NHL Rumor Mill – May 10, 2024

by | May 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 10, 2024

A look at potential coaching candidates for the Leafs, possible coaching destinations for Sheldon Keefe and the latest on the Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COACHING CANDIDATES FOR THE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan looked at potential coaching candidates for the Maple Leafs after they fired bench boss Sheldon Keefe on Thursday.

Former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube topped Koshan’s list, followed by former Los Angeles Kings coach Todd McLellan, former New York Rangers coach Gerard Gallant, and former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft.

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour and Pittsburgh Penguins bench boss Mike Sullivan also made the list, along with former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau and Leafs assistant coach Guy Boucher.

TORONTO STAR: Brind’Amour is Kevin McGran’s top choice, followed by Berube, Gallant, former Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason, former Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol, and McLellan.

Former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Berube is the betting favorite for the role. He was reportedly “intrigued” in the Ottawa Senators job but was weighing his options, prompting the Senators to hire Travis Green instead.

Berube, McLellan, Woodcroft, Evason and Hakstol were fired during or following this season in an unusually high turnover for coaches in recent months.

Brind’Amour’s name is out there due to recent rumors of difficulties in his contract extension talks with the Hurricanes. Both sides downplayed the speculation, claiming there’s close to a new deal. However, it’ll be interesting to see what happens if the Hurricanes end up swept from the second round by the Rangers.

There’s speculation suggesting Sullivan will quit the Penguins to join the New Jersey Devils because their general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, is an old friend. Pens GM Kyle Dubas recently issued a statement claiming the Devils haven’t sought permission to speak with Sullivan.

Berube is the front-runner to become the Maple Leafs’ new coach, but that could change if Brind’Amour becomes available.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS FOR SHELDON KEEFE

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie looked at some landing spots for Sheldon Keefe following his dismissal as head coach of the Maple Leafs.

The New Jersey Devils are McKenzie’s top destination for Keefe, followed by the Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, the Kraken and the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keefe is under contract with the Leafs for two more years. Any club interested in hiring him must seek permission to do so. That will be our tip-off as to which teams are interested in Keefe.

The Devils are reportedly interested in interviewing Keefe for their vacant head coaching position. They’re also believed to have spoken to Berube.

Keefe is linked to the Penguins because Dubas hired him during his tenure as Leafs GM. It’s part of the “Sullivan-to-New Jersey” theory making the rounds. The Devils’ interest in Keefe would drive a stake through that rumor.

LATEST ON THE CAPITALS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan isn’t commenting much on the future of Darcy Kuemper. The 34-year-old netminder struggled this season, losing his starter’s job to Charlie Lindgren.

MacLellan still believes Kuemper is a good goaltender and acknowledged his difficulties this season. The Capitals GM rejected the idea of buying out the remaining three years of Kuemper’s contract.

Despite recent trade rumors about Kuemper, MacLellan anticipates he’ll bounce back next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacLellan will listen if a team calls about Kuemper. However, that seems unlikely given his performance this season and his $5.25 million cap hit

Silber also reported that MacLellan intends to investigate this summer’s trade and free-agent markets in search of more scoring punch for the Capitals. He’s hoping to find a young top-six forward to take some of the pressure off aging captain Alex Ovechkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silber mentioned Florida’s Sam Reinhart, Carolina’s Teuvo Teravainen and Vegas center (and former Capital) Chandler Stephenson could become available in this summer’s UFA market. Reinhart will likely be re-signed by the Panthers but Teravainen and Stephenson could be free-agent options.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 7, 2024

by | May 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 7, 2024

Check out the latest on Leafs winger Mitch Marner, Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois and Capitals goaltender Darcy Kuemper in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SHOULD THE LEAFS TRADE MITCH MARNER?

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox believes a Mitch Marner trade makes sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 27-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. They cannot let him walk out the door for nothing.

