.”

Binnington was the only goalie play to every game for his country in this tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington had plenty of doubters (myself included) going into this tournament. He rose to the occasion and came through when Team Canada needed him most.

TSN: Canadian defenseman Josh Morrissey missed this game due to illness. He was replaced by Thomas Harley, who saw nearly 22 minutes of ice time and had the primary assist on MacKinnon’s game-opening goal.

SPORTSNET: Team USA defenseman Charlie McAvoy was released from hospital on Thursday following a procedure to treat an infection stemming from an upper-body injury suffered earlier in the tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An emotional McAvoy read out the starting lineup for his teammates in their dressing room before the game and was in attendance cheering them on.

THE SCORE: Winger Kyle Connor was a healthy scratch from this game, replaced by Chris Kreider. Connor leads all Americans in NHL scoring this season with 30 goals in 56 games but was held to one assist and one shot in three games in this tournament.

Canadian winger Mark Stone said he and his teammates felt the energy of their countrymen in this game. “Yeah, we wanted this one,” he said. “Forty million Canadians sitting at home, you feel that energy rooting us on. The pride we have to play for our country every time we get (the chance to wear) the flag on our chest, it’s a special feeling.”

Head coach Jon Cooper shared Stone’s sentiment. “I just hope Canada’s proud, because every player in that room is proud to be a Canadian,” he said. “Did we need a win? Not only our team, but Canada needed a win. And the players (carried) that on their shoulders and they took it seriously.”

DAILY FACEOFF: Canadian winger Brad Marchand shared his thoughts on American forwards Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, who took several verbal shots at Team Canada through the 4 Nations Face-Off.

“Sometimes when you shoot your mouth off in the media, it bites you,” said Marchand after the game. “You can do that during the season, but when it’s best-on-best, it’s different. They got a little ahead of themselves, but they’re great players. There’s not many guys who can do what they can do, and they’re very effective.”

“But when you start giving teams ammo, it can work against you as well,” he said. “They’re going to have long, great careers, and I think we saw how effective they can be at every level.”

ESPN.COM: Several United States players believe this tournament sent a message that Team USA has arrived and they’re just as good as Canada.

“I think I’d say it’s a pretty even playing field in my opinion,” said Auston Matthews. “It could have gone either way.” Zach Werenski shared that view. “We’ve proved tonight and to everyone that we’re right there with Canada,” he said. “It’s anyone’s game.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The United States has made tremendous strides over the past 25 years. In my opinion, their development program is the best in the world, tying them with Canada for the most World Junior Championships (five) since 2013, including their back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025.

Canada can justifiably savor this 4 Nations victory but they cannot take it for granted. A determined American team will be ready them at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

IN OTHER NEWS…

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL: Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon provided an update on Shea Theodore. The Golden Knights defenseman suffered an upper-body injury during Canada’s opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Theodore is listed as week-to-week. McCrimmon indicated the blueliner could meet with the team’s medical staff this weekend to determine how long he’ll be sidelined.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames placed little-used defenseman Tyson Barrie on waivers. He’s appeared in only 13 games this season.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders placed defenseman Dennis Cholowski on waivers to free up a roster spot for the returning Ryan Pulock.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 20, 2025

by | Feb 20, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 20, 2025

The latest 4 Nations Face-Off news on the eve of the championship game, updates on notable sidelined players as NHL teams prepare for the resumption of the schedule, and much more in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines.

4 NATIONS FACE-OFF NEWS

NHL.COM: The 4 Nations Face-Off championship game between Canada and the United States begins at 8 PM ET on Thursday, Feb. 20 at Boston’s TD Garden. The United States defeated Canada 3-1 during their round-robin game last Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

TSN: Team USA and Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy remains in a Boston hospital after undergoing “an irrigation and debridement procedure” stemming from an infection in his right shoulder. He is listed as week-to-week.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (NHL Images).

