NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 7, 2024

by | Apr 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 7, 2024

The Leafs’ Auston Matthews continues his quest for 70 goals, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and the Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl reach the 40-goal plateau, and the battle for the final Eastern Conference wildcard spot continues in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews tallied his 64th goal of the season in a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Matthews also reached the 100-point plateau as his Leafs improved to 44-23-9 and remain in third place in the Atlantic Division with 97 points. Nick Suzuki had a goal and an assist for the 29-35-12 Canadiens.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews holds an 11-goal lead over Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart as this season’s leading goal scorer. He becomes the eighth player to reach 100 points this season. That’s the most in one season for NHL scorers since 1995-96 when 12 players did it. The Canadiens played without defensemen Kaiden Guhle and Arber Xhekaj, who are sidelined with upper-body injuries.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby scored his 40th of the season as his club nipped the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4. Michael Bunting snapped a 4-4 tie in the third period after the Lightning overcame a 4-1 deficit. Bunting, Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson each had three points for the Penguins (36-30-11) as they took possession of the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth. Steven Stamkos scored twice and Nikita Kucherov had three assists for the 43-27-7 Lightning, who hold the first Eastern wildcard spot with 93 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was a scary moment in the third period when referee Steve Kozari was briefly knocked unconscious following an accidental collision with Lightning defenseman Hadyn Fleury. Kozari was stretchered from the game and is expected to make a full recovery. Fleury was shaken up and left the game under his own power. Lightning forwards Anthony Cirelli and Tanner Jeannot missed this game with upper-body injuries.

The Penguins have won four straight and six of their last 10 contests. Crosby has reached 40 goals in the season three times with the last being seven years ago. Meanwhile, Kucherov (136 points) holds a five-point lead over Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon for the lead in the race for the Art Ross Trophy.

The Edmonton Oilers doubled up the Calgary Flames 4-2 in the final segment of this season’s “Battle of Alberta”. Leon Draisaitl scored his 40th goal of the season and Connor McDavid collected two assists to sit one shy of 100 as the Oilers (47-24-5) sit second in the Pacific Division with 99 points. Flames forward Yegor Sharangovich reached the 30-goal plateau for the first time as his club slipped to 34-37-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl also tallied 20 power-play goals for the third consecutive season. McDavid is one assist away from becoming the fourth player in NHL history to reach 100 assists in a season and the first to do so since Wayne Gretzky in 1990-91. He remains third in the scoring race with 130 points.

New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov kicked out 41 shots to shut out the Nashville Predators 2-0. Noah Dobson and Kyle Palmieri were the goal scorers for the 35-27-15 Islanders, who picked up their fourth straight win and sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 85 points, two ahead of the Penguins. Kevin Lankinen made 28 saves for the Predators (44-29-4) as they slipped into the final Western Conference wildcard spot.

The Columbus Blue Jackets got six goals from defensemen in a 6-2 upset of the struggling Philadelphia Flyers. Zach Werenski and Damon Severson each tallied twice with Erik Gudbranson and Nick Blankenburg netting the others for the 26-39-12 Blue Jackets. Olle Lycksell and Adam Ginning scored their first career NHL goals as the 36-31-11 Flyers (83 points) slipped out of the final Eastern wildcard.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those six goals from defensemen matched the NHL record set by the 1992-93 Washington Capitals in a 10-4 win over the New York Rangers on Dec. 4, 1992.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith had a goal and two assists as his club held off the Ottawa Senators 4-3. Jesper Bratt collected two assists for the 37-36-4 Devils (78 points) as they sit five points behind the Penguins. Claude Giroux, Drake Batherson and Jake Sanderson each had two points for the 33-39-4 Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators captain Brady Tkachuk set an NHL record for most hits in a single game with 16. His teammate Tim Stutzle missed this game (his bobblehead night) with a suspected shoulder injury and is considered day-to-day.

An overtime goal by Jesper Boqvist lifted the Boston Bruins over the Florida Panthers 3-2. The two Charlies (McAvoy and Coyle) scored for the Bruins (46-17-15), who sit second overall with 107 points. Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov replied for the 48-24-6 Panthers, who sit seventh overall with 102 points.