Fox admits it would be difficult to move someone with an expensive salary cap hit ($10.9 million annually) like Marner. However, it’s not impossible, pointing to Jack Eichel and Erik Karlsson as recent examples.

The catch is how much Marner truly loves playing in Toronto. “That, we don’t know,” writes Fox.

At face value, Leafs general manager Brad Treliving can’t win a Marner trade. He’d risk the same criticism then-Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli faced in 2016 when he shipped Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils for top-four defenseman Adam Larsson.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

However, Fox suggests Treliving “could properly disperse his dollars in a manner for fitting to team success.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner’s contract is the major obstacle in the path of a possible trade. It could adversely affect the type of return the Leafs might get.

The verdict is still out on the return the Sabres received from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Eichel deal. The Sharks might get an extra first-rounder in this year’s draft but they got little else in real value in last summer’s Karlsson trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

With the right creativity, Treliving might pull it off. As to what that might be, your guess is as good as mine.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes the Flyers should avoid trying to acquire Marner. While he’s established himself among the league’s premier players, his reputation as an inconsistent playoff performer is one reason they should pass on him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers fans have little to worry about. Marner has a full no-movement clause and the Flyers might not be among his preferred destinations. Besides, general manager Daniel Briere insists he’s still following a rebuilding path despite his club exceeding expectations this season. He won’t pursue Marner if he becomes available this summer.

COULD THE KINGS TRADE PIERRE-LUC DUBOIS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Spencer Lazary believes the Los Angeles Kings should bite the bullet and trade Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Montreal Canadiens. He cited the recent skepticism regarding Dubois’ future in Los Angeles and the speculation last summer regarding his desire to play for the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lazary’s column appeared before Kings GM Rob Blake’s press conference yesterday. Blake shot down speculation he might buy out Dubois’ contract, adding his club intends to work with him to improve his performance. That doesn’t sound like he’s planning to put the 25-year-old center on the trade block.

The Canadiens probably wouldn’t be interested in Dubois if Blake peddled him this summer. His $8.5 million annual average value for the next seven years is too expensive while the decline in his production will tank his trade value.

Maybe the Canadiens look into the availability of Arthur Kaliyev. Blake was critical of the 22-year-old winger, prompting speculation his time with the Kings could be over. He’s coming off his entry-level contract and could be an affordable reclamation project.

DUBOIS FOR KUEMPER?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek suggesting the Kings ship Dubois to the Washington Capitals for goaltender Darcy Kuemper.

Both players could use a change of scenery. Dubois would have an opportunity to skate alongside Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin while Kuemper could address the Kings’ need for a starting goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silber does a good job explaining why that deal wouldn’t interest the Capitals. His contract and underwhelming play this season are the main reasons against it.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 1, 2024

by | May 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 1, 2024

More speculation about Steven Stamkos, what’s next for the Jets and Islanders, and the Capitals could try to move Darcy Kuemper. Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL STEVEN STAMKOS STAY WITH THE LIGHTNING?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton believes what the Tampa Bay Lightning do with captain Steven Stamkos will determine the direction of their offseason. The 34-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Shilton also believes the Lightning should look at ways to strengthen their defense and overall roster.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: John Romano also pondered what the Lightning will do with Stamkos and how it could affect their roster next season. He also pointed out they’ll have to face the same issue with defenseman Victor Hedman next July.

Romano mused whether finishing his career with the Lightning or chasing another Stanley Cup is more important to Stamkos. He acknowledged that the Bolts captain has frequently said in the past that he wants to stay in Tampa Bay. Nevertheless, Romano wondered if his priorities had changed.

Eduardo A. Encina pointed out that the Lightning have just over $10 million in salary cap space for next season with 18 players under contract. He anticipated veteran UFAs like Tyler Motte could get better offers elsewhere while trade deadline pick-ups Matt Dumba and Anthony Duclair will depart via free agency. Encina also noted that they have to keep Hedman’s contract situation in mind.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos raised eyebrows last September when he publicly expressed disappointment over the lack of contract extension talks during the summer with Lightning management. That sparked speculation over his future in Tampa Bay, though general manager Julien BriseBois quelled any talk of Stamkos being moved before the March trade deadline.

