Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 17, 2024

by | Nov 17, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 17, 2024

A big raise could be coming for next season’s salary cap, coaches on the hot seat, and the latest on the Bruins, Blue Jackets, Predators, Canadiens and Senators in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

BIG INCREASE COULD BE COMING FOR THE SALARY CAP

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the NHL and NHLPA will examine the possibility of raising the salary cap by between $7 million and $9 million for 2025-26. He indicated that league revenue has “outpaced the guardrails on the salary cap” that were put in place as part of the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cap can rise by a maximum of five percent as per the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). However, it can increase by a wider margin if the league and the PA agree. If they stick with five percent, the cap will rise to $92.5 million for 2025-26. It is currently at $88 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league is usually cautious in raising the cap. However, they could face pressure from team owners because several notable superstars (such as New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin) seek significant raises on their next contracts. A salary cap between $95 million and $98 million next season would alleviate the cap crunch facing several teams, making it easier to retain key players or bolster their roster depth.

FOUR COACHES POTENTIALLY ON THE HOT SEAT

SPORTSNET: Emily Sadler listed Jim Montgomery of the Boston Bruins, Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Derek Lalonde of the Detroit Red Wings, and Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Predators could be feeling the heat as their clubs continue to struggle.

Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff reports no scuttlebutt suggesting Lalonde’s job is in jeopardy. Nevertheless, he thinks GM Steve Yzerman must be concerned over the Wings’ recent disappointing play. Duff believes they need something to change to avoid another season slipping away.

LATEST ON THE BRUINS, PREDATORS, BLUE JACKETS AND CANADIENS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Boston Bruins have been looking to see what they can do to shake things up. He said things are starting to get intense within the organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It sounds like the Bruins would prefer to make a trade rather than a coaching change.

The Nashville Predators are in the market for a center. Friedman also believes they’re looking at their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators attempted to send defenseman Dante Fabbro to their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee last week but the Columbus Blue Jackets claimed him off waivers.

Speaking of the Blue Jackets, Friedman said general manager Don Waddell is trying to sort out the situation with David Jiricek. The young defenseman hasn’t played much this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jiricek has struggled to earn a full-time spot on the Blue Jackets defense corps, appearing in only five games this season. He doesn’t need to pass through waivers to be sent to the AHL affiliate in Cleveland but publicly expressed his displeasure when demoted last season, sparking trade speculation.

The Montreal Canadiens are seeking a forward who plays with an edge. Friedman believes players like that will be highly coveted when the time comes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That time would be when the March 7 trade deadline rolls around. That would be too late to help the Canadiens.

SENATORS SHOULD TARGET A DEFENSEMAN

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie was recently asked by a reader what area the Ottawa Senators should shore up before the New Year. He believes they need a “penalty-killing, middle-pairing defenseman” who can be mainly used on the third pairing but can be bumped up in a pinch.

McKenzie suggested Jordan Harris of the Blue Jackets as a trade target. He was shipped to Columbus by the Canadiens in this summer’s Patrik Laine deal but doesn’t yet seem like a fit with the Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe the Senators might look into Jiricek’s availability, though I think the Jackets would prefer hanging onto the promising 20-year-old rearguard.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 30, 2024

by | Aug 30, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 30, 2024

Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau has passed away. Details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau have died after being struck by a vehicle while riding their bikes in Oldman Township, Salem County, New Jersey. The accident occurred on Thursday evening.

The Blue Jackets confirmed the tragic news this morning. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement expressing shock and sadness over Gaudreau’s tragic passing.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau (NHL Images).

The Gaudreau family was together for the wedding of their sister Katie, who was supposed to be getting married on Aug. 30.

Gaudreau emerged as an NHL star with the Calgary Flames in 2014-15. Nicknamed “Johnny Hockey”, he was regularly among the Flames’ leading scorers, tallying a career-high 115 points in 2021-22 and 99 points in 2018-19.

Signed by the Blue Jackets as a free agent, Gaudreau was their leading scorer during the last two seasons. He was entering the third season of his seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets.

In 763 NHL regular-season games, Gaudreau had 243 goals and 500 assists for 743 points. He also had 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points in 42 playoff contests.

