NHL Rumor Mill – April 9, 2025

by | Apr 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 9, 2025

Check out the latest on the Canucks and Sabres in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger believes acquiring a second-line center will be among the Vancouver Canucks’ priorities this summer.

The free-agent market is thin for such players. However, the Canucks aren’t afraid to spend some draft capital or prospects in the trade market.

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (NHL Images).

Starting goaltender Thatcher Demko has a year left on his contract. Dreger wondered what a contract extension might look like. He also thinks a trade could be an option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: When healthy, Demko’s among the best goalies in the league. His stellar play last season made him a finalist for the Vezina Trophy and played a big role in the Canucks’ 109-point performance.

However, Demko’s absences due to injury create uncertainty about his effectiveness as a starter. The Canucks have also received solid goaltending from Kevin Lankinen, who signed a five-year extension in February.

Despite Demko’s injury history, the lack of quality goalies in the trade and free-agent markets could make him an enticing trade chip for the Canucks if the two sides fail to agree to terms for an extension.

THE ATHLETIC: A reader asked Thomas Drance what his top center trade targets would be for the Canucks this summer.

One option could be pursuing an older center on a risky contract like Steven Stamkos. Drance acknowledged the 34-year-old Stamkos’ no-movement clause but noted that he’s had a rough season with the Nashville Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks will probably have to look elsewhere for that type of center. Besides, Stamkos is more effective at left wing at this stage in his career.

Another option would be a promising young center who hasn’t broken out yet like Connor McMichael of the Washington Capitals or Cole Perfetti of the Winnipeg Jets. Drance admits both would be expensive to acquire, but if the Canucks intend to make a big swing in this summer’s trade market, those would be the two to pursue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMichael has become part of the Capitals’ core this season with a 55-point performance. He’s signed through next season with an average annual value of $2.1 million. He’s not going anywhere.

Drance observed Perfetti had an acrimonious negotiation with the Jets last summer before agreeing to a two-year deal (at an AAV of $3.25 million). Perfetti would be the most likely to be available, but that doesn’t mean the Jets will move him.

The final option is a reliable veteran in his prime with some term left on his contract. Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins and Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes fall into that category. Drance pointed out that the Bruins are rebuilding, which could make Zacha available. He also noted the Canucks were linked to Kotkaniemi in the past.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha is the better of the two. He had a career-high 59 points last season and has 45 points this season. However, he might not be available if the Bruins are retooling for a quick turnaround rather than staging a rebuild.

The 24-year-old Kotkaniemi is younger than Zacha and has more contract certainty with five years remaining. However, he’s been inconsistent during his tenure with the Hurricanes and usually sees third-line center duty.

MORE CHANGE IN STORE FOR THE SABRES?

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn examined why the Buffalo Sabres missed the playoff for the 14th straight season, and what might be in store during the offseason.

Fairburn noted the Sabres trading Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators at the trade deadline. He believes more changes could be coming this season, citing their goals-against (fourth highest in the league) and woeful special-teams play (25th-ranked power play, 23rd-ranked penalty kill).

General manager Kevyn Adams and head coach Lindy Ruff each have a year left on their contracts. Fairburn wondered if team owner Terry Pegula would make more changes in the front office and behind the bench.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres’ woes begin with Pegula. He’s provided the financial stability that ensures this club won’t be moved, but as Fairburn observes, the constant losing is taking a toll on its fanbase.

If Adams remains as general manager he’ll emphasize improving the Sabres goaltending and defensive game.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 31, 2025

by | Mar 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 31, 2025

Should the Rangers fire coach Peter Laviolette and re-sign K’Andre Miller? What should the next contract for Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko look like? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently looked at the case for and against replacing Peter Laviolette as head coach of the New York Rangers.

If the Rangers decide to replace Laviolette, Staple doubts they’ll hire a coach from the amateur ranks like David Carle of the University of Colorado or Cam Abbott of the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.

New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette (NHL.com).

Staple observed that Pittsburgh Penguins bench boss Mike Sullivan was on the Rangers’ shortlist two years ago. However, Sullivan said he isn’t ready to leave the Penguins and there’s no certainty he’d want to join the Rangers if he became available.

The league has cleared Joel Quenneville to return to the NHL coaching ranks. However, he comes with considerable baggage.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laviolette’s status will come under scrutiny after this season, especially if the Rangers miss the playoffs after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last year.