McAvoy missed the Americans’ 2-1 loss to Sweden on Monday with an upper-body injury suffered earlier in the tournament and was ruled out of Thursday’s championship game. He is being treated with antibiotics and his condition is reportedly improving.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Bruins weren’t pleased with how McAvoy’s condition was handled by Team USA, claiming they felt the blueliner didn’t receive the proper care.

Friedman said McAvoy suffered the injury during Team USA’s game against Finland when he was driven into a goalpost by Finnish forward Joel Armia. An initial diagnosis of the injury may not have revealed the full severity.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins were jockeying for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference when the schedule was paused for the 4 Nations tournament. Losing their top defenseman for several weeks could derail their playoff hopes.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes received medical clearance to return to practice but not to resume playing. He won’t be traveling to Boston to join Team USA in case another defenseman becomes sidelined before Thursday’s championship game.

An injured oblique muscle sidelined Hughes for four games before the 4 Nations tournament. He was in a non-contact jersey for the second straight day as he practiced with his Canucks teammates.

DAILY FACEOFF: Team USA invited New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce and Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson to travel to Boston and serve as potential illness or injury replacements ahead of Thursday’s championship game.

SPORTSNET: Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews practiced with Team USA on Wednesday but Brady Tkachuk was absent with an illness.

The trio were sidelined from Monday’s game against Sweden. Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters on Tuesday that he expected all three to be in the lineup for Thursday’s game against Canada.

NHL.COM: Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington will get the start against Team USA in Thursday’s championship game. He’s played in every game for Canada and is the only goalie in this tournament to play a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final. In 2019, Binnington backstopped the St. Louis Blues to the Cup against the Bruins in Boston’s TD Garden.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fans and pundits have criticized Binnington’s performance but he has the steadfast support of his teammates and Team Canada coach Jon Cooper. A win in the championship game should silence his critics.

HEADLINES

TSN: Evgeni Malkin told The Athletic’s Rob Rossi that he has no plans of playing anywhere except Pittsburgh, ending speculation he could return to Russia to finish his playing career in the KHL.

“I retire with Pittsburgh,” said Malkin. “The Penguins are my team. I love this team. When I retire it’s here.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin’s comments put to rest any talk of him waiving his no-movement clause to accept a trade to another NHL club. The 38-year-old center has one season left on his contract with a full no-movement clause.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (upper-body injury) resumed practicing with his teammates on Wednesday. The club intends to ease him back into action.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs winger Max Pacioretty left practice on Wednesday after tweaking something during pre-practice drills. Leafs head coach Craig Berube said the injury is not believed to be serious but they’ll learn more after Pacioretty is reevaluated on Thursday.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (lower-body injury)was in a full-contact jersey during practice on Tuesday but didn’t partake in any drills. He was placed on long-term injury reserve on Jan. 20. The earliest he could return to action is next Tuesday against the New York Rangers.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser expects to return to action on Sunday against the Seattle Kraken. He’s been sidelined since Dec. 12 with a lower-body injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah Hockey Club goaltender Karel Vejmelka’s status for Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings is uncertain as he deals with an illness. Center Logan Cooley’s status (lower body) has improved to day-to-day.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Alex Wennberg (upper body) and Nico Sturm (right ankle) could be ready for Saturday’s game against the Calgary Flames.

THE SCORE: ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports the NHL recently met with a group interested in bringing an expansion franchise to New Orleans.

Prospective ownership groups from Atlanta and Houston have also expressed interest in landing NHL expansion franchises.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman recently said expansion wasn’t a “front-burner issue” but the league is expected to add two more franchises before the end of the decade.

ASSOCIATED PRESS: NHL Hall-of-Famer Bobby Hull had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when he died two years ago, his widow said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Researchers at Boston University’s CTE Center found that Hull had stage 2 CTE when he died in 2023 at age 84. He suffered short-term memory loss and impaired judgment during the final decade of his life. He chose to donate his brain for research after seeing former teammate and fellow Hall-of-Famer Stan Mikita decline during the final years of his life.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hull and Mikita suffered repeated blows to the head during their careers. Mikita became one of the first NHL players to don a helmet in Dec. 1967 after an errant shot tore off a piece of his ear, which was later stitched back on.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Former Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange died Wednesday at age 76. He was the voice of the Penguins beginning in 1974-75, leaving after that season but resuming his duties in 1976-77 on television and radio until health issues forced him to step down in 2021.

