NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 7, 2025

by | Apr 7, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 7, 2025

Alex Ovechkin is the all-time goal-scoring leader, the Senators and Canadiens move closer to clinching playoff berths, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

OVECHKIN SCORES HIS 895TH GOAL, BREAKING THE ALL-TIME GOAL-SCORING RECORD

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer in a 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders. Ovechkin tallied his 895th regular-season goal to surpass Wayne Gretzky.

The game was stopped to commemorate his achievement with an on-ice ceremony, including congratulations from Gretzky and league commissioner Gary Bettman, and video tributes that included Pittsburgh Penguins stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

Islanders forward Marc Gatcomb scored twice as the remainder of the game was an afterthought to Ovechkin’s accomplishment. The Isles (78 points) sit seven points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. The Capitals missed the chance to clinch first place in the overall standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gretzky’s goal record seemed insurmountable. Breaking it was an incredible achievement by Ovechkin, a testament to his goal-scoring skill and durability.

Ovechkin paid tribute to former teammates Nicklas Backstrom and TJ Oshie, who attended this game to watch him break the record. It was an emotional moment for Backstrom, who played more games with the Capitals superstar (1,058) than anyone else and assisted on more of his goals (279) than any other player.

During his on-ice tribute to Ovechkin, Gretzky said records were made to be broken but he wasn’t sure who could outscore the Capitals superstar. The Toronto Star’s Damien Cox tried to make the case for Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, but The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus believe it’s a high mountain to scale.

The 27-year-old Matthews sits 112th overall with 398 goals. The current active players closest to Ovechkin are Crosby (622) and Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (580) and they’re on the downside of their long careers. So are Malkin (513), Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (491), Edmonton Oilers winger Corey Perry (445), Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar (438), Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (422) and Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn (399).

Matthews and Oilers winger Leon Draisaitl (399 goals) are the only active players in their prime closest to Ovechkin’s record. Cox believes the Leafs captain could have a chance if he plays 13 more seasons while maintaining his current scoring pace. It’s not impossible but it will be a daunting challenge for Matthews.

Gretzky still has the most assists (1,963) and points (2,857). Those records could be unbreakable. Future Hall-of-Famer Jaromir Jagr is second in points with 1,921 and he last played in the NHL seven years ago.

Capitals winger Aliaksei Protas missed this game as he’s week-to-week after suffering a cut to his left foot during Friday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

RECAPPING SUNDAY’S OTHER GAMES

NHL.COM: The Ottawa Senators are one win away from clinching a playoff berth after blanking the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0. Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark turned in a 30-save shutout, Adam Gaudette scored what proved to be the winning goal, and Thomas Chabot had two assists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ottawa holds the first Eastern wild-card berth with 90 points, putting them on the verge of ending their eight-year postseason drought. Meanwhile, the Blues Jackets’ three-game losing skid jeopardizes their playoff hopes, leaving them eight points out of the final wild-card spot.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes stopped 36 shots to nip the Nashville Predators 2-1, extending his club’s win streak to five games. Cole Caufield and Patrik Laine scored as the Canadiens (85 points) opened a six-point lead over the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern wild card. Steven Stamkos scored for the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal is tantalizingly close to clinching that wild-card spot. The Rangers, Red Wings and Islanders have a game in hand on the Canadiens but the latter still controls their destiny, including games against the Red Wings on Tuesday and the Senators on Friday.

Montreal defenseman Lane Hutson collected an assist to tie Chris Chelios for the most points (64) by a Habs rookie blueliner. Canadiens winger Emil Heineman and blueliner David Savard missed this game and are day-to-day with injuries. Winger Josh Anderson returned to the lineup after missing Saturday’s game for family reasons.

Speaking of the Red Wings, they picked up a vital two points with a 2-1 win over the Florida Panthers. Cam Talbot made 32 saves while Alex DeBrincat and J.T. Compher scored for the Wings. Anton Lundell replied for the slumping Panthers, who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 92 points. They’re 0-4-1 in the last five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are nipping at the Panthers’ heels. They could vault past the defending Stanley Cup champions into third place in the Atlantic Division standings.

An overtime goal by Marco Rossi lifted the Minnesota Wild over the Dallas Stars 3-2. Matt Boldy had a goal and two assists as the Wild (91 points) moved within two points of the St. Louis Blues for the first Western Conference wild-card berth. Jason Robertson and Thomas Harley scored for the Stars (105 points) as they sit three points behind the league-leading Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars captain Jamie Benn returned to action after missing two games with a lower-body injury. Wild defenseman Jacob Middleton missed this contest as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

The Vegas Golden Knights downed the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 on a late goal by Victor Olofsson. With 102 points, the Golden Knights hold a five-point lead over the Los Angeles Kings for first place in the Pacific Division. The Canucks (83 points) are eight points behind the Wild for the final Western wild card.

Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson tallied a hat trick for a 6-3 victory over the Boston Bruins. The Sabres have won four straight games. David Pastrnak collected assists on all three Bruins goals.

The Pittsburgh Penguins were officially eliminated from the playoff chase following a 3-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Ilya Mikheyev scored two goals and Spencer Knight stopped 28 shots for the Blackhawks. Penguins forward Rickard Rakell netted his 34th of the season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 5, 2025

by | Apr 5, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 5, 2025

Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky for the most regular-season goals in league history, Patrick Kane sets a scoring record for American-born players, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored twice to tie Wayne Gretzky for the most regular-season goals in league history (894) in a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. John Carlson collected three assists and Dylan Strome had a goal and an assist for the Capitals (107 points), who moved within one point of the league-leading Winnipeg Jets in the overall standings. Blackhawks rookies Frank Nazar, Oliver Moore and Landon Slaggert each had two points.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a stellar game for Ovechkin, who tied the record with Gretzky in attendance. The Washington captain tallied his 894th goal in his 1,486th regular-season game, one game fewer than when Gretzky concluded his 20-season NHL career in 1999. His next opportunity to break the record is Sunday against the New York Islanders.

Ovechkin also set the record for the most 40-goal seasons (14) and the most career game-winning goals with 136, moving past Jaromir Jagr. The 39-year-old Capitals superstar is the second-oldest player to score 40 goals in a season. Gordie Howe holds that record, doing so at age 40 in 1968-69.

Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson missed this game with an upper-body injury and is expected to miss at least the next two games.

The Detroit Red Wings kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3. Patrick Kane scored his 20th goal of the season while Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin each had two points. Jaccob Slavin picked up two assists for the Hurricanes, whose three-game win streak ended. The Wings (77 points) are four points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth while the Hurricanes sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 96 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane reached the 20-goal plateau for the 17th time, passing Mike Modano for the most 20-goal seasons by an American-born NHL player. Meanwhile, Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov missed this game with an undisclosed injury.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild, snapping a six-game winless skid (0-4-2). Ilya Sorokin stopped 27 shots for the Islanders (76 points), who moved within five points of the Canadiens in the wild-card race. Mats Zuccarello replied for the Wild, who’ve dropped four straight (0-2-2) but remain in the final Western Conference wild card with 89 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild are five points ahead of the Calgary Flames but they’ve been slumping for weeks, causing them to slide in the standings. They’re in danger of being overtaken by the Flames before the end of the regular season (April 17).

HEADLINES

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers star Leon Draisaitl will miss Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings with a lower-body injury. He’s expected to be sidelined short term but there’s no timetable for his return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers are also without captain Connor McDavid, defenseman Mattias Ekholm, and starting goaltender Stuart Skinner.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: On Thursday, Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers suffered a lower-body injury against the Vegas Golden Knights. However, he could return to action on Saturday against the Utah Hockey Club.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars head coach Pete DeBoer listed team captain Jamie Benn (undisclosed) as doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

STLTODAY.COM: St. Louis Blues winger Dylan Holloway is week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Holloway played a crucial role in the Blues’ recent surge in the standings. He should be ready to return before the playoffs start on April 19.

SPORTSNET: Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kampf and Jake McCabe will miss Saturday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets with injuries.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky will be the bench boss for Team USA at the 2025 World Championships.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 3, 2025

by | Apr 3, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 3, 2025

Check out the latest on the Penguins and Red Wings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports everything is in play for the Pittsburgh Penguins this offseason. He indicated that general manager Kyle Dubas is willing to trade draft picks for young, NHL-ready players hoping to turn the club back more quickly into a playoff contender.

Dubas also doesn’t appear to be against targeting other teams’ restricted free agents with offer sheets. However, Yohe isn’t betting on him using that tactic this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins have a projected cap space of $24.5 million for 2025-26 with 18 active roster players under contract, including all their core players. They have the room to acquire established young NHL players this summer.

That includes going the offer-sheet route, but it must be remembered that it takes two to tango. The targeted player must be willing to entertain such offers from rival clubs.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (NHL Images).

This summer’s top RFAs include Edmonton’s Evan Bouchard, New Jersey’s Luke Hughes, the New York Islanders’ Noah Dobson, Winnipeg’s Gabriel Vilardi, Toronto’s Matthew Knies, Buffalo’s JJ Peterka, and the New York Rangers’ K’Andre Miller.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel believes Dubas must sort out his goaltending situation before next season.