LOHUD.COM: Vincent Z. Mercogliano believes the Rangers are reaching a crossroads with K’Andre Miller. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1

Miller struggled through injury and inconsistency during the first half of this season. His performance improved after being paired with Will Borgen but his name still surfaced in trade rumors. Despite his inconsistencies, he remains the best left-shot defenseman in the organization.

Finding a suitable replacement for Miller if they trade him won’t be easy. There are limited options in the unrestricted free-agent market. Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings and Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets are older and would cost more to sign.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mercogliano suggests the Rangers sign Miller to a two-year deal to take him up to his UFA eligibility. A better option could be available by then or Miller’s performance might improve enough to earn him a lucrative long-term deal with the Rangers.

What do you think, Rangers fans? Should your club trade Miller or sign him? Should they replace Laviolette or give him another season? Let us know in the comments below.

WHAT COULD THATCHER DEMKO’S NEXT CONTRACT LOOK LIKE?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma recently observed that Thatcher Demko has a year remaining on his contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

Demko’s average annual value of $5 million is below what comparable goalies are making. Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators will earn $8.25 million annually on his new four-year contract starting next season.

The 29-year-old Demko’s strong performance last season made him a finalist for the Vezina Trophy. However, he also has an injury history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzma believes Demko should seek a deal similar to Ullmark’s. The Canucks could lock him up this summer on a four or five-year contract extension. However, his injury concerns could have them wait and see how he performs next season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 24, 2025

by | Mar 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 24, 2025

The Kings set a franchise record and overtook the Oilers in the standings, another milestone for Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING SUNDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Los Angeles Kings extended their home points streak to a franchise-record 14 games (11-0-3)by thumping the Boston Bruins 7-2. Quinton Byfield had a goal and an assist to extend his home goal streak to seven games and his home points streak to nine. Tanner Jeannot, Adrian Kempe, Joel Edmundson and Brandt Clarke each collected two points as the Kings moved ahead of the Edmonton Oilers into second place in the Pacific Division with 87 points. Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie replied for the Bruins, who’ve lost six in a row.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings and Oilers each have 87 points but the former has a game in hand.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby collected two assists for his 16th season with 20-plus multi-point games in a 4-3 loss to the Florida Panthers. Aleksander Barkov scored in the shootout as Florida overcame a 3-1 deficit. Sam Reinhart scored twice for the Panthers, who took over sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division with 89 points. Brian Rust scored two goals and added an assist for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby is tied with Hall-of-Famer Marcel Dionne for the second-most seasons with 20 or more multi-point games. Wayne Gretzky is the leader with 18.

The Vegas Golden Knights got a 35-save performance from goaltender Ilya Samsonov to double up the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2. Vegas forward Tomas Hertl scored his 31st of the season before leaving in the third period with an upper-body injury. Nikita Kucherov scored his 30th of the season for the Lightning, who remain third in the Atlantic Division with 85 points. The Golden Knights are first in the Pacific Division with 92 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hertl was hit from behind by Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg into the end boards, injuring his right arm. He will be reevaluated on Monday and an update on his status could follow on Tuesday.

A hat trick by winger Taylor Hall powered the Carolina Hurricanes to a 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen stopped 35 shots for the Hurricanes, who’ve won nine of their last 10 games and sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 90 points. Alex Killorn and Trevor Zegras scored for the Ducks.

St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou reached the 30-goal plateau for the third straight season in a 4-1 win against the Nashville Predators. Robert Thomas had three assists and Jordan Binnington made 31 saves as the Blues (81 points) picked up their sixth straight victory to move four points ahead of the Calgary Flames in the final Western Conference wild-card berth. Filip Forsberg scored for the Predators.

The Buffalo Sabres upset the Winnipeg Jets 5-3. Ryan McLeod had a goal and three assists and James Reimer turned aside 33 shots for the Sabres. Nino Niederreiter, Colin Miller and Nikolaj Ehlers replied for the Jets (100 points), who remain two points behind the Washington Capitals for first place in the overall standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets need one point to become the second team to clinch a playoff spot. Sabres winger Jordan Greenway left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury.

Chicago Blackhawks sophomore Connor Bedard reached the 20-goal plateau for the second straight season in a 7-4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Ryan Donato scored two power-play goals and Tyler Bertuzzi had a goal and two assists for the Blackhawks. Travis Konecny and Jamie Drysdale each had a goal and an assist for the Flyers, who’ve lost five straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 19-year-old Bedard joined Eddie Olczyk as the second Blackhawks teenager to record multiple 20-goal seasons.