Gaudreau leaves behind his wife Meredith and two young children. Johnny was 31 years old, his brother Matthew was 29.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m in shock right now over this devastating news. My heart goes out to Gaudreau’s family, his friends, his current and former teammates. My sincere condolences as well to the Blue Jackets and the Flames.

*****

OTTAWA SUN: Senators head coach Travis Green said his players should be ready to work when they report for training camp on Sept. 18.

Green was named head coach of the Senators on May 7. He indicated he’s met with all of his players, informing them of his expectations for this season, emphasizing their offseason conditioning, and the importance of being in shape for camp.

Center Josh Norris is fully recovered from his season-ending shoulder surgery. Green said Norris will be a full participant in training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A healthy Norris will be crucial to the Senators’ playoff hopes this season. He had a promising 35-goal, 55-point performance in 66 games during 2021-22 but has been derailed by shoulder surgeries limiting him to 58 games over the past two seasons.

The Senators also announced free agent forward Nick Cousins signed a one-year $800K contract. Cousins, 30, won the Stanley Cup last season with the Florida Panthers.

Meanwhile, team president Cyril Leeder said the club expects to have a decision on the future of their proposed LeBreton Flats arena project by the end of September. Leeder admitted he’s disappointed there hasn’t been more progress in negotiations with the National Capital Commission (NCC) but remains cautiously optimistic they’ll get a deal in place.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report indicated Senators owner Michael Andlauer remains bullish on constructing an arena in downtown Ottawa but seeks a lease agreement that is fair to both sides. The Senators play at Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, over 22 km (13.6 miles) from downtown.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers winger Evander Kane posted a video on Instagram alleging a white man on a bicycle spat on his vehicle and used racist language toward him.

“That’s what you just said: “You people don’t belong here,” Kane is heard addressing the man. A third man identifying as Kane’s friend adds, “That’s not a good statement.”

“It’s incredibly disappointing,” said Kane following the incident. “There are still people like this today.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s beyond disappointing.

THE ATHLETIC: In an interview with Michael Russo, Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz explained why he traded promising Yaroslav Askarov to the San Jose Sharks last week.

Trotz believes Askarov has the skills and confidence to become an excellent goaltender. However, he felt the 22-year-old netminder currently lacks the elite mindset and mental preparation to reach that level.

He based that opinion on his years working with well-respected goaltending coach Mitch Korn. “The mental part, the physical part, the emotional part all have to get to a very mature state to have a lot of consistency in this game.”

The Predators signed starting goaltender Juuse Saros to an eight-year extension and added veteran backup Scott Wedgewood last month with a two-year contract. Askarov told the club he wouldn’t report to their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee and requested a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz believes Askarov will reach that elite level with more consistency. However, he’s invested in Saros for the next eight years as he’s attempting to build the Predators into a Stanley Cup contender.

The Predators are in “win-now” mode following their offseason signings of wingers Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Brady Skjei. Trotz wanted established NHL goalies on his roster. He and his staff had a plan to develop Askarov’s game but the young netminder saw that as an obstacle in his path to becoming an NHL starter.

DAILY FACEOFF: Carolina Hurricanes winger Jesper Fast is expected to miss the 2024-25 season following neck surgery on Aug. 6. The 32-year-old winger is in the final season of his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fast will be placed on injured reserve rather than long-term injury reserve. That’s because the Hurricanes have over $6.4 million in cap space this season.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks goaltender Arturs Silovs won’t be playing for Latvia in their upcoming Olympic qualifier this weekend. The 23-year-old goaltender is dealing with knee ligament inflammation but it’s not expected to keep him out of Canucks training camp, which opens on Sept. 19.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are already dealing with the potential absence of starter Thatcher Demko during training camp and preseason as he rehabs a nagging undisclosed injury.

They’re reportedly considering their options to shore up their goaltending depth. Silovs’ ailment could put more urgency into their search.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs announced Steve Sullivan will join their AHL affiliate as an assistant coach.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 19, 2024

by | May 19, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 19, 2024

The Oilers force Game 7 with the Canucks, Aleksander Barkov wins the Selke Trophy, and the Hurricanes re-sign coach Rod Brind’Amour. Get the details on these and other stories in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAP

NHL.COM: There will be a seventh and deciding game in the second-round series between the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks as the Oilers rolled to a 5-1 victory in Game 6.

