NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 21, 2025

by | Apr 21, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 21, 2025

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

RECAPPING SUNDAY’S GAMES

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

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HEADLINES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 16, 2025

by | Apr 16, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 16, 2025

The Wild and Blues clinch playoff berths while the Blue Jackets keep their playoff hopes alive, a milestone game for Leafs forwards Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Minnesota Wild clinched the first Western Conference wild-card berth (97 points) with a dramatic 3-2 overtime win over the Anaheim Ducks. Joel Eriksson Ek scored the tying goal with 22 seconds remaining in the third period to ensure the Wild the point they needed to clinch that playoff berth. They started goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury in overtime in what could be the swan song to his NHL career, and got the game-winner from Matt Boldy with 18 seconds remaining in the extra frame.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In a classy move, Wild starter Filip Gustavsson requested Fleury take over between the pipes at the end of the third period. The future Hall-of-Famer made five saves in overtime and was mobbed by his teammates following Boldy’s goal. They will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round.

Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues (96 points) clinched the final Western wild-card by downing the Utah Hockey Club 6-1. Jordan Kyrou scored two goals, Pavel Buchnevich had a goal and two assists, and rookie forward Jimmy Snuggerud tallied his first NHL goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues center Robert Thomas left the game early in the third period with a lower-body injury for precautionary reasons. Head coach Jim Montgomery believes he’ll be fine. The Blues will square off against the Winnipeg Jets in the first round.

The Calgary Flames (94 points) defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-4 but were eliminated from the playoff race. Morgan Frost scored the game-winner in a shootout while Nazem Kadri had a goal and an assist. Brandon Saad had a goal and two assists for the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A tough finish for the Flames, but they exceeded expectations by staying in the playoff race for most of this season. It will give them something to build on going forward.

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves had a 26-save shutout to blank the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0. Adam Fantilli scored his 30th goal of the season and Sean Monahan collected two assists for the Blue Jackets (87 points), who sit two points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with a game in hand.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal can clinch on Wednesday if they defeat the Carolina Hurricanes in any fashion or lose in overtime or the shootout. If the Canadiens lose that game in regulation time, the Blue Jackets can clinch if they get a regulation win in their final game on Thursday.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews scored his 400th NHL regular-season goal and Mitch Marner collected his 100th point of the season in a 4-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Anthony Stolarz kicked out 35 shots for the shutout. The Leafs clinched the Atlantic Division title for the first time with 106 points and will face the Ottawa Senators in the first round.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews is the sixth-fastest player to reach the 400-goal plateau, doing so in 628 games played. He joins Wayne Gretzky (436 games played), Mike Bossy (506 GP), Mario Lemieux (508), Brett Hull (520), and Jari Kurri (608). He needs 21 goals to break Mats Sundin’s franchise record of 420 goals.

Marner joins Matthews, Darryl Sittler and Doug Gilmour as the fourth player in Leafs history to reach 100 points in a season.

Sabres defenseman Owen Power missed this game with a season-ending injury to his left knee that could require surgery in the offseason.

Speaking of the Senators (95 points), they dropped a 4-3 decision to the Chicago Blackhawks. Frank Nazar scored in overtime and Connor Bedard tallied twice for Chicago while Dylan Cozens had two assists for the Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been a long time since “The Battle of Ontario” carried over into the playoffs. The last time the Leafs and Senators faced each other in the postseason was 21 years ago in the opening round of the 2004 playoffs.

The Leafs enter that series with defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe questionable for Game 1. Sidelined Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is expected to return to action for that game.

The Tampa Bay Lightning secured second place in the Atlantic Division with 102 points by beating the Florida Panthers 5-1. Brayden Point had a goal and two assists while Nikita Kucherov collected two points for a league-leading 121 points. Brad Marchand replied for the Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of rivalries, “The Battle of Florida” continues as the Lightning and Panthers face off in postseason play for the fourth time in five years.

Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome’s hat trick powered his team to a 3-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Adam Pelech returned to action in this game after leaving Sunday’s match against the New Jersey Devils following an illegal hit to the head by Devils forward Paul Cotter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was likely the final home game for Islanders forward Matt Martin, who was saluted by the fans and the Capitals following this contest. Meanwhile, the Capitals will face the Canadiens or Blue Jackets in the first round.

The Los Angeles Kings tied their single-season record for most wins (48) by holding off the Seattle Kraken 5-4. Samuel Helenius scored two goals for the Kings (105 points), who will meet the Edmonton Oilers in the opening round for the fourth straight year. Matty Beniers netted his 20th goal of the season for the Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken confirmed Ron Francis will return for his fifth season as general manager.

An overtime goal by Brian Dumoulin gave the New Jersey Devils a 5-4 win over the Boston Bruins. Timo Meier had a goal and two assists for the Devils (91 points), who will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. Bruins winger David Pastrnak had a goal and an assist to finish the season with 106 points.

HEADLINES

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture formally announced yesterday that he’s no longer physically able to continue his playing career.

The 36-year-old center’s final game was in February 2024. He was diagnosed in 2023 with Osteitis pubis, a deep groin injury that sidelined him for almost all of the last two seasons.

Couture hasn’t officially retired as his contract runs through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $8 million. He will remain on their books for the next two years and be placed on long-term injury reserve if they need salary-cap flexibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I noted yesterday, Couture will be remembered as one of the best players in Sharks history. He’s among their top-five players in games-played, goals, assists, and points. Couture didn’t rule out returning to the game in coaching or management. General manager Mike Grier said there’s a job for him anytime with the Sharks.

RG.ORG: Philadelphia Flyers captain Sean Couturier admitted it’s been a tough season for his rebuilding club. However, he believes they have a bright future with the young players in the lineup and their prospect system.

Couturier admitted he didn’t have much of a relationship with former head coach John Tortorella. “We didn’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of things, and it was hard,” he said. “I just tried to work with him and do what’s best for the team because that’s my job as the captain.”

THE DENVER POST: Gabriel Landeskog returned to the Avalanche following his recent conditioning stint with their AHL affiliate. He’s resumed practicing with the Avs and could be ready for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series with the Dallas Stars.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers is listed as week-to-week with a right-foot injury just days before their first-round series with the St. Louis Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no indication if Ehlers will return at some point during that series.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The NHL department of player safety handed Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse a one-game suspension for cross-checking Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield in the back of the head during Monday’s game between the two clubs.

Nurse will miss the Oilers’ final regular-season game on Wednesday against the Sharks and will be in the lineup for the first game of their opening-round series against the Kings.

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov, New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes, Ottawa Senators winger Brady Tkachuk and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner are among the 32 King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominees. The award recognizes leadership qualities and contributions to the community.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Click the link above for the complete list.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 10, 2025

by | Apr 10, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 10, 2025

A four-goal return to action for Joel Eriksson Ek as Marc-Andre Fleury set a new goalie record, the Devils clinch a playoff berth, the hockey world remembers Ray Shero, the Masterton Trophy nominees are revealed, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Joel Eriksson Ek scored four goals and Kirill Kaprizov tallied twice, including the winner in overtime, in an 8-7 win over the San Jose Sharks. Matt Boldy had four assists and Mats Zuccarello had three helpers for the Wild, who vaulted over the St. Louis Blues into the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 93 points. Sharks center Macklin Celebrini had a hat trick in a five-point performance while teammate Will Smith had a goal and three assists.

Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a consequential game for the Wild in more ways than one. Their victory over the Sharks eliminated the Vancouver Canucks and Utah Hockey Club from the postseason race.

Eriksson Ek and Kaprizov returned to action after missing considerable time with injuries. They’ll significantly boost the Wild offense which sputtered during their absence. Meanwhile, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury set the record for most overtime wins (70) in what was likely his final home start for Minnesota.