IN OTHER NEWS…

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko could return to action for Monday’s game against the New Jersey Devils. Demko has been sidelined for a month with a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks need all the help they can get after going 1-2-1 in their last four games, dropping them out of the final Western wild card. They have recalled Aatu Raty on an emergency basis with forwards Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander questionable for Monday’s game after injuries forced them from Saturday’s game against the New York Rangers.

DAILY FACEOFF: The slumping Columbus Blue Jackets will get a boost with center Sean Monahan and defenseman Erik Gudbranson set to return from injuries. Monahan missed 28 games with a wrist injury while Gudbranson’s been out since Oct. 15 with a shoulder injury.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings coach Todd McLellan is questioning the commitment level of his players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With two wins in their last 11 games, the Wings are mired in a lengthy slump that sent them tumbling in the standings, sitting five points out of the final Eastern wild card.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils coach Sheldon Keefe singled out defenseman Johnathan Kovecevic following his club’s 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. “Kovacevic just needs to play better, that would help,” he told reporters. The 27-year-old defenseman recently signed a five-year, $20 million contract extension.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: US tariffs against Canada could affect the value of the Canadian dollar, which would affect the hockey-related revenue earned by the seven Canadian NHL franchises. That would also impact the league’s salary-cap projections going forward.

Players on Canadian teams are paid in US dollars. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently acknowledged the fluctuating currency exchange brought on by the tariffs could affect the seven Canadian franchises. He said the league is prepared to make adjustments if necessary but they’re hopeful that their current projections will remain on track.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 19, 2025

by | Feb 19, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 19, 2025

The latest 4 Nations Face-Off updates, plus updates on Thatcher Demko, Evgeni Malkin, Jacob Markstrom and more as NHL teams return to practice in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines.

LATEST 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF NEWS

DAILY FACEOFF: Team USA defenseman Charlie McAvoy is listed as week-to-week following a procedure to address an infection stemming from a minor upper-body injury. He was ruled out of Thursday’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship game between the United States and Canada.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a big blow for the Americans and the Boston Bruins. His absence could jeopardize the latter’s efforts to secure a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference.

NHL.COM: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes was expected to join Team USA following the news about McAvoy’s condition. However, that doesn’t appear to be a certainty after Hughes practiced with his Canucks teammates in a non-contact jersey on Tuesday.

Hughes missed the Canucks’ final four games before the tournament with a lower-body injury. He said he “felt pretty good” during his skate on Tuesday. However, he acknowledged that tournament rules forbid him from joining Team USA unless another American defenseman was injured.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported the situation remained fluid whether Hughes will join Team USA in Boston. Stay tuned.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson replaced McAvoy in the American lineup in Monday’s 2-1 loss to Sweden. If Hughes can’t join the roster, Sanderson will remain in that role for the championship game against the Canadians.

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley joined Team Canada for Saturday’s 3-1 loss to the Americans because Shea Theodore was injured earlier in the tournament and Cale Makar was sidelined by illness.

Makar returned to action for Canada’s 5-3 win over Finland on Monday, meaning Harley couldn’t play in that game and won’t play in the championship game unless another Canadian defenseman is sidelined by injury or illness.

OTTAWA SUN: The Tkachuk brothers and Auston Matthews are expected to play for Team USA on Thursday. Matthew Tkachuk and Matthews missed Monday’s loss to Sweden with injuries while Brady left that game for precautionary reasons after crashing into the Swedish net.

NHL HEADLINES

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

TSN: Speaking of the Canucks, they signed Drew O’Connor to a two-year, $5 million contract extension. The average annual value is $2.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks acquired O’Connor and defenseman Marcus Pettersson from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 1. Five days later, Pettersson signed a six-year, $33 million extension.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust returned to practice with their teammates on Tuesday. Both are on injured reserve.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They could be taken off IR before Saturday’s game against the Washington Capitals.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin is expected to return to the lineup after missing 19 games with a lower-body injury. The Avs’ next game is Saturday against the Nashville Predators.

ROTOWIRE: New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (knee) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. He’s expected to return to action by early or mid-March.

DAILY FACEOFF: Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler underwent a procedure to address a lower-body ailment. He will be re-evaluated in two to three weeks.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators forwards Josh Norris and Shane Pinto remain sidelined by injuries as their teammates returned to practice on Tuesday. Both players skated on their own but it seems doubtful that they’ll be in the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres forward Jordan Greenway is set to return after being sidelined since Dec. 20 following surgery for a middle-body injury.