Evan Bouchard and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each had a goal and two assists, Connor McDavid had three assists and Leon Draisaitl had two assists for Edmonton. Dylan Holloway opened the scoring for the Oilers with a brilliant individual rush. Nils Hoglander replied for the Canucks.

Game 7 will be in Vancouver on Monday, May 20, at 9 pm EDT.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a dominating performance by the Oilers, who entered this game facing elimination. McDavid silenced his critics after being held to just one assist in the previous three games. So did Zach Hyman, scoring his first goal since Game 1 of this series.

The last game saw Vancouver shut down Edmonton’s scorers. This time, the Canucks struggled to generate offense, finishing with 15 shots on goal. The pressure has shifted to them as the Oilers will enter Game 7 riding the high of their convincing win in the previous game.

Stuart Skinner returned in goal for the Oilers and played well, helped by his teammates’ solid defensive play. Speaking of goaltenders, the Canucks confirmed that sidelined starter Thatcher Demko won’t be playing in Game 7. They’ll stick with Arturs Silovs, who has carried them since Game 4 of their first-round series with the Nashville Predators.

Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl became the third-fastest player in NHL history to reach 100 career playoff points, accomplishing the feat in 60 games. Wayne Gretzky was the fastest (46 games) followed by Mario Lemieux (50).

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as this season’s top defensive forward. Barkov previously won this award in 2020-21.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The voting wasn’t even close. Barkov got 165 of the 194 first-place votes.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes’ report that the Carolina Hurricanes signed head coach Rod Brind’Amour and his staff to multi-year contract extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored earlier this month that the Hurricanes had pulled their offer, leading to Brind’Amour questioning his future in Carolina. All sides quickly denied it, insisting they were closing in on a deal.

The Hurricanes’ second-round elimination by the Rangers did nothing to affect those negotiations. If there are to be any changes during the offseason it will be to their roster.

NHL.COM: The Western Conference Final schedule was announced on Saturday. Game 1 will begin on Thursday, May 23, at 8:30 pm EDT.

DAILY FACEOFF: Buffalo Sabres defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Bowen Byram had early exits during preliminary round action on Saturday at the 2024 IIHF World Championships.

Playing for Sweden, Dahlin was ejected for a dangerous hit against Latvian defenseman Harald Egle. Byram, skating for Canada, was booted from his team’s game against Finland for slashing winger Jesse Puljujarvi.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan was named the head coach for Team USA at the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Winter Olympics.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 10, 2024

by | May 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 10, 2024

A look at potential coaching candidates for the Leafs, possible coaching destinations for Sheldon Keefe and the latest on the Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COACHING CANDIDATES FOR THE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan looked at potential coaching candidates for the Maple Leafs after they fired bench boss Sheldon Keefe on Thursday.

Former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube topped Koshan’s list, followed by former Los Angeles Kings coach Todd McLellan, former New York Rangers coach Gerard Gallant, and former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft.

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour and Pittsburgh Penguins bench boss Mike Sullivan also made the list, along with former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau and Leafs assistant coach Guy Boucher.

TORONTO STAR: Brind’Amour is Kevin McGran’s top choice, followed by Berube, Gallant, former Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason, former Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol, and McLellan.

Former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Berube is the betting favorite for the role. He was reportedly “intrigued” in the Ottawa Senators job but was weighing his options, prompting the Senators to hire Travis Green instead.

Berube, McLellan, Woodcroft, Evason and Hakstol were fired during or following this season in an unusually high turnover for coaches in recent months.

Brind’Amour’s name is out there due to recent rumors of difficulties in his contract extension talks with the Hurricanes. Both sides downplayed the speculation, claiming there’s close to a new deal. However, it’ll be interesting to see what happens if the Hurricanes end up swept from the second round by the Rangers.

There’s speculation suggesting Sullivan will quit the Penguins to join the New Jersey Devils because their general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, is an old friend. Pens GM Kyle Dubas recently issued a statement claiming the Devils haven’t sought permission to speak with Sullivan.