Lange gained widespread recognition for his colorful play-by-play and unique catch-phrases, including “Scratch my back with a hacksaw”, “Buy Sam a drink and get his dog one, too,” and, after every Penguins victory, “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building.” He received the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Foster Hewitt Award in 2001.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I first became aware of Lange during the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup runs in the early 1990s, enjoying his unique, entertaining play-by-play. He narrated the franchise’s greatest highs and lowest lows in a style that will never be equaled – my condolences to his family, friends, and the Penguins organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 15, 2025

by | Feb 15, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 15, 2025

Previewing Saturday’s 4 Nations Face-Off Games and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

4 NATIONS FACE-OFF NEWS

TSN/SPORTSNET/THE SCORE: Canada and the United States practiced Friday in preparation for their much-anticipated match-up on Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Players from both clubs look forward to the next chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the two hockey nations.

Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby called it a game that you love to be a part of, regardless of previous experience. “Excited for the challenge,” he said. Teammate Brad Marchand said there was no bigger rivalry. “They’re the games that everybody dreams about playing growing up.”

Matthew and Brady Tkachuk led Team USA to their 6-1 victory over Finland on Thursday. Brady considers Saturday’s tilt against Canada the biggest game he’s ever played in his career. “Bigger than just the guys on the ice,” he said.

The last time Matthew Tkachuk faced Canada was in a 4-2 victory for Team USA in the preliminary round of the 2016 World Junior Championship. “I think I’ve thought about this game for nine years, so we’ll be ready for it,” said Tkachuk.

Team USA center J.T. Miller expects his team to be fired up when they face Canada on their home turf. Teammate Noah Hanifin expects it will be the most intense environment he’s ever been a part of.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the marquee matchup of the tournament. The two clubs could also end up facing each other again in the championship game in Boston on Feb. 20.

Travis Sanheim will replace Shea Theodore on Canada’s defense. Theodore was sidelined by an upper-body injury in Canada’s 4-3 win over Sweden and is considered week-to-week.

Sam Bennett will replace Travis Konecny among Canada’s forward lines. He skated alongside Marchand during practice on Friday.

Canada’s top defenseman Cale Makar skipped Friday’s practice due to illness but is expected to play against the Americans on Saturday. Canada has been granted permission to bring in blueliner Thomas Harley if Makar remains sidelined.

Team Canada defenseman Drew Doughty spoke out against Canadian fans booing the American anthem before Thursday’s game between Team USA and Finland. “I know what’s going on and I understand Canadians’ frustration,” said Doughty. “But I think we should respect the anthems…I don’t think anyone should be booing.”

Canadian coach Jon Cooper hadn’t named his starting goalie for Saturday’s game. Jordan Binnington allowed three goals on 26 shots against Sweden on Wednesday. Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights and Samuel Montembault of the Montreal Canadiens are Canada’s other goalies.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Is this a mind game Cooper is playing against the Americans or a genuine lack of confidence in Binnington on his part? We’ll know for sure by game time if not sooner.

NHL.COM: Kevin Lankinen of the Vancouver Canucks will get the start in goal for Finland in Saturday’s game against Sweden on Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal (1 PM ET). Juuse Saros gave up six goals on 31 shots against the Americans on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a must-win game for Finland. A regulation loss will eliminate them from reaching the championship game on Feb. 20.

NHL.com writers selected Sweden’s Quarter-Century Team on Friday.

The First Team comprised goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, defensemen Nicklas Lidstrom and Erik Karlsson, and forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin and Nicklas Backstrom.