Celebrini became the first 18-year-old player in Sharks history to tally a hat trick. He holds the single-season franchise record for points by a rookie with 62.

The St. Louis Blues (93 points) dropped into the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference following a 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Connor Brown scored twice for Edmonton, including the winning goal with 21 seconds remaining in the third period. Oilers captain Connor McDavid had three assists on his return from an eight-game absence with a lower-body injury. Pavel Buchnevich had a goal and an assist for the Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers sit third in the Pacific Division with 95 points. Meanwhile, the Blues sit behind the Wild because the latter holds a game in hand.

Before this game, they placed defenseman John Klingberg on long-term injury reserve while blueliner Jake Walman was a late scratch with an illness.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier scored the tying and winning goals as his club overcame a 3-1 deficit to upset the Calgary Flames 4-3 in overtime. Ville Husso stopped 36 shots for the Ducks. Mikael Backlund had a goal and an assist for the Flames (88 points), who sit five points behind the Wild and Blues with two games in hand over the latter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild have three games remaining in their schedule while the Blues have two. The latter has lost two straight after winning a franchise-record 12 straight games.

The New York Rangers’ playoff hopes suffered a significant setback after an 8-5 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Tyson Foerster collected his first NHL hat trick and Nick Seeler picked up three assists for the Flyers. Artemi Panarin scored his 300th NHL regular-season goal for the Rangers (79 points), who’ve lost three straight and remain eight points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers are on the brink of elimination from the playoff race. They have the same number of games remaining in the schedule as the Canadiens (four) but the latter needs only three points to punch their ticket to the postseason.

That final wild-card spot is the only playoff berth to be determined in the Eastern Conference. The Flyers’ victory and the Rangers’ loss clinched a playoff spot for the idle New Jersey Devils, who sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 89 points. They’ll face off against the Carolina Hurricanes in the opening round.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies scored in overtime to complete a hat trick and defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3. Auston Matthews collected three assists and Mitch Marner had a goal and two assists for the Leafs (100 points), who opened a three-point lead over the Lightning atop the Atlantic Division. Victor Hedman and Oliver Bjorkstrand each had a goal and an assist for the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov picked up an assist to regain first place in the scoring race. He and Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon each have 116 points but Kucherov holds the lead with 34 goals to MacKinnon’s 32.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The hockey world mourned Ray Shero, who died on Wednesday at 62.

Son of former NHL coach and Hall-of-Famer Fred Shero, Ray had a long, successful career in management. He began as an assistant general manager with the Ottawa Senators from 1993 to 1998, and as an assistant GM with the Nashville Predators from 1998 to 2006.

Shero was named general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2006, building them into a Stanley Cup contender in 2008 and a Cup champion in 2009. He won the Jim Gregory GM of the Year Award in 2012-13.

Fired by the Penguins in 2014, he became GM of the New Jersey Devils from 2015 to 2020, drafting current Devils stars Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt.

Shero was in his fourth season as a senior advisor to Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin.

Guerin, Wild head coach John Hynes, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald, former Predators GM David Poile, and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released statements honoring Shero’s memory and legacy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Shero’s family, friends, the Wild organization, and those who knew him from his days with the Senators, Predators, Penguins and Devils.

TSN: Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan, and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin are among the 32 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy nominees. It is awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Other notable nominees include Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty, and Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above to see the full list.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of Landeskog, the Avalanche have loaned him to their AHL affiliate for conditioning as he continues his comeback. The 32-year-old left wing hasn’t played since leading the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup in June 2022.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An update will be made regarding Landeskog’s status over the next couple of days. This move is a significant step in his comeback attempt. If it goes well, he could rejoin the Avalanche in the opening round of the playoffs.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators are confident that team captain Brady Tkachuk will be good to go when the playoffs begin on Apr. 19. He’s missed the last five games with an upper-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators clinched a playoff berth so there’s no reason to rush him back to action. They’ll give him all the time he needs between now and Apr. 19 to heal up for the postseason.