Berube is the front-runner to become the Maple Leafs’ new coach, but that could change if Brind’Amour becomes available.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS FOR SHELDON KEEFE

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie looked at some landing spots for Sheldon Keefe following his dismissal as head coach of the Maple Leafs.

The New Jersey Devils are McKenzie’s top destination for Keefe, followed by the Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, the Kraken and the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keefe is under contract with the Leafs for two more years. Any club interested in hiring him must seek permission to do so. That will be our tip-off as to which teams are interested in Keefe.

The Devils are reportedly interested in interviewing Keefe for their vacant head coaching position. They’re also believed to have spoken to Berube.

Keefe is linked to the Penguins because Dubas hired him during his tenure as Leafs GM. It’s part of the “Sullivan-to-New Jersey” theory making the rounds. The Devils’ interest in Keefe would drive a stake through that rumor.

LATEST ON THE CAPITALS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan isn’t commenting much on the future of Darcy Kuemper. The 34-year-old netminder struggled this season, losing his starter’s job to Charlie Lindgren.

MacLellan still believes Kuemper is a good goaltender and acknowledged his difficulties this season. The Capitals GM rejected the idea of buying out the remaining three years of Kuemper’s contract.

Despite recent trade rumors about Kuemper, MacLellan anticipates he’ll bounce back next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacLellan will listen if a team calls about Kuemper. However, that seems unlikely given his performance this season and his $5.25 million cap hit

Silber also reported that MacLellan intends to investigate this summer’s trade and free-agent markets in search of more scoring punch for the Capitals. He’s hoping to find a young top-six forward to take some of the pressure off aging captain Alex Ovechkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silber mentioned Florida’s Sam Reinhart, Carolina’s Teuvo Teravainen and Vegas center (and former Capital) Chandler Stephenson could become available in this summer’s UFA market. Reinhart will likely be re-signed by the Panthers but Teravainen and Stephenson could be free-agent options.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 3, 2024

by | May 3, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 3, 2024

Looking at some suggested destinations for Steven Stamkos, the latest coaching rumors, and speculation over the former Coyotes’ offseason plans following their move to Utah in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

POSSIBLE OFFSEASON DESTINATIONS FOR STEVEN STAMKOS

SPORTSNET: David Morassutti looked at five potential destinations for Steven Stamkos this summer. The 34-year-old captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 unless he and the Lightning agree to a new contract by then.

Morassutti noted the Lightning’s intention to resign Stamkos and likes their chances of convincing him to stay. However, they have limited salary-cap space and must also ensure sufficient room to re-sign Victor Hedman before his UFA eligibility next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning could be forced to make a cost-cutting move to keep Stamkos, especially if he’s not interested in a hometown discount. Nevertheless, there’s a mutual willingness on both sides to get something done. Unless negotiations fall apart by July 1, he’ll stay in Tampa Bay. 

If the Lightning fail to re-sign Stamkos, Morassutti suggested the Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and Toronto Maple Leafs as possible destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interesting choices. I’ve summarized his main points as to why each of those teams could become landing places for Stamkos. Click the link provided for his detailed explanations.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

The Red Wings are managed by former Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman, who convinced Stamkos to re-sign with the Bolts in 2016. The Wings have plenty of salary-cap space but must also re-sign Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. Still, Morassutti believes they could be a prime destination if they move some players to gain cap flexibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Does Stamkos want to join a rebuilding team that’s trying to get over the playoff hump, or would he prefer joining a club that’s close to Cup contention? If it’s the latter (and I suspect it would be), the Red Wings won’t fit the bill.

Stamkos’ former teammates Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis are now in the Canadiens organization. However, some will wonder if adding a high-priced free agent would be the right move for a team going through a rebuild. At some point, however, the Canadiens will have to make a push to reach the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I doubt Stamkos is interested in joining a rebuilding club regardless of whoever from his past is on the team. The Canadiens are at least two years away from being playoff contenders. They could find younger options than Stamkos that fit better into their timeline.

The Predators could use a premium goalscorer. He would also bring them additional leadership.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators are currently in a transition phase. They already have plenty of veteran leadership in Roman Josi, Ryan O’Reilly and Stamkos’ former teammate Ryan McDonagh. They possess over $18 million in cap space but could use that flexibility to bring in younger and less expensive talent.