Both sides agreed to wait until the end of this season to open contract extension talks. Those could start later this month.

I believe that Stamkos still wants to finish his career with the Lightning and they want to keep him. It’ll come down to how much he wants on his next contract and for how long.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE JETS?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark believes Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff must maneuver around his salary cap constraints to improve his roster for next season.

Forwards Sean Monahan and Tyler Toffoli are UFAs on July 1 as are defensemen Brenden Dillon, Dylan DeMelo, and Colin Miller and goaltender Laurent Brossoit. Restricted free agent forward Cole Perfetti will need a new contract.

WINNIPEG SUN: Ted Wyman wondered if Rick Bowness intends to remain as the Jets’ head coach. He’s done a good job with the club during the regular season but can’t seem to get them past the first round in the playoffs. His wife faced a serious health issue during this season and at age 69 he might give some thought to retirement.

Scott Billeck pondered if the Jets might shake up their core. He doesn’t see goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, center Mark Scheifele or defenseman Josh Morrissey going anywhere. “Does the team look to move a guy such as Kyle Connor, a supremely talented goal-scorer, or Nikolaj Ehlers, an analytical darling with speed in droves?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck and Scheifele signed long-term contract extensions last year and Morrissey is their top defenseman. They’re staying put.

Moving Connor or Ehlers would be a major move. Ehlers might be the more likely trade candidate as he’s a year away from UFA eligibility. Whether Cheveldayoff will do that remains to be seen.

LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes changes are coming to the Islanders roster. Despite the late-season surge that put them into the playoffs, they were eliminated from the first round in five games by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Returning with the same roster will be a difficult sell for Islanders fans. Eight regulars, including Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin, are on expiring contracts but none of them are top-six forwards or top-four defensemen.

The Islanders have too many players on long-term contracts to tear down their roster. However, this summer presents an opportunity to make the most significant changes this club has seen in some time.

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton believes the Islanders must address their scoring deficiency. She felt they should have enough cap space to attract a free-agent scorer or two this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders have around $7 million in cap space with 17 active roster players under contract for next season. They must free up more cap room or make a hockey trade that sees comparable dollars getting moved in the deal to add a scorer who can make a difference.

CAPITALS COULD TRY TO MOVE DARCY KUEMPER

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting the Washington Capitals could attempt to move Darcy Kuemper during the offseason.

Kuemper turns 34 on May 5. He joined the Capitals two years ago as a free agent. However, he lost the starting goaltender role this season to Charlie Lindgren, who’s younger and carries a more affordable contract ($1.1 million) for next season. Kuemper has three years remaining at an average annual value of $5.25 million.

“Is Kuemper back? Do they try to find a new home for him?”, asked Friedman. “I think that’s possible. It’s not easy but I think they’re going to try.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman is merely speculating and isn’t saying for certain that the Capitals intend to trade Kuemper. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be surprising if they looked into it. Friedman’s right that Kuemper’s contract makes it difficult to move him. The Caps might have to retain half of his cap hit to draw sufficient interest or package him with a high-quality prospect.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2024

by | Apr 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2024

What next for the Capitals following their first-round elimination? What’s the latest on the Sabres and Canadiens? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE CAPITALS?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton looked at what the offseason might hold for the Washington Capitals following their first-round playoff elimination.

Shilton wonders if Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan will embrace a full-scale roster rebuild. She pointed out they must prioritize building up their scoring depth and adding to their defense corps.

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman also weighed in on the Capitals’ potential offseason plans. She also wonders if they’ll maintain their retool or consider a rebuild.

Management could feel there’s a chance for one last run with the club’s aging core, especially with up-and-coming players like Connor McMichael, Hendrix Lapierre and Aliaksei Protas getting some meaningful games under their belts.

