NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 27, 2026

by | Jan 27, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 27, 2026

Mattias Ekholm scored his first hat trick as the Oilers set a league record, the Rangers traded Carson Soucy, the three stars of the week, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm tallied his first NHL hat trick in a 7-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Leon Draisaitl collected four assists while Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman each had a goal and an assist for the 27-19-8 Oilers. Ducks forward Mikael Granlund also netted a hat trick as his club dropped to 28-22-3, and their seven-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a record-setting performance for the Oilers, becoming the first team in league history to have defensemen score hat tricks in consecutive games, with Evan Bouchard scoring three goals in a six-point performance in the Oilers’ previous game.

Those three-goal performances by Ekholm and Granlund bring the number of hat tricks scored in January to 27, matching the third-most in a single month (December 1981) in league history. The record is 29, set in December 1985.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak (NHL Images)

The New York Rangers nipped the Boston Bruins 4-3 on an overtime goal by Matthew Robertson. Will Cuylle, J.T. Miller, and Will Borgen also scored for the 22-25-6 Rangers, snapping a three-game losing skid. David Pastrnak collected three assists to reach the 900-point plateau, and Elias Linholm netted two goals for the Bruins (30-20-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pastrnak is the sixth player in Bruins history to record 900 points, joining Raymond Bourque (1,506), Johnny Bucyk (1,339), Patrice Bergeron (1,040), Phil Esposito (1,012), and Brad Marchand (976).

Before this game, the Rangers held defenseman Carson Soucy out of the lineup. They subsequently announced they had traded Soucy to the New York Islanders in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick.

Soucy, 31, is in the final season of his three-year contract with an AAV of $3.25 million and is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status this summer. He’s a short-term fix for the Islanders’ blueline with Alexander Romanov on long-term injury reserve, and Ryan Pulock sidelined with an upper-body injury.

As for the Rangers, the Soucy trade is expected to be the first of what could be several moves this season by the retooling franchise before the March 6 trade deadline.

Speaking of the Islanders, they got a 21-save shutout from Ilya Sorokin to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-0. Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored twice, and Mathew Barzal had a goal and an assist for the Islanders, who improved to 28-19-5. Samuel Ersson turned aside 19 of 23 shots for the Flyers (24-18-9).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers activated defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, who had been sidelined since Jan. 14 with an upper-body injury.

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy turned in a 28-shot shutout in a 2-0 victory over the Utah Mammoth. Darren Raddysh and Anthony Cirelli scored for the Lightning (33-14-4), who regained first place in the Eastern Conference with 70 points. Karel Vejmelka stopped 27 shots for the 27-21-4 Mammoth as their five-game win streak ended.

The game between the Los Angeles Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets at Columbus’ Nationwide Arena was postponed due to inclement weather. It has been rescheduled for March 9.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, and Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal are the league’s three stars for the week ending Jan. 25, 2026.

TSN: Marc-Andre Fleury said a couple of NHL teams have contacted him about coming out of retirement, but the 41-year-old goaltender and future Hall of Famer has no plans to return to action. He still hangs out with his former club, the Minnesota Wild, and has skated with them in several practices, but his next role could be working in their front office.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury has until the March 6 trade deadline to sign an NHL contract if he intends to unretire. Even then, it would likely take several weeks of intense training for him to return to game shape.

Fleury said there were several reasons why he’ll remain retired. One of them is probably the wear and tear of his 21 NHL seasons on his aging body. He alluded to a sore hip during his one-period appearance in a preseason game with the Pittsburgh Penguins in September as he brought his NHL career full circle.

RG.ORG: DJ Siddiqi reports Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito believes the health of the players his club is sending to the Olympics next month will be a factor in their attempt to win a third-straight Stanley Cup.

The defending champion Panthers have been battered by injuries, leaving them four points out of the final wildcard berth in the Eastern Conference as of Jan. 27. Managing fatigue, ice time, and emotional drain, as well as avoiding further injuries, will be crucial to their playoff hopes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers are sending eight players to the Olympics, including core players Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, Brad Marchand, and Anton Lundell.