It feels like the Penguins are headed for a split this summer with the inconsistent Tristan Jarry. Dubas isn’t a contract buyout proponent but that is an option if they can’t find a trade partner. They could also attempt to swap him for another team’s unwanted contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry has three more seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.375 million and a 12-team no-trade list. Dubas could also attempt to retain up to half of Jarry’s cap hit to make him more palatable in the trade market but those three years remaining on his contract could still be a deal-breaker.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dave Molinari reports the Penguins’ one-year investment in Matt Grzelcyk paid off as the 31-year-old defenseman proved to be a good addition. He set career highs this season with 34 assists and 35 points.

Grzelcyk is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Penguins will presumably attempt to re-sign him given their lack of depth among skilled left-shot defensemen within their system.

RED WINGS

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman was recently asked what player in this summer’s UFA market could help the Detroit Red Wings. He thinks Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings would fit well alongside Moritz Seider on their top line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: General manager Steve Yzerman could feel pressured to make one or two significant additions this summer if the Red Wings miss the playoffs again. Improving their defensive depth could be a priority with Gavrikov among the targets if he’s available.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 30, 2025

by | Mar 30, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 30, 2025

The Stars clinch a playoff berth, the Rangers regain the final Eastern wild-card spot, Oilers star Leon Draisaitl reaches the 50-goal plateau, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Dallas Stars joined the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets among the teams that have clinched playoff berths with a 5-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken, officially eliminating the latter from postseason contention. Mikko Rantanen had a goal and two assists for the Stars, who have won five straight games and sit second in the Central Division with 100 points, four behind the league-leading Jets. Eeli Tolvanen tallied his 22nd goal of the season for the Kraken.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin and defenseman Adam Fox each scored twice in a 6-1 rout of the San Jose Sharks. The win moved the Rangers into the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot for the first time since March 17 with 77 points, two ahead of the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets. Sharks center Cam Lund scored his first NHL goal.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl returned from a four-game absence in dramatic fashion, scoring the tying and winning goals to nip the Calgary Flames 3-2 in overtime. Draisaitl also collected an assist and became the first player this season to reach the 50-goal plateau. Nazem Kadri had two assists for the Flames (80 points) as they sit seven points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot. The Oilers are third in the Pacific Division with 89 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With a league-leading 51 goals, Draisaitl has reached the 50-goal single-season milestone four times. He joins Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin as the only active players with at least four 50-goal seasons.

The first period of this game was paused for nearly 10 minutes for an emergency medical situation in the stands. A person collapsed on the steps behind the Oilers bench and was taken to a hospital. No update was provided.

Before this game, the Flames announced that center Connor Zary was week-to-week with a lower-body injury believed to be his left knee. It’s not as serious as the injury to the same knee that sidelined him for two months earlier this season.

The red-hot St. Louis Blues picked up their ninth straight victory by beating the Colorado Avalanche 2-1. Pavel Buchnevich broke a 1-1 tie in the third period and Robert Thomas collected two assists as the Blues hold the second Western wild-card spot with 87 points, six ahead of the Vancouver Canucks. Nathan MacKinnon scored his 30th goal of the season for the Avalanche, who are third in the Central Division with 93 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon extended his home points streak to 24 games. He has 109 points this season with eight games remaining in the Avalanche’s regular-season schedule.

A hat trick by team captain Nico Hischier powered the New Jersey Devils to a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. Jesper Bratt set up two goals for the Devils, who sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 85 points. Marcus Foligno had a goal and an assist for the Wild, who hold the first Western wild card with 87 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild and Blues are tied in points but the former holds that wild-card berth with a game in hand. They also have 41 wins to the Blues’ 40.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov had a goal and three assists for the second straight game as his club beat the New York Islanders 5-3. Brayden Point tallied twice for the Lightning (91), tying them with the second-place Florida Panthers in the Atlantic Division. Ryan Pulock, Marc Gatcomb and Tony DeAngelo replied for the Islanders (74 points), who are three points behind the Rangers for the final Eastern wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov has the same point total as MacKinnon (109) but holds the lead in the race for the Art Ross Trophy with a game in hand. Draisaitl is third with 104 points but has a nine-goal lead in the race for the Maurice Richard Trophy.

The Toronto Maple Leafs got two third-period goals from John Tavares in a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, snapping the latter’s 15-game home points streak. Leafs captain Auston Matthews scored a shorthanded goal and picked up an assist as the Leafs hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 92 points. Alex Laferriere scored for the Kings, who sit second in the Pacific Division with 89 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings and Oilers are tied in points but the former holds their place in the Pacific standings with a game in hand.