The Capitals don’t have much salary cap space or roster room to make additions via free agency. They could consider a trade similar to the one that landed them Rasmus Sandin last year.

Going the rebuild route would mean shedding some veterans but that won’t be easy given their contracts. T.J. Oshie ($5.75 million) is signed through next season. Tom Wilson would draw interest but not at $6.5 million per season for the next seven years. John Carlsson’s $8 million AAV over the next two seasons is a hard sell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ovechkin era is winding down and it would be tempting to either add veterans to the lineup in the hope of making a final playoff run. They could also embrace a full-fledged rebuild. Neither option, however, seems likely.

No one believes the Capitals have a realistic shot at the Stanley Cup. Tearing everything down for a rebuild would risk setbacks in the development of those young players.

The Capitals exceeded expectations this season by qualifying for the postseason. That could provide MacLellan with the justification to continue the retooling process. That means continuing the transition away from the aging veterans while giving the kids more playing time. He could bring in affordable young assets with potential via trades like he did with Sandin. He will likely keep promoting promising youngsters from his farm team.

Buffalo Sabres winger Jeff Skinner (NHL Images)

LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Fairburn recently looked at some decisions that will define Lindy Ruff’s first offseason with the Buffalo Sabres.

They must figure out what to do with Jeff Skinner. The 31-year-old winger’s production declined this season. If they keep him, they’ll have to surround him with better linemates or convince him to accept a lesser role.

Skinner has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $9 million. He carries a full no-movement clause. If he agrees to waive it, no one will want to take on his salary. Buying him out is an option but it would cost $1.4 million against their cap for next season, followed by annual cap hits of $4.4 million and $6.4 million. After that, it drops to $2.4 million annually for the final three years of the buyout.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re stuck with Skinner for the remainder of his contract unless they can swing a trade where they retain half of that cap hit.

Fairburn believes general manager Kevyn Adams must add a veteran third-line center to kill penalties and win faceoffs, a top-six forward who is tough to play against and at least one fast, tenacious bottom-fix forward.

Adams could find it difficult to address those needs via free agency. Instead, he’ll likely have to go the trade route. Forward Peyton Krebs could be used as a trade chip. The 23-year-old is a restricted free agent who needs to turn the corner in his development.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fairburn pointed to Adams’ shipping Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche for Bowen Byram as an example of the type of trades he could make this summer.

SUGGESTED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE CANADIENS

TVA SPORTS: Kevin Dube and Benoit Rioux wondered if Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will attempt to add another promising young forward at this year’s draft. In the 2022 draft, he acquired Kirby Dach from Chicago and brought in Alex Newhook last year from Colorado.

Dube and Rioux suggested five forwards who might fit that profile. They include Buffalo forwards Jack Quinn and Peyton Krebs, New Jersey’s Alexander Holtz, Los Angeles’ Arthur Kaliyev and the New York Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are moving Quinn but could part with Krebs as noted above. Holtz, Kaliyev and Kakko surfaced in this season’s rumor mill. Kakko seems the least likely of that trio to be available as the Rangers don’t want to risk giving up on him too quickly.

The Devils could use Holtz as part of the return this summer for a starting goalie. Kaliyev seems the most likely to be available as his playing time declined with the Kings this season. A trade to a new club might help him get back on track.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 29, 2024

by | Apr 29, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 29, 2024

The Rangers sweep the Capitals while the Avalanche, Canucks and Oilers are on the verge of advancing to the second round. Check out the details in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The New York Rangers became the first team in the 2024 postseason to advance to the second round with a 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals to sweep their best-of-seven series 4-0. Artemi Panarin broke a 2-2 tie in the third period, Jack Roslovic netted the insurance goal and Igor Shesterkin made 23 saves for the win. Martin Fehervary and Hendrix Lapierre replied for the Capitals. The Rangers await the winner of the Carolina Hurricanes-New York Islanders series.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers’ roster depth and special teams proved too much for the Capitals.