PUCKPEDIA: Speaking of the Olympics, the trade and assignment regulations for the NHL’s break period (Feb. 4-22) have been revealed. No trades will be permitted during that period.

TORONTO SUN: The league has fined Maple Leafs winger William Nylander $5,000.00 for flipping off a TSN camera during Sunday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche. Nylander made the gesture while watching the game in the press box with several other sidelined teammates.

THE PROVINCE: The Canucks placed winger Brock Boeser and defenseman Zeev Buium on injured reserve.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins winger Bryan Rust faces a hearing on Tuesday with the league’s department of player safety regarding his high hit on Boeser during Sunday’s game between the two clubs.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson is out until the end of next month’s Olympic break with a lower-body injury.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 9, 2025

by | Oct 9, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 9, 2025

Recaps of Wednesday’s action, the Oilers re-sign Mattias Ekholm and add Jack Roslovic, Cam Atkinson to retire with the Blue Jackets, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Shootout goals by Adrian Kempe and Trevor Moore lifted the Los Angeles Kings over the Vegas Golden Knights 6-5. Quinton Byfield and Andrei Kuzmenko each had a goal and an assist for the Kings, who overcame a 5-3 deficit. Jack Eichel had a goal and three assists, Pavel Dorofeyev tallied a hat trick, and Mitch Marner collected two assists for the Golden Knights.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Golden Knights re-signed Eichel to an eight-year extension with an AAV of $13.5 million, which may have provided a little extra motivation for his season opener. He and Marner are already showing some promising offensive chemistry. Meanwhile, Dorofeyev’s hat trick is the first one of this new NHL season.

The Calgary Flames overcame a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 on a shootout goal by Nazem Kadri. Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf stopped 32 shots for the win. Oilers center Leon Draisaitl scored his 400th career regular-season goal.

Before this game, the Oilers announced that defenseman Mattias Ekholm had agreed to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $4 million. They also announced the signing of unrestricted free-agent forward Jack Roslovic to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: When healthy, Ekholm is a solid defensive blueliner and an invaluable part of the Oilers’ defense corps. He will be 36 when his new contract begins in July. However, with the salary cap rising significantly over the next two years, and with Connor McDavid taking a discount on a two-year contract extension, the Oilers felt it was a worthwhile investment as they continue their quest for the Stanley Cup.

Roslovic reportedly rejected an offer from Edmonton when free agency opened in July. He recently changed agents, which led to his new deal with the Oilers. It’s uncertain what role he’ll play with his new club.

The Toronto Maple Leafs won their 10th straight home opener with a 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Morgan Rielly snapped a 2-2 tie midway through the third period, and William Nylander had a goal and two assists for the Leafs. Oliver Kapanen and Zachary Bolduc replied for the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This game was closer than the score suggests, with the Leafs’ final two goals being empty-netters. Speaking of the Leafs, former defenseman Mark Giordano joined their AHL affiliate as a coaching advisor.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak had a goal and two assists to lead his club over the Washington Capitals 3-1, giving head coach Marco Sturm his first NHL victory. Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie each had a goal and an assist, and Jeremy Swayman kicked out 35 shots for the Bruins. Tom Wilson scored for the Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pastrnak has picked up from where he left off last season for the Bruins. Swayman also played well, getting off to a better start compared to last year, when he gave up four goals on 24 shots in his 2024-25 season opener after missing training camp and the preseason due to a contract dispute. He got the win in that game, but his performance was much sharper in this one.

Speaking of the Bruins, they named Pastrnak, Lindholm, and Charlie McAvoy as alternate captains, but intend to play this season without a team captain. The San Jose Sharks will also be without a captain this season, with sophomore center Macklin Celebrini among their five alternates.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE ATHLETIC: Cam Atkinson will end his 13-season NHL career where it began: with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Atkinson, 36, will sign a one-day contract with the Blue Jackets on Oct. 16 and simultaneously announce his retirement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Atkinson had 253 goals and 236 assists for 489 points in 809 regular-season games with the Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, and Tampa Bay Lightning. He also had 10 goals and 26 points in 35 playoff games. He spent 10 of his 13 NHL seasons with the Blue Jackets, including a career-best 41 goals and 69 points in 80 games in 2018-19. Atkinson is second all-time among Blue Jackets skaters with 213 goals and 402 points and third in games played with 627.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers will honor the memory of Hall of Famer Bernie Parent with a jersey patch and a preseason ceremony during their home-opener on Oct. 13. There will also be a celebration of his life at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Nov. 21.