Third-period goals by Reilly Smith and Brett Howden lifted the Vegas Golden Knights over the Nashville Predators 3-1. Jack Eichel extended his points streak to six games with a goal and an assist as the Golden Knights have won six straight, sitting first in the Pacific Division with 98 points. Ryan O’Reilly scored for the Predators, who lost forward Colton Sissons in the first period after injuring his left leg. There was no immediate update on his condition following the game.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark kicked out 29 shots in a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ridly Greig had a goal and an assist for the Senators, who hold the first Eastern wild-card berth with 83 points. Boone Jenner and Kirill Marchenko scored for the Blue Jackets, who sit two points out of the final Eastern wild card.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators hold a six-point cushion over the Rangers and are eight points up on the Blue Jackets and Canadiens. With 10 games remaining, they are tantalizingly close to clinching their first playoff berth in eight years.

The Detroit Red Wings kept their playoff hopes alive by downing the Boston Bruins 2-1. Cam Talbot stopped 20 shots while Marco Kasper and Lucas Raymond tallied for the Red Wings (74 points), who sit three points behind the Rangers in the wild-card race. Morgan Geekie replied for the Bruins as their losing skid reached eight games.

Rookie winger Matvei Michkov scored two goals as the Philadelphia Flyers rolled to a 7-4 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, picking up their second straight win since Brad Shaw became interim head coach on Thursday. Ryan Poehling had two goals and an assist for the Flyers. Jack Quinn scored two goals and an assist for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin was a late scratch due to an illness, leaving him one game shy of reaching the 500-game plateau.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 29, 2025

by | Mar 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 29, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look ahead at the potential offseason plans for the Red Wings and Predators and what Matthew Knies’ next contract with the Maple Leafs might look like.

MORE SPECULATION OVER THE RED WINGS’ OFFSEASON PLANS

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman looked at general manager Steve Yzerman’s possible offseason plans as the Detroit Red Wings stumble down the stretch.

Bultman believes Yzerman must improve the Red Wings depth, but not by adding a third-line forward or third-pairing defenseman. He felt there must be more help for top forwards Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, more puck-movers among their defense, and more players who have a more consistent impact on the game.

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman (NHL.com).

The Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues were fringe clubs in 2023-24 that made bold offseason moves that have improved their performance this season. The Capitals are jockeying with the Winnipeg Jets for first overall while the Blues have surged into a wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I’ve said before, this summer could be the most consequential of Yzerman’s tenure as general manager of the Red Wings. Another inconsistent season that extends their franchise-record postseason drought could cost him his job by this time next year.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff believes this season will be Alex Lyon’s last with the Red Wings. The 32-year-old is an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and has dropped to No. 3 on their goaltending depth chart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wings goalies Petr Mrazek and Cam Talbot each have a year left on their contracts with promising Sebastian Cossa waiting in the wings. Lyon will be hitting the open market on July 1. 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE PREDATORS?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun recently interviewed Barry Trotz about his first season as Nashville Predators general manager and what comes next following his club’s disappointing 2024-25 campaign.

Trotz made a series of trades this season partly to ensure his cap situation is as tidy as possible entering the offseason. However, he also wants to leave enough space for some of the organization’s top prospects if they’re ready to make the jump next season.

The Predators’ recent moves left holes on the blueline. They also need depth at center, which was partly why Trotz didn’t move Ryan O’Reilly despite interest from other clubs.

LeBrun believes the Predators are trying to remain competitive while bridging the gap to their next wave of talent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators have over $18 million in projected salary cap space for 2025-26 with 20 active roster players under contract. Restricted free agent Luke Evangelista is their only notable player to be re-signed and he’ll likely receive an affordable bridge contract.

Trotz will have the cap room to address his roster issues this summer. However, it doesn’t sound like he’ll make big splashes like he did last summer when he signed Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei.

The Predators have three first-round picks and two second-rounders in this year’s draft. He could use one or two picks as trade bait to add a young NHL-ready player to the roster.

HOW MUCH COULD MATTHEW KNIES GET ON HIS NEXT CONTRACT WITH THE MAPLE LEAFS?

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos recently looked at how much Matthew Knies could make on his next contract with the Maple Leafs. The 22-year-old left wing is completing his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. He’s having a solid sophomore season with a career-high 25 goals and 49 points in 68 games.

Kypreos noted that Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy is earning $7 million annually while Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes makes $7.42 million per season. Given the rising salary cap and Knies’ role as a power forward, he would see something north of $8 million per season.