The Los Angeles got two goals from Adrian Kempe in a 6-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Kempe finished with three points and goaltender Cam Talbot stopped 39 shots for the Kings (41-25-11), who picked up their third straight victory and moved into third place in the Pacific Division with 93 points. Brock Boeser netted his 39th goal of the season for the 47-22-8 Canucks, who sit fifth in the overall standings with 102 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Phillip Danault recorded an assist in his return from a four-game absence recovering from an upper-body injury.

Winnipeg Jets forward Vladislav Namestnikov had a goal and two assists as his team downed the Minnesota Wild 4-2. With a record of 47-24-6, the Jets sit eighth in the overall standings with 100 points. Kirill Kaprizov scored his 39th goal of the season for 36-31-9 Wild.

The Chicago Blackhawks upset the Dallas Stars 3-2, snapping the latter’s eight-game win streak. Petr Mrazek stopped 42 shots and Connor Bedard netted his 22nd goal of the season for the 23-48-5 Blackhawks. Roope Hintz scored his 29th and Jamie Benn his 20th for the Stars (48-20-9) as they slipped into third overall with 105 points.

San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund scored his first NHL hat trick, including the winner in overtime in a 3-2 against the St. Louis Blues. Devin Cooley made 34 saves to pick up his first career NHL victory for the 18-50-8 Sharks. Jordan Kyrou and Brayden Schenn scored for the 40-32-5 Blues.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 2, 2024

by | Apr 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 2, 2024

The latest speculation on the Ducks’ Trevor Zegras plus a look at the Sharks’ rebuild in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ZEGRAS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks doesn’t know what’s gone wrong in Anaheim for Trevor Zegras. He observed that the 23-year-old Ducks forward always seems frustrated or agitated, pointing out he destroyed the penalty box camera in Seattle last Thursday following a questionable call.

Brooks believes Zegras is “a young man who is clearly in need of a new beginning.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zegras is most likely frustrated by being limited to eight points in 24 games after missing most of this season to injuries. His contract negotiations with Ducks management kept him out of training camp and preseason play.

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

Zegras exceeded 60 points in each of his last two seasons. However, there was some disappointment in his performance last season as the Ducks wanted to see improvement in his all-around game. That can be considered growing pains as part of his development rather than a flaw that cannot be corrected.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Nate Brown noted the TNT Hockey panel recently discussing whether Zegras has a future in Anaheim.

Anson Carter noted some question marks as the Ducks have “an embarrassment of riches down the middle”, pointing to Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier (who primarily plays left wing) and Mason McTavish. He wondered if they have room for Zegras as they attempt to bolster their defensive depth.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s John Buccigross remains bullish on the Ducks forward. He believes Zegra has a “Pavel Datsyuk ceiling.”

Brown wondered if the rebuilding Blackhawks should look into Zegras’ availability. Despite his struggles this season, the Ducks would still set a high asking price based on his potential. Brown suggests it might be best to wait a year to see what a deal would take if questions still linger about his future in Anaheim.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the trade deadline, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said he wasn’t shopping Zegras nor did any club call about him. Nevertheless, teams could still make inquiries during the offseason, especially if Verbeek starts shopping around for more immediate help for his roster.

NO BIG MOVES THIS SUMMER FOR THE SHARKS?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli believes the San Jose Sharks seem to have a cohesive rebuilding plan after paring down some of the big contracts from their books. However, a lack of salary-retention spots for next season makes it unlikely that they’ll ship out more high-salaried players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Each NHL team has three salary-retention slots enabling them to absorb part of a player’s salary cap hit to facilitate a trade. The Sharks used theirs to move Brent Burns to Carolina in 2022, Erik Karlsson to Pittsburgh last summer and Tomas Hertl to Vegas at last month’s trade deadline.

The Sharks must wait until the end of next season to regain a salary retention spot. That’s when Burns’ contract expires. They’ll have to wait for Karlsson to come off the books in 2027 for their next one.

They can’t retain salary if they attempt to move another high-salaried player such as Logan Couture of Marc-Edouard Vlasic. That’s assuming either player is willing to expand their no-trade clauses. They each have three-team trade lists.