CALGARY SUN: Flames center Connor Zary and defenseman Kevin Bahl practiced with their teammates yesterday. A knee injury sidelined Zary since Jan. 7. Bahl had been out since Jan. 25 with an upper-body injury.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nashville Predators defenseman Jeremy Lauzon has been ruled out for the rest of the regular season. He was sidelined since Dec. 31 by a lower-body injury.

TSN: Speaking of the Predators, they acquired minor-league forward Grigori Denisenko from the Vegas Golden Knights for future considerations.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 9, 2024

by | Dec 9, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 9, 2024

Upset victories for the Kraken and Blue Jackets highlight Sunday’s action, three players hit the waiver wire, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Seattle Kraken overcame a 3-1 deficit to upset the New York Rangers 7-5. Kraken forward Oliver Bjorkstrand scored two goals and collected two assists and Eeli Tolvanen had a goal and two assists. Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck and K’Andre Miller each had two points for the Rangers, who’ve lost seven of their last nine games.

Seattle Kraken forward Oliver Bjorkstrand (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken played this game with emergency backup goalie Michael Matyas. There was a brief moment midway through the first period where it appeared Matyas was getting into the game when Rangers center Filip Chytil clipped Kraken starter Philipp Grubauer. However, Grubauer shook it off and stayed in the game.

A two-goal performance by Kent Johnson carried the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 4-1 upset of the Winnipeg Jets. Elvis Merzlikins got the win with 24 saves as his club ended a three-game losing skid. Kyle Connor netted his 15th of the season for the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets center Cole Sillinger left the game in the second period with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot from Jets defenseman Colin Miller.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov had a goal and two assists as his club doubled up the Vancouver Canucks 4-2. Kucherov had missed the previous two games with an undisclosed injury. Brayden Point tallied twice and picked up two assists for the Lightning. Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood replied for the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes left the game in the first period when a high stick from Lightning forward Brandon Hagel stuck him in the face. The Canucks captain got several stitches and returned to action.

Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko is expected to start Tuesday’s game against the St. Louis Blues, meaning goalie Arturs Silovs was assigned to their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. Center J.T. Miller is expected to return from his leave of absence on Thursday against the Florida Panthers.

Lighting center Anthony Cirelli left this game in the first period following a hit by Canucks defenseman Noah Juulsen.

The Colorado Avalanche got a 25-save shutout performance from Scott Wedgewood in a 4-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Casey Mittelstadt collected two assists and Ross Colton scored his first goal since returning from a 17-game absence with a broken foot. Devils goalie Jake Allen gave up three goals on 22 shots.

Four unanswered third-period goals lifted the Dallas Stars to a 6-2 win against the Calgary Flames. Thomas Harley scored twice, Jason Robertson had a goal and an assist, and Jake Oettinger made 29 stops. Jonathan Huberdeau and Conor Zary tallied for the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames assistant coach Brad Larsen missed this game. He’s taking an indefinite leave of absence to deal with a family matter.

The New York Islanders defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-2. Ilya Sorokin kicked out 29 shots while Kyle Palmieri, Anders Lee and Noah Dobson each had two points for the Islanders. Senators forward Adam Gaudette tallied a career-high 13th goal.

Utah Hockey Club forward Logan Cooley had a goal and an assist in a 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. It was Utah’s fourth straight road win. Joel Farabee and Owen Tippett replied for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goaltender Samuel Ersson and defenseman Jamie Drysdale returned to the Flyers lineup after missing several games due to injuries.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: The Chicago Blackhawks placed goalie Petr Mrazek on injured reserve with a left groin injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: On Sunday, Blackhawks winger Joey Anderson, San Jose Sharks winger Givani Smith, and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Caleb Jones were placed on waivers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 6, 2024

by | Dec 6, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 6, 2024

Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk has a five-point game, Oilers forward Zach Hyman scores twice in his return from an injury, and the Blackhawks fire head coach Luke Richardson. Get the details on these stories and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk had a five-point performance (one goal, four assists) as his club recovered from blowing a 3-0 lead for a 7-5 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Sam Reinhart (one goal, two assists) snapped a 5-5 tie with 1:59 remaining in the third period as the Panthers extended their points streak to five games (4-0-1). Flyers forward Owen Tippett tallied twice within 23 seconds in the second period while teammate Matvei Michkov collected three assists.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images).

The Edmonton Oilers got two goals each from Zach Hyman and Leon Draisaitl to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-3. Oilers captain Connor McDavid had four assists to move into the top 10 in the points race with 35. Draisaitl had 19 goals, tying Reinhart for the league lead in that category. Cole Sillinger had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hyman returned to action after missing five games with an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, there is no timetable for Victor Arvidsson’s return to the Oilers lineup. He’s missed nine games with an undisclosed injury.

