Monthly Archives: April 2025

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Oilers Projected Lineup Today Against Red-Hot Golden Knights

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Zach Hyman and Brayden McNabb. (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)

The Edmonton Oilers had a busy practice on Tuesday morning.

The big news was the presence of the injured Connor McDavid, Trent Frederic, and Evander Kane in non-contact jerseys. None of the three will play against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night, but it's an encouraging sign for each of them as Frederic skates with his new team for the first time, and the door is open for McDavid to return during their four-game road trip.

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 The rest of the roster will have a formidable challenge in front of them as they take on the division-leading Golden Knights, who come into Tuesday's game riding a six-game win streak.

That hot streak, coupled with the recent injuries to McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, has effectively buried any chance the Oilers had at catching Vegas for the Pacific Division crown. The Golden Knights are nine points up on the Oilers with nine games remaining in the regular season.

Absent from Oilers practice was Mattias Ekholm, still struggling with a nagging injury that's kept him out of the lineup for the past two games. He's missed eight of the Oilers' eighteen games since the 4 Nations Face-Off. With Ekholm out, Jake Walman will remain on an offense-heavy top pairing with Evan Bouchard.

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Up front, Jeff Skinner will slide back down to the third line, where he acquitted himself very well in McDavid and Draisaitl's absence, while Kasperi Kapanen brings his speed to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' second line.

The first line remains the same from their win over Calgary on Saturday, though Draisaitl will almost certainly see minutes with almost every winger as Kris Knoblauch double-shifts him against Vegas' deep lineup.

With Stuart Skinner still out day-to-day, Calvin Pickard will get his third consecutive start for the first time this season. Pickard rebounded from his debacle in Seattle with a solid 26-save win over the Flames on Saturday, lifting his record to 18-8-1 despite an .899 save percentage. 

The puck drops between the Oilers and Golden Knights at 8:00 PM, on Sportsnet.

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Golden Knights' Jack Eichel Named First Star Of The Month

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Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) celebrates after scoring an empty net goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel has been named the NHL's first star of the month. 

The 28-year-old recorded eight goals and 23 points in 14 games in the month of March, propelling the Golden Knights to a 10-2-2 record. 

During the month, Eichel set the new Golden Knights record for points in a season and set a new career-high in points. This season, Eichel's scored 27 goals and 93 points, on pace to eclipse the 100-point mark for the first time in his career.

Here's what the NHL's press release had to say about his month:

"Eichel paced the League with 8-15—23 in 14 contests to propel the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights (45-20-8, 98 points) to a 10-2-2 month as they seek their seventh playoff berth in eight NHL seasons. Eichel, who additionally finished among the March leaders in power-play assists (t-1st; 8), power-play points (2nd; 10), assists (t-4th; 15), even-strength points (t-9th; 13) and goals (t-12th; 8), found the score sheet in 13 of his 14 appearances – capped by a six-game run to close the month that featured four multi-point performances (March 20-29: 6-7—13). The No. 2 overall pick from the 2015 NHL Draft also collected his 600th career point in his 607th game, part of a four-point effort March 22 vs. DET (1-3—4); scored his fifth career hat trick and third with Vegas March 25 at MIN (3-0—3); and notched a pair of game-winning goals: March 5 vs. TOR (1-1—2) and March 23 vs. TBL (1-0—1). The 28-year-old Eichel ranks fourth in the NHL with 27-66—93 through 72 total appearances this season, already career highs for assists and points in a single campaign (ahead of 2018-19: 28-54—82 in 77 GP w/ BUF). He also sits among the 2024-25 leaders in power-play assists (3rd; 29), assists (t-4th; 66), plus/minus (5th; +35) and power-play points (t-5th; 34)."

Following Eichel as stars of the month were the Toronto Maple Leafs' John Tavares, who recorded 13 goals and 20 points in 15 games, and St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington, who posted eight wins, a .910 SV% and a 2.21 GAA.

Eichel is having a stellar season and has kept his name in the Hart Trophy race all season long. He likely won't win the award but could find himself in the top five, which would be the highest he's placed in his career. 

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Golden Knights' Jack Eichel Named Second Star Of The WeekGolden Knights' Jack Eichel Named Second Star Of The WeekVegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel has been named the NHL's second star of the week.
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Five First-Year Coaches Having Strong Impacts On Their NHL Teams

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Jim Montgomery (Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

If we’re going to talk about new NHL coaches doing good things this season, we probably shouldn’t look past our newest candidate. 