If Couture or Vlasic accept a trade, the Sharks must take back a bad contract or include sweeteners like draft picks and prospects. Neither scenario will happen given management’s desire to shed salary and replenish their prospect pool.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 31, 2024

by | Mar 31, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 31, 2024

The Avalanche and Canucks clinch playoffs berths, it’s now a three-player race for the Art Ross Trophy, the Leafs’ Auston Matthews hits 60 goals and Jonathan Quick set a record for US-born goaltenders. Get the details on these and other stories in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals and set up two others as the Colorado Avalanche overcame 3-1 and 4-2 deficits to defeat the Nashville Predators 7-4 and clinch a playoff berth. Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar each had three points for the 47-21-6 Avalanche, who sit fifth in the overall standings with 100 points. Gustav Nyquist had two points for the Predators (43-27-4), who hold the first Western Conference wildcard berth with 90 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon holds first place in the race for the Art Ross Trophy with 127 points…A match penalty to Predators defenseman Ryan McDonagh in the second period for an illegal hit to the head of Avalanche forward Ross Colton was the turning point in the game. McDonagh’s ejection left the Preds with just five blueliners for the rest of the game…Avs defenseman Sean Walker missed the third period with an upper-body injury.

An overtime goal by Jonathan Marchessault into an empty net gave the Vegas Golden Knights a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. It was Marchessault’s 40th goal of the season as the Golden Knights (41-25-8) hold third place in the Pacific Division with 90 points. Kirill Kaprizov scored his 37th goal for the 35-28-10 Wild (80 points) as they sit seven points out of the final Western wildcard.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild head coach John Hynes opted to pull his goaltender to go for the win in the hope of keeping their fading playoff hopes alive. He gambled and lost. Because of that tactic, the Wild don’t get a point for reaching the overtime period…Before the game, it was reported that Wild forward Marcus Foligno will undergo season-ending surgery to address his lower-body injury…Golden Knights center Jack Eichel could face supplemental discipline after he was ejected during the second period for spearing Kaprizov.

San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 35 saves to shut out the St. Louis Blues 4-0. Filip Zadina, Mikael Granlund, Luke Kunin and Jan Rutta scored for the 17-48-8 Sharks, who snapped a nine-game winless skid. The loss leaves the Blues (39-31-4) sitting five points out of the final Western wildcard with 82 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The losses by the Blues and Wild clinched a postseason berth for the idle Vancouver Canucks (45-20-8), who sit seventh in the overall standings with 98 points…The Canucks and Avalanche join the New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers among the teams that have secured their spots in the 2024 playoffs.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid scored two goals and collected an assist in a 6-1 drubbing of the Anaheim Ducks. Mattias Ekholm had a goal and two assists for the 45-23-4 Oilers, who hold second place in the Pacific Division with 94 points. Alex Killorn scored for the 24-46-4 Ducks.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid briefly held the lead in the Art Ross Trophy race with 125 points before MacKinnon and Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov overtook him. On Nov. 12, a struggling McDavid sat 112th among NHL scorers. He’s turned this into a three-man race for the scoring title with less than three weeks remaining in the season.

Speaking of Kucherov, he picked up two assists as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the New York Islanders 4-1. Steven Stamkos tallied his 30th goal of the season and Anthony Cirelli scored twice and collected an assist for the Lightning, who improved to 41-25-7 and hold the first Eastern Conference wildcard berth with 89 points. Kyle Palmieri scored for the Islanders, who dropped to 31-27-15 (77 points) and sit five points out of the final Eastern wildcard spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov sits second in the Art Ross Trophy race with 126 points. Erik Cernak was a healthy scratch for the Lightning after missing a team meeting.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews reached the 60-goal plateau for the second time in a 3-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Ilya Samsonov turned in a 34-save shutout for the 42-22-9 Leafs, who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 93 points. The Sabres slipped to 35-35-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews leads the goalscoring race, eight goals ahead of Oilers winger Zach Hyman. Before this game, the Leafs placed winger Mitch Marner (ankle) on long-term injury reserve retroactive to March 7, though he could return to the roster later this week.

The New York Rangers defeated the Arizona Coyotes 8-5. Jonathan Quick made 27 saves to set the record for most wins by an American-born NHL goaltender with 392. Alexis Lafreniere had a hat trick and collected two assists while Chris Kreider scored his 300th career regular-season goal for the Rangers. They’re the first team to reach 50 wins this season (50-20-4) and sit first overall with 104 points. Clayton Keller tallied his 32nd goal of the season for the 31-38-5 Coyotes.