The beloved Flyers goaltender passed away on Sept. 21 at the age of 80.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Strome will miss the start of the season with an upper-body injury.

CBS SPORTS: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Zemgus Girgensons will miss the first two games of the regular season with an undisclosed injury. He was placed on injured reserve on Monday.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 7, 2025

by | Sep 7, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 7, 2025

Condolences pour in honoring Ken Dryden, plus the latest on Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Oilers winger Zach Hyman and defenseman Mattias Ekholm, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Condolences from across Canada poured in Saturday as Canadians remembered the life and legacy of Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden, who died of cancer on Friday at age 78.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney cited Dryden’s career as a player, author, and public servant, saying he was the reason he became a goaltender in his youth. Former PM Justin Trudeau expressed his admiration for Dryden, citing his commitment to social justice and his early work on a national daycare program while serving as a member of the Canadian parliament from 2004 to 2011.

Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden.

Montreal mayor Valeri Plante, Quebec premier Francois Legault, and Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre were among other Canadian and Quebec politicians who honored Dryden’s life and legacy.

Fellow players took to social media to express their condolences.

Former Canadiens goaltender Carey Price thanked Dryden for his support during his early career. Hall-of-Famers Martin Brodeur and Chris Pronger praised Dryden for revolutionizing the goaltending position and showing how a player can make an impact following their playing careers.

Hall of Fame defenseman Larry Robinson expressed shock and sadness over his friend and teammate’s passing, saying he had no idea Dryden was ill. Speaking about their playing days, Robinson praised Dryden’s goaltending, reliability, and intellect.

RDS: Hall of Fame blueliner and former Canadiens captain Serge Savard also remembered Dryden’s career and impact on the sport, calling him “ahead of his time.” He considers Dryden’s book, “The Game”, to be the best book ever written about sports.

Savard said Dryden knew two years ago that he had cancer and had been informed for several months that it was incurable. He said Dryden wanted to keep the news of his health within his family circle.

TSN: Former Canadiens forwards Vincent Damphousse and Guy Carbonneau praised Dryden as a great role model and a true Canadian.

RG.ORG: Russian legend and Hall of Fame goaltender Vladislav Tretiak called Dryden a remarkable person, calling him one of Canada’s greatest goalies and a man of integrity, kindness, and intelligence. “Ken Dryden was more than a rival. He was my friend,” Tretiak said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The reaction to Dryden’s passing is a testament to his remarkable life. He was an inspirational, modern-day Renaissance man. As I wrote on Saturday, the hockey world never saw anyone like Dryden before, and we haven’t seen another like him since. He will be missed by those who love this sport and strive to make it better.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported Friday that Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said re-signing Jack Eichel remains a priority. The 28-year-old center is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

“He’s been a great player for our organization. I think our organization has been great for him,” McCrimmon said. “So, lots of interest, obviously, I think from both sides to make something work.”

LeBrun indicated that there have been a few discussions between the two sides, but the negotiations are still in the early stages. While he doesn’t believe a deal is imminent, he wouldn’t be surprised if they get it done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s the consensus among the hockey punditry. Some believe Eichel will get between $13 million and $14 million annually on a long-term extension before July 1.

SPORTSNET: Zach Hyman remains uncertain if he’ll be ready to return to action at the start of this season.

The 33-year-old Edmonton Oilers winger is still fully engaged in rehab after surgery to repair the dislocated wrist and damaged ligament suffered during the 2025 Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. He admitted he hasn’t reached the stage yet where he can shoot the puck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hyman pointed out that there’s still another month to go before the season begins. Nevertheless, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be fully recovered in time.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Speaking of the Oilers, Mattias Ekholm said he’d love to stay in Edmonton. The 35-year-old defenseman said he’s recovered from the lower-body injuries that hampered him during the final months of their season.