Brad Shaw is a perfect 3-0-0 with the Philadelphia Flyers since taking over for John Tortorella last Thursday, so it doesn’t get any better than that.

But sample size is important. The candidates for this list of the NHL’s most effective first-year coaches all have at least 50 games with their new teams this year. 

Craig Berube hit that mark, but he missed the cut because he’ll be measured by his playoff results with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With all that in mind, here are the five NHL bench bosses who have had the most impressive impacts on their new teams this season.

Travis Green, Ottawa Senators

Hired: May 7, 2024 – Record 39-28-6 – .575 points percentage

The Ottawa Senators have become a shining example of how strong ownership can lead to team success. It took Michael Andlauer a minute to get all his ducks in a row, but the organization is now headed in a positive direction after committing to Steve Staios as GM and to Travis Green as coach.

The Sens have deployed a dangerous power play, received decent goaltending and pumped up their offense since the trade deadline, going 8-3-1 and all-but-locking-in their first playoff berth since 2017. 

The team has also brought out the best in Green: Ottawa’s .575 points percentage this season is a career high, better than his parts of five seasons coaching the Vancouver Canucks and 21 games as interim coach of the New Jersey Devils last season.

Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets

Hired: May 24, 2024 – Record 51-19-4 – .716 points percentage

When Rick Bowness retired last spring after guiding the Jets to their second-best season in franchise history, Scott Arniel’s main task was to avoid letting the team slide backward after being elevated from an associate role.

Instead, he took them to new heights, starting the season with an eight-game winning streak and maintaining the pace to sit in pole position for their first-ever Presidents’ Trophy. 

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is a luxury to build from, but he’s not a one-man show. Top scorers Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers are all headed toward career years, Cole Perfetti has taken the next step, and the power play is one of the most dangerous in the NHL.

For Arniel to deliver a season this dominant is a win in itself for the Jets. If he can help erase the memory of last year’s playoffs with a meaningful post-season run, all the better.

Top Five NHL Teams At Home In 2024-25: Kings, Jets And MoreTop Five NHL Teams At Home In 2024-25: Kings, Jets And MoreBy Anthony Carbone, The Hockey News intern

Ryan Warsofsky, San Jose Sharks

Hired: June 13, 2024 – Record 20-44-9 – .336 points percentage

You may be surprised to see the coach of a last-place team on this list. But Warsofsky deserves credit for delivering some positives in a tough environment, especially as a first-time NHL bench boss. 

It’s never easy to make the transition from assistant coach into a head job. Warsofsky has swept away the memories of his two years working under David Quinn and approached his task at hand with vigor and positivity — and it doesn’t hurt that good-natured alumni and franchise legends Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are both lending a hand behind the scenes.

Even after a trade-deadline sell-off, Warsofsky has maintained buy-in from veterans like Tyler Toffoli and can build off the infectious enthusiasm of future stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. Add in another top lottery pick this summer, and the future is getting brighter in the Bay Area.

Dean Evason, Columbus Blue Jackets

Hired: July 22, 2024 – Record 33-30-9 – .521 points percentage

Evason hasn’t matched the .639 points percentage he put up during his 251 games coaching the Minnesota Wild. but he’s being measured by a different standard this season.

He hasn’t just moved the Blue Jackets from the Eastern Conference basement into potential playoff contention. He’s done it under the dark cloud of tragedy after Johnny Gaudreau’s passing in August.

On Monday’s 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman declared that Evason would be his man if he had a Jack Adams vote. Evason started his new job by giving the players the space they all needed to grieve in their own ways, then offered a clean sheet for everyone to show what they could bring to the table.

That environment has brought the very best out of established players like Zach Werenski, allowed role players like Mathieu Olivier to thrive and helped youngsters like Kent Johnson, Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko all take steps forward. 

It’ll be tough to root against them if they can sneak into a playoff spot.

Jim Montgomery, St. Louis Blues

Hired: Nov. 24, 2024 – Record 31-16-6 – .642 points percentage

The only coach on this list who already has a Jack Adams, Montgomery is riding high now in St. Louis, barely four months after the Boston Bruins fired him.