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov scored twice and Sam Reinhart scored in a shootout in a 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. The Panthers (47-22-5) sit sixth in the overall standings with 99 points. Dylan Larkin scored to tie the game late in the third period for the 36-30-8 Red Wings, who sit two points out of the final Eastern wildcard.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin had a brief injury scare when he was struck by a shot on his left leg early in the game. He returned to action in the second period and finished the game.

A shootout goal by Kevin Shattenkirk lifted the Boston Bruins over the Washington Capitals 3-2. Jeremy Swayman made 18 saves in regulation and overtime for the Bruins, who improved to 43-17-15 and sit fourth in the overall standings with 101 points. Playing in his 1,000th career regular-season game, John Carlson scored the tying goal for the Capitals (36-27-10), who vaulted over the Philadelphia Flyers into third place in the Metropolitan Division with 82 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin missed this game with a lower-body injury.

Speaking of the Flyers (36-29-10), they lost their fourth straight game as they dropped into the final Eastern wildcard with 82 points following a 5-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Philipp Kurashev, Lukas Reichel and Joey Anderson each had a goal and an assist for the 22-47-5 Blackhawks. Tyson Foerster replied for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers head coach John Tortorella hopes this loss to the lowly Blackhawks serves as a wakeup call for his slumping club. “I think we hit the bottom tonight here,” he said. “Maybe that needs to happen for us to get back into it.”

The Dallas Stars set a franchise record with their seventh straight win by blanking the Seattle Kraken 3-0. Jake Oettinger made 17 saves for the shutout while Wyatt Johnston, Joe Pavelski and Roope Hintz scored for the Stars (47-19-9), who sit second overall with 103 points. Joey Daccord turned aside 27 shots for the 30-30-13 Stars.

Speaking of 3-0 shutouts, Pyotr Kochetkov kicked out 26 shots to backstop the Carolina Hurricanes over the Montreal Canadiens. Jordan Staal, Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis were the goalscorers as the Hurricanes improved to 47-21-7 and sit third in the overall standings with 101 points. Sam Montembeault made 27 saves for the 28-33-12 Canadiens.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk scored late in the third period as his club upset the Winnipeg Jets 3-2. Joonas Korpisalo stopped 28 shots for the 33-36-4 Senators. Jets goalie Connor Hellebucyk made 24 saves in his 500th career NHL regular-season game in a losing cause as his club sits third in the Central Division with 94 points but slipped to 44-24-6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets’ slump continues as they’ve won three of their last 10 games.

The Calgary Flames surprised the Los Angeles Kings with a 4-2 win. Nazem Kadri led the way with a goal and an assist for the 34-34-5 Flames. Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe scored for the Kings (38-24-11) as they hold the final Western wildcard with 87 points.

A shootout goal by Damon Severson gave the Columbus Blue Jackets a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Zach Werenski had a goal and an assist and Elvis Merzlikins turned aside 30 shots for the 24-38-12 Blue Jackets. Bryan Rust had a goal and an assist for the 32-30-11 Penguins.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 13, 2024

by | Mar 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 13, 2024

More speculation on the Devils’ offseason plans to pursue a starting goaltender plus a look ahead for Sharks forwards Mikael Granlund and Alexander Barabanov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE DEVILS’ OFFSEASON GOALIE PLAN

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils intend to pursue a starting goaltender during the offseason. That includes revisiting their interest in the Calgary Flames’ Jacob Markstrom and the Nashville Predators’ Juuse Saros.

LeBrun mentioned that the Devils would also look at a few other options. He indicated they plan to find a stud goalie to create a 1A-1B setup with Jake Allen, acquired last week from the Montreal Canadiens.

Saros’ situation intrigues LeBrun. The 28-year-old Predators netminder is signed through next season and slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

LeBrun wondered if they’ll sign him to a contract extension and have him share the Predators’ goalie duties with young Yaroslav Askarov or attempt to trade him this summer rather than risk losing him to free agency next year.

THE TENNESSEAN: After the trade deadline passed, Alex Daugherty reported Predators general manager Barry Trotz said all options remain on the table for Saros. Trotz suggested a trade was just as likely as a contract extension. “If something comes along from now until July 1, then maybe that situation gets defined and clear.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald has already indicated he’s going “big-game hunting” this summer for a starting goaltender. His interest in Markstrom and Saros is well-documented. He could also investigate whether the Boston Bruins intend to part with Linus Ullmark this summer.