RG.ORG: Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov is expected to arrive in Toronto on Friday. He’ll meet with his new team following their game in Ottawa and could make his NHL debut on Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 6, 2025

by | Apr 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 6, 2025

The Kings, Lightning and Panthers clinch playoff berths, the Blues set a franchise record for consecutive wins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Los Angeles Kings clinched a playoff berth by blanking the Edmonton Oilers 3-0. Darcy Kuemper turned in a 27-save shutout while Kevin Fiala tallied his 30th goal of the season as the Kings sit second in the Pacific Division with 97 points, reaching the postseason for the fourth straight year. The Oilers remain in third place behind the Kings with 93 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, defenseman Mattias Ekholm and goaltender Stuart Skinner missed this game with injuries. McDavid is expected to return later this week.

Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson scored his 40th goal as the Buffalo Sabres upset the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on shootout goals by Jack Quinn and Alex Tuch. Brayden Point and Gage Goncalves tallied for Tampa Bay, who clinched a playoff berth in second place in the Atlantic Division with 94 points. It’s the eighth straight season the Lightning have qualified for the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres have surged recently, winning seven of their last 10 games. Sitting 11 points out of a wild-card berth with seven games remaining, this hot streak comes too late to save their season.

Ottawa Senators netminder Anton Forsberg kicked out 40 shots to shut out the Florida Panthers 3-0. Jake Sanderson had a goal and an assist for the Senators as they hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 88 points, four back of the third-place Panthers in the Atlantic Division. Despite the loss, the Panthers clinched a playoff berth for the sixth straight season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Florida has gone 3-6-1 in their last 10 games while Ottawa is 5-4-1. Both teams have six games left. The Senators could overtake the Panthers in the standings if the latter doesn’t snap out of its funk.

St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas (NHL Images).

The St. Louis Blues set a franchise record with their 12th straight win by holding off the Colorado Avalanche 5-4. Robert Thomas scored the game-winner and collected three assists, Cam Fowler had three helpers and Zack Bolduc tallied twice as the Blues hold a four-point lead over the Minnesota Wild for the first Western Conference wild-card spot. Nathan MacKinnon scored for the Avalanche, who sit third in the Central Division with 98 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 115 points, MacKinnon holds a three-point lead over Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov in the scoring race.

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz turned aside 27 shots in a 5-0 shutout of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nick Robertson and William Nylander each scored two goals for the Leafs, who hold a four-point lead over the Lightning for first place in the Atlantic Division with 98 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews scored his 30th goal, becoming the first American-born NHL player to reach that milestone in nine consecutive seasons. The loss puts the Blue Jackets (77 points) six points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern wild card.

Speaking of the Canadiens, they got third-period goals by Lane Hutson and Nick Suzuki for a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, eliminating the latter from the playoff race. The Canadiens have won four straight games and opened a four-point lead over the New York Rangers for the final Eastern wild card with 83 points. Ryan Poehling and Tyson Foerster replied for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Suzuki is two points away from becoming the first Canadien to reach 85 points in a season since Pierre Turgeon and Vincent Damphousse in 1995-96. Habs winger Josh Anderson missed this game as his wife is due to give birth soon.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom made 26 saves to blank the Rangers 4-0. Timo Meier scored two goals for the Devils, who sit third in the Metro Division with 89 points. With 79 points, the Rangers are four back of the Canadiens in the Eastern wild-card chase.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blueshirts are sputtering with a record of 3-6-1. They and the Canadiens have six games remaining with the latter riding a four-game win streak.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak had a hat trick and two assists in a 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Morgan Geekie had a goal and four assists for the Bruins, who were officially eliminated from the postseason race. Hurricanes rookie Justin Robidas scored his first NHL goal. His club sits second in the Metropolitan Division with 96 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pastrnak’s been among the few bright spots in a miserable season for the Bruins. He reached the 40-goal plateau for the fifth time, tying him for second with Rick Middleton among the Bruins all-time scoring leaders. Phil Esposito holds the franchise record with seven 40-goal campaigns.