For the first time in his long career, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin was held pointless in a playoff series. The Rangers did a fine job limiting his scoring opportunities.

Following Game 4, Capitals forward Dylan Strome revealed teammate T.J. Oshie played with a broken hand. Oshie faces an uncertain future after dealing with a concussion and lingering back issues during the regular season.

I’ll have more about the Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

A hat trick by Brock Boeser set the stage for Elias Lindholm’s overtime goal as the Vancouver Canucks overcame a 3-1 deficit in Game 4 to defeat the Nashville Predators 4-3. Boeser scored twice in the final three minutes of regulation after the Canucks pulled goaltender Arturs Silovs for an extra attacker. Silovs made 27 saves and J.T. Miller collected three assists for the Canucks to take a 3-1 lead in the first-round series. Mark Jankowski, Gustav Nyquist and Filip Forsberg scored for the Predators. The Canucks can wrap up the series in Game 5 on Tuesday, Apr. 30 at 10 pm EDT in Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silovs got the start as Casey DeSmith was dealing with an undisclosed injury. He’s the third goalie to start for the Canucks in this series as Thatcher Demko is sidelined for the series with a knee injury.

Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin scored a hat trick in a dominant 5-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 4 of their opening-round series. Nathan McKinnon had two assists while Cale Makar scored a highlight-reel end-to-end goal for the Avalanche, who can wrap up this series in Game 5 in Winnipeg on Tuesday starting at 9:30 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After dropping the opening game, the Avalanche have dominated the Jets in this series. They’ve controlled the game with speed, two-way play and special teams.

Jets forward Vladislav Namestnikov left the game early in the third period after being struck in the face by a shot from teammate Nate Schmidt. He was helped off the ice and was taken to a hospital. There was no postgame report about his condition.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner turned in a 33-save shutout to blank the Los Angeles Kings 1-0 in Game 4 of their first-round series. Evan Bouchard scored the only goal for the Oilers, who hold a 3-1 series lead as the series returns to Edmonton for Game 5 on Wednesday, May 1 (start time TBA). Connor McDavid collected an assist to become the first player in this postseason to reach 10 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings outplayed the Oilers but the latter put up a stingy defense around their net. Skinner earned this shutout but his teammates did a good job limiting the number of high-danger shots sent his way.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs are giving center Auston Matthews as much time as he needs to recover from an illness that forced him to leave Game 4 of their first-round series with the Boston Bruins. Head coach Sheldon Keefe didn’t indicate what type of illness Matthews has but said it’s gotten worse when he’s playing. Game 5 of their series takes place on Tuesday in Boston with the Leafs on the verge of elimination.

DAILY FACEOFF: Toronto Marlies forward (and former Leaf) Kyle Clifford went after Belleville Senators winger Bokondji Imama in the handshake line after the Senators won the best-of-three playoff series. It’s unclear what sparked Clifford’s angry reaction but the two players have a history of ill will toward each other.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marlies play-by-play man Todd Crocker claimed what precipitated the exchange was Imama saying “some horrible things” to Clifford on the bench during Game 2. It remains to be seen if the Marlie will file a protest to the AHL or if the league will investigate the incident.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins head coach J.D. Forrest and assistant coach Kevin Porter will not have their contracts renewed. The club is the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 22, 2024

by | Apr 22, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 22, 2024

The Canucks, Jets, Panthers and Rangers win the opening games of their first-round series, plus updates on William Nylander and Evander Kane in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: It was ’80s night for the Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche as the Jets held off the Avs 7-6 in Game 1 of their best-of-seven opening-round playoff series. Kyle Connor and Adam Lowry each scored two goals and Connor Hellebuyck made 40 saves for the Jets while Cale Makar had a goal and two assists for the Avalanche. Game 2 goes on Tuesday in Winnipeg starting at 10:30 pm ET.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I wasn’t kidding about this game being a throwback to the wide-open scoring of the 1980s. NHL Media indicates this was the second playoff game in league history where both teams combined for six-plus goals in multiple periods. The last time that happened was Game 1 of the 1982 division semifinals between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings.