The Devils were also linked to John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks and Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, they’re likely further down on Fitzgerald’s goalie wish list.

As for Saros, Trotz could be signaling to teams that the possibility exists for a trade to be done this summer. However, the Predators GM made it clear before the trade deadline that he wasn’t giving Saros away. The asking price for Saros will be expensive.

No general manager was willing to meet Trotz’s price for Saros before the trade deadline. That might change in the offseason when teams have more cap space and a greater willingness to make major moves.

WHAT NEXT FOR SHARKS FORWARDS GRANLUND AND BARABANOV?

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reported San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier indicated last Friday that there was some interest in forwards Mikael Granlund, Nico Sturm, and Luke Kunin. They all have a year remaining on their contracts and expressed an interest in being part of the club’s rebuilding plan.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Granlund might’ve moved at the deadline if the Sharks retained part of his $5 million cap hit. However, they used their final salary retention spot to trade Tomas Hertl to the Vegas Golden Knights.

All three of those retention spots are filled for next season. Any team interested in Granlund this summer or next season must take on his full cap hit.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng reports Sharks forward Alexander Barabanov was disappointed that he wasn’t traded to a playoff club before last Friday’s deadline. “That’s life, you can’t control that,” he said.

Barabanov was scratched from last Thursday’s game against the New York Islanders for trade-related reasons. It was believed a deal was in place that would’ve sent him to the New York Rangers. However, it would’ve involved retaining part of his $2.5 million cap hit. The Sharks instead use that retention slot for the Tomas Hertl trade with Vegas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barabanov will likely test this summer’s free-agent market. The Sharks will lose him for nothing but they still got a better return in the Hertl deal than anything they might’ve received from the Rangers for Barabanov.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 10, 2024

by | Mar 10, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 10, 2024

The Bruins’ David Pastrnak nets his 40th goal of the season, a hat trick performance by Vegas’ Jonathan Marchessault, a franchise-record performance by the Lightning’s Darren Raddysh, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak tallied his 40th goal of the season in a 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Linus Ullmark kicked out 38 shots and Pavel Zacha scored twice and collected an assist for the Bruins (38-13-15) as they sit third in the overall standings with 91 points. Kris Letang scored for the Penguins as they dropped to 28-26-8.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm had two assists in his return to the roster after missing nine games with a lower-body injury.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Jonathan Marchessault (NHL Images).

Jonathan Marchessault scored the go-ahead and insurance goals to complete his hat trick as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-3. Jack Eichel collected three assists for the 34-23-7 Golden Knights as they hold the final Western Conference wildcard spot with 75 points. Michael Rasmussen had a goal and an assist for the slumping Red Wings (33-25-6) as they slipped into the final Eastern Conference wildcard spot with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have lost five straight games. With captain Dylan Larkin sidelined by an injury, general manager Steve Yzerman could regret not making a significant move at the trade deadline to bolster his roster down the stretch…The Golden Knights placed forward William Carrier on long-term injury reserve. He’s been sidelined for 30 games with an upper-body injury.

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Darren Raddysh set a single-game franchise record for defensemen with five assists in a 7-0 drubbing of the Philadelphia Flyers. Andrei Vasilevskiy had a 25-save shutout and Victor Hedman scored twice and picked up an assist. The Lightning (34-25-6) moved into the first Eastern wildcard berth with 74 points. The Flyers (33-24-8) remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 74 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers Head coach John Tortorella was ejected midway through the first period for arguing with the on-ice officials…Lightning blueliner Erik Cernak left this game with a lower-body injury. There was no postgame update regarding his status.

Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice and picked up an assist in his first game with the Florida Panthers as they downed the Calgary Flames 5-1. Anthony Stolarz stopped 34 shots for the Panthers (44-17-4) as they sit in first place in the overall standings with 92 points. Yegor Sharangovich scored to match his career-high of 46 points as the Flames dropped to 31-27-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad and forward Evan Rodrigues left this game with injuries. Ekblad was hurt following a knee-on-knee collision with Tarasenko and Rodrigues injured his left ankle blocking a shot. Both will be evaluated on Sunday.