He was the architect of Boston’s record-breaking regular season in 2022-23. Now, he’s doing special things in the Gateway City, as the Blues’ refusal to lose is starting to draw comparisons to their storybook run of 2019.

Montgomery is making GM Doug Armstrong look like a genius for acting fast and presenting an irresistible five-year contract offer just days after he became available last fall. If he can keep doing what he’s doing, he might be one of the few coaches to break through and enjoy a multi-year tenure in one market.

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‘It’s Good That They’re Out There’: Max Pacioretty, Jani Hakanpaa, Return To Maple Leafs Practice Amid Long-Term Injury Absence

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Leafs left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs returned to practice at Ford Performance Centre on Tuesday following their three-game California road trip, preparing for a divisional matchup against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.

In a practice that lasted just 15 minutes, the most notable development was the presence of Max Pacioretty and Jani Hakanpaa, both skating with the team for the first time as they work toward a return from long-term injuries.

“It’s good that they’re out there. They’ve been working with our development crew and people back here skating and trying to get healthy. Hopefully, they can get healthy and be part of the team at some point,” said head coach Berube after practice.

Pacioretty has been sidelined since February 8, when he last played against the Vancouver Canucks before the 4 Nations Face-Off break. He suffered an undisclosed injury in practice on February 19, landing him on injured reserve on February 28. The Maple Leafs moved him to long-term injured reserve (LTIR) on March 7, the NHL trade deadline, for salary cap flexibility. That move ensured he would miss a minimum of 10 games and 24 days.

Despite his absence, Pacioretty (and Hakanpaa) have, at times, been skating ahead of team practices, either on separate ice pads or before the rest of the team – last doing so on March 17. In his first season with the Leafs, Pacioretty has played 37 games, recording five goals and eight assists for 13 points.

“Pretty confident, yeah. I’m pretty confident,” said Berube last week when asked if Pacioretty would be ready for playoff action.

‘I’m Pretty Confident’: Head Coach Craig Berube And Maple Leafs Expecting Max Pacioretty To Return For Playoffs After Long-Term Injured Reserve Stint‘I’m Pretty Confident’: Head Coach Craig Berube And Maple Leafs Expecting Max Pacioretty To Return For Playoffs After Long-Term Injured Reserve StintToronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty has been sidelined since early February, but head coach Craig Berube believes the veteran winger will be ready to return for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Hakanpaa’s progression is also key. The 6-foot-7, towering defenseman has been out of the lineup since November 16, when he last played against the Edmonton Oilers. He underwent minor knee surgery in hopes of returning in the second half of the season but was placed on LTIR on December 2.

The 33-year-old has only played two games for the Leafs this season, along with two conditioning appearances for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies – remaining pointless in those four outings. He was initially named to Team Finland’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster but had to withdraw due to his recovery timeline.

'I Don't Have A Timeline': Jani Hakanpaa Will Not Play For Finland At 4 Nations Sparking More Questions About His NHL Future'I Don't Have A Timeline': Jani Hakanpaa Will Not Play For Finland At 4 Nations Sparking More Questions About His NHL FutureHakanpaa hasn't played since Nov. 16 and had a second knee procedure in early December.

The Maple Leafs seem optimistic that both Pacioretty and Hakanpaa could be ready for the postseason, steadily progressing in their recoveries as the team moves closer to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

With just $195,332 in salary cap space, Toronto has been able to utilize LTIR to manage Pacioretty’s $873,770 cap hit and Hakanpaa’s $1.47 million cap hit. However, once the playoffs begin, the salary cap no longer applies, giving the Leafs the flexibility to activate both players if they’re fully ready to return in April.

Starting Goalie Against the Cats

The Leafs have been rotating their goaltending tandem of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz. Woll, who last played on Sunday in Anaheim, was seen getting extra work as Stolarz had already departed the ice on Tuesday – signaling the start for the 31-year-old against his former team on Wednesday. 

So, is that the plan? 

“Yeah, maybe. I don’t know yet,” said Berube after practice, not revealing his cards.

Stolarz has lost both matchups against the Panthers when he’s been in the crease for the Leafs this season. When asked if that was a factor in the decision-making, Berube dismissed the notion. 

“No, not really. No,” said Berube. “It is what it is, the team is 0-and-2.”

Final confirmation on the starting goalie should become available on Wednesday, but all signs point towards Stolarz’s third start against Florida at Scotiabank Arena. 

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