A five-goal first period powered the Tampa Bay Lightning to an 8-1 drubbing of the San Jose Sharks. Brayden Point picked up four assists, Brandon Hagel scored two goals, and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 20 saves for the Lightning. Alexander Wennberg scored for the Sharks as their three-game streak ended.

The Carolina Hurricanes got a four-point performance from Andrei Svechnikov (one goal, three assists) as they defeated the Colorado Avalanche 5-3, snapping a three-game losing skid. Martin Necas had a goal and an assist to take over the lead in the NHL scoring race with 41 points, one point ahead of Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon. Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin scored twice.

An overtime goal by Adam Lowry lifted the Winnipeg Jets to a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Connor Hellebucyk turned aside 28 shots while Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey and Gabriel Vilardi each collected two points as the Jets ended their four-game losing streak. Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens replied for the Sabres, who are winless in their last five contests (0-3-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres played without team captain Rasmus Dahlin, who remains sidelined with back spasms.

Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine scored for the second straight game as his club blanked the Nashville Predators 3-0. Samuel Montembeault turned in a 29-save shutout and Jake Evans had a goal and an assist for the Canadiens. Justus Annunen stopped 27 shots as the Predators have lost six straight games (0-3-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Montembeault, his selection to Team Canada for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February had one observer suggesting his inclusion was to appease Hockey Quebec officials unhappy over the lack of Francophones on the team. A Hockey Canada official dismissed this theory, pointing out that the Canadiens goalie backstopped Canada to a gold medal in the 2023 IIHF World Championship. “Montembeault deserves to be there,” said the official.

The Predators played without center Ryan O’Reilly, who is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (lower body) was placed on injured reserve.

Ottawa Senators forward Josh Norris tallied twice in a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Norris broke a 1-1 tie with 43 seconds remaining in the third period. Linus Ullmark turned aside 19 shots for the win. Alex DeBrincat scored for the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators honored the “Pizza Line” of Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley in a pregame ceremony. They were among the league’s highest-scoring lines from 2005-06 to 2008-09. The trio earned their nickname from a promotion by the Pizza Pizza franchise rewarding those attending Senators home games with a free slice if the club scored five goals. It happened so often that the minimum was raised to six goals.

Red Wings forward Patrick Kane returned to the lineup after missing five games with an upper-body injury.

The St. Louis Blues nipped the Calgary Flames 4-3 on an overtime goal by Colton Parayko. Jordan Binnington kicked out 36 shots and Robert Thomas netted a goal and two assists for the Blues, who are 4-0-1 under head coach Jim Montgomery. Flames blueliner MacKenzie Weegar had a goal and an assist.

Seattle Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn had a goal and two assists to lead his club to a 5-2 win over the New York Islanders. Fellow blueliner Adam Larsson collected three assists while goalie Joey Daccord stopped 27 shots. Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin got the hook after giving up four goals on 13 shots. The Isles have won only twice in their last 10 games (2-5-3).

HEADLINES

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks fired head coach Luke Richardson on Thursday after the club compiled a record of 8-16-2. Anders Sorensen, who was the head coach of the Blackhawks AHL affiliate in Rockford, takes over from Richardson on an interim basis. Blackhawks assistant general manager Mark Eaton takes over the coaching duties in Rockford.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks brought in several veterans during the offseason to bolster their roster but the club only seemed to get worse. Franchise player Connor Bedard struggled to score, raising concerns that he could be growing frustrated with the team’s performance.

Speculation over which former NHL coach might take over as the Blackhawks’ full-time bench boss has already begun. Candidates could include Jay Woodcroft, Todd McLellan, Dave Hakstol and Gerard Gallant.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko could be getting closer to his season debut. He’s been sidelined since the 2024 playoffs with a knee injury. On Thursday, Demko told reporters that he felt ready to go. However, he’s not expected to be between the pipes on Friday when the Canucks face the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks won’t rush their Vezina Trophy finalist into the lineup. They’ll want to be sure he’s 100 percent before green-lighting his return to action. Nevertheless, it sounds like he’s close to rejoining his teammates.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton will play in his 800th career NHL regular-season game on Friday when his club meets the Seattle Kraken.

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa underwent a “minor procedure” on his knee but is expected to return to the lineup soon. He’s been limited to two games this season and last played on Nov. 16.