If Robidas’ last name sounds familiar, he’s the son of former NHL defenseman Stephane Robidas.

An overtime goal by Reilly Smith lifted the Vegas Golden Knights past the Calgary Flames 3-2. Smith finished the game with two goals and Shea Theodore collected three assists as the Golden Knights remain atop the Pacific Division with 100 points, three up on the Kings. Joel Hanley and Matt Coronato scored for the Flames (85 points), who collected a point to sit four behind the Wild for the final Western wild-card spot.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had a hat trick and collected an assist in a 5-3 upset of the Dallas Stars, snapping the latter’s seven-game win streak. Evgenii Dadonov had a hat trick for the Stars, who remain four points behind the first-place Winnipeg Jets in the Western Conference.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby reached the 30-goal mark for the 13th time in his career.

Utah Hockey Club goalie Karel Vejmelka stopped 32 shots to beat the Jets 4-1. Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton and Kevin Stenlund each had a goal and an assist for Utah. Mark Scheifele tallied his 38th goal of the season for the league-leading Jets (108 points).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers missed this game with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day.

A five-goal first period lifted the Vancouver Canucks to a 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Thatcher Demko made 30 saves while Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes each had two points. Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras scored for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win keeps the Canucks’ fading playoff hopes alive. With 83 points, they’re six behind the Wild in the Western wild-card race.

The Seattle Kraken defeated the San Jose Sharks 5-1. Jared McCann had two goals and an assist for the Kraken. Rookie Will Smith tallied his 14th goal for the Sharks.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 4, 2025

by | Apr 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 4, 2025

Will there be more offer-sheet attempts this summer? Could the Devils be among the clubs targeting other clubs’ RFAs? What’s the latest on the Islanders? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THERE BE MORE OFFER-SHEET ATTEMPTS THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Chris Johnston report some NHL executives and general managers bracing for “a summer of offer sheets” during the 2025 offseason.

They cite the rising salary cap, the St. Louis Blues’ bold signings of Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg from the Edmonton Oilers last summer, and the lack of quality depth among this summer’s unrestricted free-agent class.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (NHL Images).

According to PuckPedia, 88 of 95 potential restricted free agents are eligible to sign offer sheets. They include Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard, Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies, Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi, New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller and forward Will Cullye, New York Islanders blueliners Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov, and Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka and defenseman Bowen Byram.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of those players could be targeted for offer sheets this summer. However, Russo and Johnston also cited several general managers pointing out that the rising cap can make it easier for clubs to match if one of their players signs an offer sheet.

Johnston recently suggested that mid-tier or emerging talent is more vulnerable than established stars. That’s because contending teams want to avoid overpaying those players. Johnston cited Holloway and Broberg as notable examples.

COULD THE DEVILS GO THE OFFER-SHEET ROUTE THIS SUMMER?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Citing The Athletic report on the potential for a rise in offer sheets this summer, James Nichols pondered the possibility for the Devils.

In The Athletic piece, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald seemed to suggest he could be interested in going that route if the opportunity arose.

Nichols believes the Devils need to bolster their forward depth. He suggested Ottawa Senators (and former Devil) winger Fabian Zetterlund, Seattle Kraken winger Kaapo Kakko, and Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi as possible options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils might not have the cap room to sign a rival player to an offer sheet. They have a projected $13.8 million available for 2025-26 with 18 active roster players under contract. Rising star Luke Hughes is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. Re-signing him could eat roughly half of that cap room.

THE LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple believes the harsh public criticism New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy levied on struggling winger Anthony Duclair is a sign of worsening times for the club.