Makar set a franchise record as the all-time leading playoff scorer among Avalanche defensemen with 68 points. He broke Sandis Ozlolinsh’s record of 65 points.

The Jets deserved this win but the Avalanche dominated the play. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev’s poor play was their undoing. As Colorado Hockey Now’s Evan Rawal noted, the even-strength stats were in the Avs’ favor, out-shooting the Jets 39-19 and leading them in scoring chances (28-16) and high-danger scoring chances (10-7).

Hellebucyk was solid but gave up six goals as the Avs exploited the Jets’ porous defense. With better goaltending for the Avalanche, the outcome of this game might have been different.

Jets head coach Rick Bowness agreed. Following this game, Bowness said he’ll take the win though this game didn’t go as they drew it up.

The Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals 4-1 to draw first blood in their opening-round series. Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe opened the scoring with his first NHL playoff goal and Jimmy Vesey had a goal and an assist. Martin Fehervery replied for the Capitals while team captain Alex Ovechkin was held without a shot. Game 2 is Tuesday night in New York at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers took control of this game with three quick goals in the second period. Their depth advantage was apparent in this contest, effectively neutralizing the Capitals’ offense and successfully exploiting defensive breakdowns.

Capitals defenseman Vincent Iorio left this game in the second period with an apparent shoulder injury following a hit from Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere.

Third-period goals by Carter Verhaeghe and Matthew Tkachuk enabled the Florida Panthers to hold off the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in Game 1 of their first-round series. Sam Reinhart opened the scoring for the Panthers while Brandon Hagel and Steven Stamkos replied for the Lightning. The two clubs face off again on Tuesday at 7:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers were the better team through most of this game, especially in the first period. Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy kept this game close, giving his teammates a chance to rally back when they were on their heels during the first 16 minutes of this game.

The Vancouver Canucks got three goals in the third period (two from Dakota Joshua) to overcome a 2-1 deficit and earn a 4-2 series-opening win over the Nashville Predators. Quinn Hughes collected two assists for the Canucks, who were playing their first playoff home game since 2015. Jason Zucker and Ryan O’Reilly replied for the Predators. Game 2 will be Tuesday at 10 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After the game, Predators head coach Andrew Brunette blamed the loss on a defensive breakdown after the Canucks tied the game. He said it reminded him of his team’s similar problem earlier this season with shifts following a goal, blaming a lack of focus at a key moment.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reported sources claiming William Nylander awoke on Thursday morning with an issue that needed attention. There’s no indication it was the result of on-ice play during the final games of the regular season or an off-ice incident.

The Toronto Maple Leafs winger remained “pretty stiff” 48 hours later when his club faced off in Game 1 of their first-round series with the Boston Bruins.

Nylander skated in the Bruins practice rink on Sunday. However, Johnston indicated he appeared to be laboring early in the session and frequently hunched over while regrouping between drills.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs aren’t providing updates regarding their sidelined players. That’s generating speculation about the nature of the injury and its severity. It remains to be seen if Nylander will be ready to suit up for Game 2 on Monday at 8 pm ET.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers winger Evander Kane revealed he’s been dealing with a sports hernia this season. The ailment recently flared up as his club prepares for their opening-round playoff series with the Los Angeles Kings, leaving him questionable for Game 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would also explain why Kane’s performance has been inconsistent this season.

THE MERCURY NEWS: San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier isn’t ruling out the possibility of a coaching change after his club finished last in this season’s overall standings. Asked if head coach David Quinn would return for a third season, Grier said he was still gathering information and would review everything before a decision is made.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A depleted roster this season didn’t make Quinn’s job any easier. Part of it was due to Grier’s offseason trades and injuries to key players such as Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl, with the latter traded to the Vegas Golden Knights on March 8.