The Vancouver Canucks blanked the Winnipeg Jets 5-0. Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith combined for a 22-save shutout after Demko left the game in the second period with an undisclosed injury. Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander each had a goal and an assist as the Canucks (42-17-7) remain in second place in the overall standings with 91 points. Connor Hellebuyck turned aside 32 shots for the 40-18-5 Jets as they sit second in the Central Division with 85 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the game, Canucks coach Rick Tocchet said he didn’t think Demko’s injury was serious, but admitted he hadn’t spoken with the team’s medical staff. We could learn more about his condition today.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin had a 26-save shutout in a 4-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox each had two assists for the Rangers (41-18-6), who sit in first place in the Metropolitan Division with 86 points. Jordan Binnington stopped 35 shots for the 32-29-3 Blues, who have lost three straight games.

The Dallas Stars opened a four-point lead over the Jets for first place in the Central (89 points) as they crowned the Los Angeles Kings 4-1. Jason Robertson and Joe Pavelski each had a goal and an assist for the 40-17-9 Stars. Kevin Fiala replied for the Kings (32-20-11) as they sit third in the Pacific Division with 75 points.

A shootout goal by Alex Tuch lifted the Buffalo Sabres to a 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 30 saves for the 30-30-5 Sabres while Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid’s points streak ended at 13 games. Warren Foegele and Ryan McLeod each had a goal and an assist as the Oilers (38-21-3) are in second place in the Pacific Division with 79 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres appeared to have the game won in the dying seconds of overtime but Owen Power’s goal was ruled offside following a coach’s challenge. Both teams were in their dressing rooms during the review and were called back onto the ice to finish the game.

The Carolina Hurricanes tallied three third-period goals to double up the New Jersey Devils 4-2. Teuvo Teravainen had a goal and two assists for the 38-19-6 Hurricanes, who sit second in the Metro with 82 points. Nico Hischier had a goal and an assist for the 31-29-4 Devils.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares snapped a 2-2 tie as this club nipped the Montreal Canadiens 3-2. Max Domi had a goal and an assist for the Leafs (37-19-8) as they hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 82 points. Mike Matheson and Juraj Slakovsky each had two points for the 24-30-10 Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs winger Mitch Marner missed this game (day-to-day) with a lower-body injury.

Nashville Predators forward Luke Evangelista scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Predators (37-25-3) pushed their points streak to 11 games and hold the first Western wildcard berth with 77 points. Daniil Tarasov kicked out 47 shots for 22-32-10 Blue Jackets.

The Washington Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive with a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Sonny Milano scored for the fifth consecutive game and Charlie Lindgren stopped 31 shots for the 30-23-9 Capitals (69 points), who sit three points out of the final Eastern wildcard berth. Tyler Johnson replied for the 16-43-5 Blackhawks.

San Jose Sharks forward Thomas Bordeleau scored twice as his club beat the Ottawa Senators 2-1. Tim Stutzle replied for the Senators. The Sharks are 16-40-7 while the Senators are 25-33-4.










Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

by | Mar 8, 2024

Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

The San Jose Sharks traded center Tomas Hertl and two third-round picks (2025 and 2027) to the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas’ 2025 first-rounder and prospect center David Edstrom.

New Jersey Devils trade winger Tyler Toffoli to the Winnipeg Jets (NHL Images).

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets have acquired winger Tyler Toffoli from the New Jersey Devils. TSN reports the return is a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 second-rounder. 

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Washington Capitals traded center Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick. The Capitals also retain 50 percent of Kuznetsov’s $7.8 million annual cap hit through 2024-25. 

Montreal Canadiens traded goaltender Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils in return for a conditional third-rounder in 2024. The Canadiens also retain half of Allen’s contract.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports the New Jersey Devils traded goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks for goalie Kaapo Kahkonen. 

Buffalo Sabres traded winger Kyle Okposo to the Florida Panthers in exchange for minor-league defenseman Calle Sjalin and a conditional 2024 seventh-round pick. 

Minnesota Wild traded forward Pat Maroon to the Boston Bruins for a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick and minor league winger Luke Toporowski.

New York Rangers acquire Jack Roslovic from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a conditional fourth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes traded defenseman Matt Dumba and a 2025 seven-rounder to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2027 fifth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes trade winger Jason Zucker to the Nashville Predators for a 2024 sixth-round pick.

Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Erik Johnson to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 2024 fourth-rounder.

Boston Bruins trade defenseman Jakub Zboril to the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Andrew Peeke.