Duclair signed with the Islanders last summer. He played with Roy in the QMJHL so he knew what he was getting into. He started the season well but was sidelined for 29 games by a torn groin and hasn’t been the same since.

Staple believes Duclair will be staying because he has three years left on his contract. Roy has a multi-year extension and isn’t leaving unless he wants to. General manager Lou Lamoriello is likely sticking around for at least one more year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duclair has been granted a leave of absence to reflect following what Roy called a “good conversation” between the two on Thursday morning. Nevertheless, it’ll be interesting to see if this incident has any effect on the club’s offseason plans. 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 1, 2025

by | Apr 1, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 1, 2025

Recaps of Monday’s games, the three stars of the week are revealed, and the latest on Matthew Tkachuk, Tomas Hertl and more (no foolin’) in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Calgary Flames kept their playoff hopes alive by nipping the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 on a shootout goal by Yegor Sharangovich. Cale Makar and Logan O’Connor gave Colorado a 2-0 lead but Calgary got third-period goals from Ryan Lomberg and Adam Klapka to tie the game. With 82 points, the Flames are five points behind the St. Louis Blues for the final Western Conference wild-card berth. The Avalanche sit third in the Central Division with 94 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon collected an assist for his 80th of the season and 110th point, regaining the lead in the race for the Art Ross Trophy. He also extended his home points streak to 25 games.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes had a goal and an assist in a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Jacob Markstrom stopped 27 shots for New Jersey and Jesper Bratt tallied the winning goal in the shootout. The Devils hold third place in the Metropolitan Division with 87 points. Vinnie Hinostroza and Matt Boldy replied for the Wild, who hold the first Western wild-card spot with 88 points.

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston (NHL Images).

The Dallas Stars picked up their sixth straight win by defeating the Seattle Kraken 3-1. Wyatt Johnston scored for the fifth straight game and Casey DeSmith kicked out 35 shots for the Stars, who sit second in the Western Conference with 102 points. Kaapo Kakko scored for the Kraken.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale snapped a 1-1 tie in the second period to give his club a 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators. Rookie Matvei Michkov collected two assists as the Flyers got their third straight win under interim coach Brad Shaw. Zachary L’Heureux scored for the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Michkov has been on fire since Shaw took over behind the bench, tallying four goals and three assists for seven points. Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway returned to action after missing 15 games with an upper-body injury.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz, and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck are the league’s three stars for the week ending March 30, 2025.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk had his first on-ice workout on Monday since being sidelined playing for Team USA in February’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. He’ll travel with the club on its final regular-season road trip as he continues working out with the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk could be ready to return for the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs on April 19.

NHL.COM: Speaking of the Panthers, defenseman Niko Mikkola was fined $5,000.00 by the department of player safety for unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl will be unavailable for his club’s next four games with an upper-body injury. He’s been sidelined since March 23. Meanwhile, backup goaltender Ilya Samsonov is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Washington Capitals signed top prospect Ryan Leonard to an entry-level contract. He could make his NHL debut on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leonard is among several prospects signing entry-level deals with their NHL teams as the NCAA hockey season winds down. Others include Gabe Perreault signing with the New York Rangers, Matthew Wood joining the Nashville Predators, Jimmy Snuggerud moving on to the St. Louis Blues, and Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel signing with the Chicago Blackhawks.

TRIBLIVE.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins placed forward Emil Bemstrom on waivers.

NHL.COM: On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Kings will honor long-time play-by-play announcer Nick Nickson with a pregame ceremony. Nickson is retiring after this season following 44 years of calling Kings games on radio and television. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.

SPORTRAC: The NHL has agreed with Rogers Communication on a 12-year, USD $7.7 billion contract extension ($11 billion Cdn) beginning in 2026-27. The current 12-year, $5.2 billion deal expires at the end of next season. The league board of governors is expected to vote on the deal this week.

The league and Rogers declined to comment.