Morassutti considers the Leafs a dark-horse candidate. John Tavares and Mitch Marner are a year away from UFA eligibility. The Leafs’ decisions regarding those two will determine how they navigate this summer’s free-agent market. They attempted to woo Stamkos eight years ago but could they have better luck this time?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No, they won’t have better luck this time. The Leafs “Shanaplan” got derailed by signing Tavares in 2018 when their focus should’ve been improving their defense and goaltending. Signing Stamkos would be repeating their past mistake.

LATEST NHL COACHING RUMORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported the Senators have begun interviewing candidates for their vacant head-coaching position. It’s believed they’ve spoken with or are interested in former Minnesota Wild head coach Dean Evason, former St. Louis Blues bench boss Craig Berube, former Los Angeles Kings’ head coach Todd McLellan and New Jersey Devils interim coach Travis Green.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Which would you like to see coaching your club, Senators fans? Let us know in the comments section below.

Garrioch also provided us with some interesting rumors regarding other current coaches.

Rumors linked the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Mike Sullivan with the New Jersey Devils. If the Toronto Maple Leafs fire Sheldon Keefe, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas could allow Sullivan to go to New Jersey to make room for Keefe.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas released a statement earlier this week claiming the Devils have not asked permission to speak with Sullivan nor was permission granted. Earlier this week, it was reported that a power struggle was brewing between Dubas and Sullivan over the club’s assistant coaches. However, most observers believe Sullivan will be staying put.

League sources claim the Senators have serious interest in Evason and have had at least one face-to-face meeting. The San Jose Sharks reached out to the Wild seeking permission to speak with Evason…It’s believed the Kraken could promote Dan Bylsma, who coaches their AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley. They may have also reached out to McLellan…Berube is reportedly “intrigued” by the Senators position but has other options and is staying patient…The Senators would be very interested if the Carolina Hurricanes’ Rod Brind’Amour became available. However, he would cost $7 million per season and the Sens likely won’t shell out that much for a head coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brind’Amour seems close to signing an extension with the Hurricanes. If he did become available I agree he’d be too expensive for the Senators to sign.

FORMER COYOTES EXPECTED TO ADD TO THEIR ROSTER THIS SUMMER

THE FOURTH PERIOD: Having moved to Utah, the former Arizona Coyotes could make some additions to their roster this summer.

General manager Bill Armstrong’s mandate from his team’s new ownership is to shoot for the playoffs next season. He’s expected to explore this summer’s trade and free-agent markets for players who can immediately help his roster.

Armstrong won’t acquire high-priced contracts to bail out cap-strapped teams, unlike previous years. Any additions this summer will be to upgrade the roster. Sources claim Armstrong seeks a second-line center and a top-four defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The financial shackles are finally off Armstrong. Years of rebuilding have given the former Coyotes a solid base of good young talent. They need a couple of skilled veterans in their prime to provide leadership and experience.

Utah could become a playoff contender next season with the right moves. It’ll be interesting to see if Armstrong can pull it off.

 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 1, 2024

by | May 1, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 1, 2024

The Avalanche and Hurricanes advance to the second round, the Leafs and Predators avoid elimination, the Calder Trophy Finalists are announced, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Winnipeg Jets 6-3 to win their best-of-seven opening-round series four games to one. Mikko Rantanen scored twice and Alexandar Georgiev stopped 34 shots for the Avalanche. They await the winner of the Dallas Stars-Vegas Golden Knights series.

Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Georgiev silenced his critics (including me) with his performance during this series. After giving up seven goals on 23 shots in Game 1, he allowed eight in the next four games with a .931 save percentage.

Winnipeg entered this series tied with the Florida Panthers for the fewest goals-against per game (2.41). Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is a Vezina Trophy finalist who won the Jennings Trophy as the goalie who played a minimum of 25 games for the team allowing the fewest regular-season goals.

However, the Jet couldn’t contain the Avs’ offense, finishing this round with the highest goals-against per game (5.40) while Hellebuyck allowed the most goals (24) among all first-round goalies thus far. They are also the first team in NHL playoff history to allow at least five goals in five straight games in a postseason round.