Ekholm is in the final year of his contract and UFA-eligible next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal praised Ekholm’s steadiness and reliability as a top-pairing defenseman when healthy. However, he’s concerned that the veteran blueliner is now at an age when his career is on a “steep, slippery slope.”

RG.ORG: Lane Hutson being passed over from the Team USA Olympic orientation camp didn’t sit well with his father, Rob. He made a tongue-in-cheek comment suggesting his son could find a taker with Team Canada because he has dual citizenship.

However, Lane’s agent indicated that his client remains committed to the United States. The Canadiens blueliner last week stated he’d be honored to play for Team USA at the Olympics.

TSN: Former Ottawa Senators forward Alex Formenton signed a contract with HC Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland. He is among the five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team who were recently found not guilty of sexual assault following a 2018 incident in London, Ontario. However, the five remain ineligible to play in the NHL.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports this season’s NHL trade deadline will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026.

DAILY FACEOFF: Derek Ryan announced his retirement after 10 NHL seasons. The 38-year-old center had 82 goals and 127 assists for 209 points in 606 regular-season games with the Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, and the Oilers from 2015-16 to 2024-25. He also had 10 points in 60 playoff games.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 3, 2025

by | Aug 3, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 3, 2025

Check out the latest on Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust and Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Sonny Sachdeva recently examined potential trade destinations for Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust.

Sachdeva believes the two wingers remain very much in play. He pointed out that they could become trade chips given that the Penguins are rebuilding their roster. There are also few game-changing forwards in this summer’s trade market.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell (NHL Images)

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t rushing to move Rakell or Rust. However, he could be willing to move one or both if the return improves his club down the line.

Sachdeva suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Buffalo Sabres as possible trade partners.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell carries an average annual value of $5 million through 2027-28. He also has an eight-team no-trade list. Rust has an AAV of $5.125 million over the same period, but he lacks no-trade protection.

Sachdeva cited the Leafs having cap space to work with this summer ($1.9 million), and how they could move a forward like David Kampf ($2.4 million) to facilitate a trade. However, they’ll have to shed more salary or convince the Penguins to retain part of Rakell’s or Rust’s AAV to make the dollars fit.

The Avalanche ($3.348 million) is in a better cap position than the Leafs, but they must also free up some cap room or have the Penguins retain some salary to make it work. There’s speculation suggesting Avs defenseman Samuel Girard ($5 million AAV) could be moved, but it’s not a certainty, plus the Penguins could be on his nine-team no-trade list.

Sachedeva cited Rust’s Michigan roots, suggesting he’d be a good fit with the Red Wings. They have a dire need for scoring forwards and have the cap space ($12 million) to take on his full contract. The question is whether they’d part with the promising young assets the Penguins seek.

The Kings also need more scoring punch up front. Sachdeva felt Rakell might welcome a return to Southern California after beginning his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks. Since this piece appeared on July 30, the Kings re-signed forward Alex Laferriere to a three-year contract with an AAV of $4.1 million, leaving them with $2.66 million in cap space. Unless they cut salary or get the Penguins to retain half of Rakell’s cap hit, he’s not a fit in Los Angeles.

Sachedeva pointed out that the Sabres’ interest in Rust goes back to before the NHL Draft in June. The Sabres have just enough cap space ($5.19 million) and the young assets to tempt the Penguins. Rust lacks no-trade protection, but Pittsburgh management could prefer to allow him to choose his trade destinations.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently made the case for the Edmonton Oilers to sign Mattias Ekholm to a contract extension. The 35-year-old defenseman is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Ekholm’s play declined after he was injured last season, but Mitchell pointed out that his defensive play remained solid before he got hurt. He noted that the Oilers are vulnerable on the left side of their blueline with Ekholm, Jake Walman, and Brett Kulak UFA-eligible next summer.