It’s also unlikely that Knies will receive an offer sheet from another club. If it’s between $6 million and $9 million, the Leafs have the cap space to match. If someone wants to offer more than that, Kypreos recommends taking the four compensatory first-round draft picks and moving on.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nobody will offer Knies over $9 million annually. Given the Leafs’ cap space, it’s a waste of time trying to sign him to an offer sheet.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 25, 2025

by | Mar 25, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 25, 2025

The Blue Jackets, Red Wings and Canucks collect crucial points in the wild-card races, the three stars of the week are revealed, a roundup of injury updates, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Columbus Blue Jackets overcame 2-0 and 3-2 deficits to defeat the New York Islanders 4-3 on a shootout goal by Adam Fantilli. Elvis Merzlikins stopped 30 shots, Fantilli, Boone Jenner and Kirill Marchenko scored in regulation and Sean Monahan had two assists in his first game since being sidelined with a wrist injury on Jan. 7. Pierre Engvall, Kyle Palmieri, and Anders Lee scored for the Islanders.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (NHL Images).

The win snapped a six-game losing skid for the Blue Jackets (73 points), leaving them two points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. The Islanders are one point behind the Canadiens with 74 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Palmieri scored what would’ve been the game-winner with 9 seconds left in regulation. However, the goal was overturned on a controversial goaltender interference call that left the Isles fuming following the game.

Shootout goals by Jake DeBrusk and Jonathan Lekkerimaki gave the Vancouver Canucks a 4-3 win over the New Jersey Devils. Conor Garland scored with 36 seconds remaining in the third period to tie the game, Pius Suter had a goal and an assist, and Thatcher Demko made 22 saves after missing a month with a lower-body injury.

Timo Meier scored twice for the Devils, who’ve dropped four of their last five (1-3-1) and sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 81 points. The Canucks have 78 points, putting them three behind the St. Louis Blues for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks played without forwards Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander, who returned to Vancouver for evaluation after being injured in Saturday’s loss to the New York Rangers. They will miss the remainder of the Canucks’ six-game road trip.

The Detroit Red Wings managed only 14 shots against the Utah Hockey Club but scored five unanswered goals for a 5-1 victory. Alex DeBrincat had a goal and an assist while Alex Lyon got the win in relief of Petr Mrazek, who left following a collision with Utah forward Dylan Guenther 90 seconds into the game. Guenther scored for Utah (75 points), who are six points behind the Blues in the Western wild-card race. The Red Wings (72 points) are three points behind the Canadiens in the Eastern race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings defenseman Jeff Petry logged almost 17 minutes of ice time in his return to action after missing 31 games with an undisclosed injury.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger made 32 saves to shut out the Minnesota Wild 3-0. Wyatt Johnston, Matt Duchene and Mason Marchment were the goal scorers as the Stars sit second in the Central Division with 94 points. Filip Gustavsson stopped 26 shots for the Wild, who hold the first Western wild-card berth with 85 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars forward Mikko Rantanen briefly left this game after being struck in the face by the puck. He returned sporting protective face gear and finished the game. Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin missed this game with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day.

The Wild should keep an eye on the Blues, who sit four points behind them in the second wild-card spot after winning six straight games.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson, Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, and St. Louis Blues winger Dylan Holloway are the league’s three stars for the week ending March 23.

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will remain sidelined for the rest of this week. McDavid suffered a lower-body injury on March 20 while Draisaitl sustained an undisclosed injury on March 18.

WINNIPEG SUN: Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi is listed as week-to-week after suffering an upper-body injury on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl will be sidelined for at least a week as he undergoes evaluation of his injured right wrist. He suffered the injury during Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Meanwhile, defenseman Shea Theodore is traveling with the team and could return to action later this week. Theodore was injured during last month’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets. He suffered a cut in the “wrist/hand area” during Saturday’s game against the Florida Panthers that required stitches. Chychrun finished the game but didn’t participate in Monday’s practice.

DAILY FACEOFF: Colorado Avalanche defensemen Samuel Girard (undisclosed) and Erik Johnston (lower body) are listed as day-to-day.

Seattle Kraken center Chandler Stephenson is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. So is San Jose Sharks rearguard Vincent Desharnais.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle has joined his teammates on their four-game road trip. He missed the last 19 games with a lacerated quadriceps muscle but has been skating on his own for more than two weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No timeline yet for Guhle’s return but the fact he’s traveling with the team suggests he could play at some point later this week.

NHL.COM: St. Louis Blues forward Zack Bolduc was fined over $2,200.00 by the department of player safety for cross-checking Nashville Predators defenseman Nick Blankenburg on Sunday.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Predators have extended their partnership with the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals through 2028-29.