Three unanswered third-period goals gave the Carolina Hurricanes to a 6-3 victory over the New York Islanders to take their first-round series four games to one. Jack Drury scored the winning goal and Seth Jarvis had a goal and two assists for the Hurricanes, who will face the New York Rangers in the second round.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carolina’s offensive depth proved too much to contain for the Islanders. Credit Isles goaltender Semyon Varlamov for keeping his club in most of these games but his teammates lack the scoring punch to hand with the Hurricanes.

An overtime goal by Matthew Knies lifted the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Boston Bruins 2-1 in Game 5 of their first-round series. Jake McCabe also scored and Joseph Woll made 27 saves for the Leafs. Trent Frederic replied for the Bruins as they hold a 3-2 series lead. Game 6 is Thursday, May 2 at 8 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the Leafs’ best game of the series. Woll’s steady goaltending gave them confidence and they did a good job containing Boston’s leading scorers. The Bruins at times appeared flat during this contest while the Leafs were fighting to keep their season alive.

The Leafs got the win without top center Auston Matthews, who missed this game with an undisclosed illness.

The Nashville Predators overcame a 1-0 deficit to beat the Vancouver Canucks 2-1 in Game 5 of their first-round series on goals by Roman Josi and Alexandre Carrier. Juuse Saros made 19 saves for the win. Nikita Zadorov scored and Arturs Silov turned aside 20 shots for the Canucks, who hold a 3-2 lead in this series. Game 6 is Friday (start time TBA).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a goaltender’s duel through the first two periods. It looked like the Canucks were going to put this one away following Zadorov’s goal but the Predators refused to quit.

The Predators caught a break on Josi’s goal as the puck squirted behind Silov. The Canucks goalie tried to roll over to cover the puck but was inadvertently pushed during a goalmouth scramble, knocking the puck across the goal line.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber, and New Jersey Devils blueliner Luke Hughes are this season’s finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the finalists. Bedard is considered the favorite to win but Faber could make this interesting. He enjoyed a strong debut with the Wild, finishing among the rookie leaders in points and sitting among the league’s top-10 skaters in time on ice per game.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: T.J. Oshie said he has much to consider regarding his future as a player. The 37-year-old Washington Capitals winger said he’s been dealing with chronic back issues for years among other ailments.

Oshie has a year left on his contract. He said he’d love to play next season but needs assurances that he can do so without his back giving out. The Capitals winger intends to seek treatment during the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oshie has never played a full NHL season due to injuries. He saw action in only 52 games in 2023-24.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers captain Sean Couturier recently changed agents and is now represented by Pat Brisson. One reason behind the change could be due to his former agent criticizing Flyers coach John Tortorella for benching Couturier for two games. The veteran center took responsibility for his poor play leading to his benching.

Speaking of the Flyers, top prospect Matvei Michkov might be able to join the club next season if the KHL allows him out of his contract with SKA St. Petersburg. Michkov’s contract runs through 2025-26 but SKA chairman Alexander Medvedev said he has a good relationship with the Flyers front office and has regularly spoken with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s nothing set in stone here but Medvedev said a decision on Michkov’s future could come by the end of June.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot could undergo wrist surgery in the coming weeks. The recovery time would be between two and three months.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The sooner Chabot has the surgery the more likely he’ll be fully recovered in time for training camp in September.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Senators, they reportedly interviewed Travis Green for their vacant head-coaching position. Green is currently the interim coach of the New Jersey Devils.

THE ATHLETIC: And speaking of New Jersey, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas denied speculation that head coach Mike Sullivan could become the next Devils head coach. Dubas said the Devils haven’t sought permission to speak with Sullivan nor have they been granted permission.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This sounds like another example of the hockey media “telephone” game. A pundit wonders whether Sullivan would be interested in coaching the Devils because he’s friends with their general manager. People start talking about it and it morphs into Sullivan trying to get out of his contract with the Penguins to coach the Devils.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Canadiens winger Juraj Slakovskiy is undergoing some medical procedures in Montreal. It will delay him joining Slovakia at the upcoming World Championships in Czechia but isn’t expected to prevent him from playing in the tournament.