Mitchell believes the Oilers should sign Ekholm to a two or three-year contract extension. He acknowledged the risk in doing so, given the blueliner’s age and injury history. However, they could have no choice if they intend to remain a Stanley Cup contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekholm’s current AAV is $6.25 million, with the Oilers carrying $6 million and his former club, the Nashville Predators, picking up the rest. He might accept a pay cut to around $5 million annually to stick with the Oilers.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2025

by | Jul 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2025

The latest on the Oilers and updates on Jack Roslovic and Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell wondered if the Edmonton Oilers could pull off a surprise late-summer contract signing.

Mitchell suggested pursuing former Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. There are currently few suitable options to upgrade the Oilers’ goaltending in the trade or free-agent markets.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images).

Fleury has retired, and attempts to change his mind have been fruitless. Nevertheless, Mitchell felt the Oilers should revisit that possibility as training camp approaches in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury agent, Allan Walsh, recently said five teams contacted him on July 1 asking if his client would reconsider retirement. Walsh didn’t say which teams they were, but the Oilers could’ve been among them.

Fleury might get the itch to suit up again as training camp draws near. However, he’s now 40, spent 21 years in the NHL and his best seasons are well behind him. He knows it’s time to move on to the next chapter in his life.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples suggested the Oilers consider signing Max Pacioretty as a replacement for departed veteran winger Corey Perry.

Staples acknowledged the 36-year-old Pacioretty has slowed down and is no longer the reliable scorer he once was. Nevertheless, he could be effective as a power forward in small doses, as he was for the Toronto Maple Leafs during this year’s playoffs, netting eight points in 11 postseason games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs left the door open for Pacioretty’s return, but he could opt to move on in search of better opportunities. He’d be an affordable signing, but the cap-strapped Oilers would have to shed some salary to make room for him.

Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer predicting the club will re-sign Connor McDavid this offseason. Stauffer also anticipates new contracts for defensemen Jake Walman and Mattias Ekholm.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s status is the main concern for Oilers fans. The longer he goes without an extension, the more speculation will suggest that he’ll depart next summer for his hometown Maple Leafs or hit the Wayne Gretzky trail and head to the Los Angeles Kings or New York Rangers.

UPDATES ON ROSLOVIC AND CHINAKHOV

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited a report by CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal claiming the Vancouver Canucks are still talking with former Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic.

The 28-year-old Roslovic is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after completing a one-year contract with the Hurricanes.

Dhaliwal reported that Roslovic isn’t a lock to join the Canucks. However, the club continues to talk with the winger’s representatives.

Johnston stated that the Canucks seek a second-line center, hence their discussions with the Roslovic camp. They’re also reportedly interested in Anaheim Ducks restricted free agent Mason McTavish. However, the cost of acquiring McTavish in terms of salary and trade return could be more than the Canucks could afford.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Roslovic would be much more affordable than McTavish, whom the Ducks have shown no indication of any willingness to trade.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes disgruntled Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov could be a great fit with the Devils.

Chinakhov, 24, requested a trade citing “misunderstandings” with Blue Jackets coach Dean Evanson. He’s under contract for this season with a cap hit of $2.1 million.

Nichols thinks Chinakhov would be a perfect “buy-low” trade candidate to address their ongoing need for a scoring winger to replace Tyler Toffoli.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli was, and still is, a reliable, durable two-way scoring winger. Chinakhov has potential, but also an injury history that has limited him to 175 games.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 27, 2025

by | May 27, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 27, 2025

The Hurricanes avoid elimination in the Eastern Conference Final, updates on the Oilers and Stars ahead of Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

HURRICANES STAVE OFF ELIMINATION FROM THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes avoided being swept from the Eastern Conference Final by blanking the Florida Panthers 3-0 in Game 4.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (NHL Images).

Frederik Andersen returned in the net for the Hurricanes and turned in a 20-save shutout while Logan Stankoven, Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov were the goal scorers. Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 25 shots.

Panthers forwards Sam Reinhart and A.J. Greer and defenseman Niko Mikkola missed Game 4 with undisclosed injuries. They’re considered day-to-day.