The Second Team featured forwards Peter Forsberg, Mats Sundin and Henrik Zetterberg, defensemen Victor Hedman and Niklas Kronwall, and goalie Jacob Markstrom.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some might question why Forsberg and Sundin aren’t on the First Team. That’s because most of their best seasons occurred in the 1990s. Forsberg won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Art Ross Trophy in 2002-03 but injuries hampered him throughout the first decade of this century.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NEW YORK POST: Kaapo Kakko has found the role with the Seattle Kraken that he always wanted with the Rangers. He’s seeing first-line duty alongside center Matty Beniers and winger Jaden Schwartz as well as playing on the top power-play unit. Following a period of adjustment where he scored one goal in his first three games, Kaako improved in his next 21 games with 16 points over that stretch.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski recently reported the Sabres have opened contract extension talks with Jason Zucker. The 33-year-old winger is currently on a one-year, $5 million deal.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars signed versatile forward Sam Steel to a two-year, $4.2 million contract extension. The average annual value is $2.1 million beginning in 2025-26.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins traded minor-league winger Corey Andonovski to the St. Louis Blues organization for minor-league forward Mathias Laferriere.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 12, 2025

by | Feb 12, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 12, 2025

The latest 4 Nations Face-Off news, the QMJHL honors Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin prepares for the final stretch of the regular season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

LATEST 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF NEWS

NEW YORK POST: Islanders center Brock Nelson is carrying on his family’s legacy of skating for the United States in international play. Nelson’s great-uncle Gordon Christian played in the 1956 Winter Olympic Games. His grandfather Bill Christian and great-uncle Roger Christian won gold at the 1960 Games, and his uncle Dave Christian won gold in 1980.

Team USA center Brock Nelson (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson won the bronze medal playing for Team USA at the 2011 World Juniors and the 2015 Worlds.

TSN: Jordan Binnington was named the starter for Canada’s opening game at the 4 Nations Face-Off against Sweden on Wednesday in Montreal. Coach Jon Cooper said Binnington was “excited” and “confident” when informed of the decision. He gets the nod over Adin Hill and Sam Montembeault.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington backstopped the St. Louis Blues to the Stanley Cup in 2019. He played for Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Championships, finishing with a 6-2 record with a 2.81 goals-against average and an .885 save percentage.

DAILY FACEOFF: Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz and Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros could take on prominent roles for Finland’s injury-battered roster. Defensemen Miro Heiskanen, Rasmus Ristolainen and Jani Hakanpaa withdrew from the tournament, putting pressure on the forwards and goaltenders.

SPORTSNET: Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm hopes to have a big impact for Team Sweden in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekholm was part of Sweden’s gold-medal team at the 2018 World Championships with a goal and two assists in four games.

IN OTHER NEWS…

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) is renaming its Rookie of the Year trophy to the Sidney Crosby Trophy. It was known as the RDS Cup from 1996-97 to 2023-24. Crosby won the award in 2003-04 with the Rimouski Oceanic.

RG.ORG: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin will be training with a “mystery partner” in Miami during the 4 Nations Face-Off to maintain his fitness level for the remainder of the regular season. Ovechkin is chasing Wayne Gretzky’s goal record of 894 while the Capitals are jockeying with the Winnipeg Jets for first place in the overall standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin needs 15 goals to break Gretzky’s record. He was coy about the identity of his training partner, saying that it’s a former player but it isn’t Ilya Kovalchuk.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Utah Hockey Club continues to evaluate goaltender Connor Ingram’s condition. After taking an Ovechkin slapshot off his mask, he left Sunday’s games against the Capitals.

TSN: Minnesota Wild center Ryan Hartman’s appeal of his 10-game suspension will be heard by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on Friday. Hartman was suspended for roughing Ottawa Senators center Tim Stutzle during a Feb. 1 game between the two clubs.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Wild, they placed forward Devin Shore on waivers for the fourth time this season.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken invited two youth hockey referees pushed by a parent to an upcoming game. The incident occurred during a game on Sunday at the Kraken Ice Complex.

The parent came on the ice during a 12-and-under game and pushed each of the referees, 13 and 14, to the ice before quickly leaving. The parent has been charged with two counts of fourth-degree assault.