The series returns to Carolina for Game 5 on Wednesday, May 28, at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the first win in a Conference Final game for the Hurricanes since 2006. Unlike the previous three games in this series, they played a better, disciplined defensive game and received solid goaltending from Andersen, who had been benched for Game 3 after two shaky outings earlier in this series.

The Hurricanes still face elimination heading into Game 5, but this win should boost their confidence and determination to atone for their two previous disappointing efforts on home ice.

LATEST ON THE OILERS AND STARS

TSN: Sidelined Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard and defenseman Mattias Ekholm could suit up for Game 4 of the Western Conference Final on Tuesday. Pickard’s been out with an undisclosed injury since May 10, while Ekholm’s been on the shelf since Apr. 11 with what’s believed to be a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pickard took over for starter Stuart Skinner in Game 3 of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings and won six straight before he got hurt in the next round against the Vegas Golden Knights. He’ll be backing up Skinner, who has regained his form by winning four of his last five, including three shutouts.

Ekholm’s return will likely send Troy Stecher to the press box, but he understands the situation. Stecher’s played well, filling in for the sidelined Ekholm, but admits the latter is a better player than he is.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars are hoping that Roope Hintz will return to action in Game 4. The first-line center suffered a lower-body injury in Game 2 that kept him out of the following game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars also hope that leading scorer Mikko Rantanen snaps out of his slump. He has nine goals and 21 points but only two assists in three games against the Oilers, who lead the series 2-1.

IN OTHER NEWS…

RG.ORG: NHL Players’ Association Executive Director Marty Walsh said there is a shared desire with the league to get things done right as negotiations on a new CBA continue between the two sides.

Walsh shared the view of league commissioner Gary Bettman that an agreement could be reached well before the September 2026 expiration of the current CBA. He indicated there is no timetable for negotiations to be completed.

Regarding possible changes to LTIR, Walsh said the two sides have been exchanging ideas, and the discussion remains open. He believes that topic “will find its way and progress in accordance with the whole conversation on a new CBA.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation suggests an agreement could be reached by the end of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, perhaps by the 2025 NHL Draft (June 27-28). It could take longer than that to hammer out a new CBA, with talks stretching throughout the offseason.

Considering the fractious labor relations history between the two sides, the fact that they believe a deal could be reached well before next September is good news. Nobody wants another work stoppage threatening to shorten or derail another season.

IIHF.COM: Former NHL players Henrik Lundqvist, Zdeno Chara, Frans Nielsen and David Vyborny were formally inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame on Sunday, May 25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Class of 2025 was announced back in January. Congratulations once again to Lundqvist, Chara, Nielsen and Vyborny, and the other inductees.

EVZ.CH: New Jersey Devils winger Tomas Tatar will be playing overseas next season. The 34-year-old signed a two-year contract with EV Zug in Switzerland’s National League. He is expected to play center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stick tap to Alexander Wirdzek. Tatar spent 14 seasons in the NHL from 2010-11 to 2024-25 with the Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, Seattle Kraken and the Devils. He scored 227 goals and 269 assists for 496 points in 927 regular-season games, and had 13 points in 56 playoff contests.

SPORTSNET: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Erik Brannstrom is also heading to Switzerland, signing a three-year contract with Lausanne Hockey Club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brannstrom, 25, was a highly-touted defense prospect when the Vegas Golden Knights selected him 15th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. Traded to Ottawa, he spent six of his seven NHL seasons with the Senators.

Brannstrom bounced around the league this season. He signed with the Colorado Avalanche as a free agent last summer but was traded to the Canucks before the start of the regular season. He played 28 games with the Canucks before being shipped to the New York Rangers in the J.T. Miller trade in January, and to the Sabres at the trade deadline. Brannstrom had 77 points in 294 NHL games.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Minnesota Frost are the PWHL champions for the second straight season. Liz Schepers scored in overtime to defeat the Ottawa Charge 2-1 in Game 4 of the Final to win the Walter Cup.