Inconsistency, controversial hits and players running wild in NHL's Battle of Florida
A physical series is expected between the rival Panthers and Lightning, but the line between borderline infractions keeps getting blurrier.
NHL
29th April 2025
Stars push Avalanche to the brink with commanding Game 5 win: Takeaways
Dallas defeated Colorado 6-2 on Monday night to send the series back to Denver with the Avs on the verge of elimination.
The Panthers, the bad boys of the NHL, are 'very comfortable with who they are'
The indomitable, unforgiving Panthers have pushed the Lightning to the brink of elimination thanks to their signature style.
Lightning's Hagel leaves G4 loss after high hit
For concussions concerns, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel left his club's 4-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Monday in Game 4 of their first-round series, after a high hit from defenseman Aaron Ekblad that wasn't penalized in the second period.
Panthers complete late comeback, push Lightning to brink of elimination: Takeaways
Florida pulled off the late rally, scoring twice in 11 seconds to take a 3-1 series lead over Tampa Bay.
Lightning's Brandon Hagel injured in Game 4 after hit from Panthers' Aaron Ekblad
No penalty was called after Ekblad threw a flying forearm into the head of Hagel, who has been a villainous figure in this series.
Jets' Hellebuyck on struggles: 'Going to be better'
Connor Hellebuyck says there is no crack in his confidence after the Winnipeg Jets goalie was pulled during his team's last two playoff losses.
Hockey Canada trial begins with first witness, security video footage
On a warm June night in 2018, more than a dozen members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team bypassed a long line of waiting customers, had their IDs checked and were funneled into Jack’s Bar in London, Ont. They wore T-shirts and several wore backward baseball caps.
Maple Leafs' John Tavares on Artem Zub hit, missing OT power play: 'Puck's nowhere near me'
John Tavares says the NHL's concussion spotter pulled him from overtime on Saturday night.
NHL fines Habs, Caps $25K each for player antics
Both the Canadiens and Capitals were fined $25,000 each for players' antics during warmups before Game 4 on Sunday night.
Vezina finalists: Hellebuyck, Kuemper, Vasilevskiy
Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings and Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning were named the 2024-25 Vezina Trophy finalists on Monday.
Stars defenseman Heiskanen not ready for Game 5
Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen is not ready to return from injury in time for Game 5.
Penguins coaching candidates: Who could fill Mike Sullivan's big shoes in Pittsburgh?
A look at some names that could be in the running to become the next coach of the Penguins.
Mike Sullivan’s next stop as coach? Rangers, Bruins and Flyers are among the possibilities
Dallas, Edmonton and Vegas could also become contenders if they flame out in the playoffs. Here's a look at all the potential destinations.
No one is to blame for the Penguins-Mike Sullivan split. It was just time
Sullivan's final chapters in Pittsburgh weren't great, but he is a giant in Penguins history and will be remembered as such.
NHL Vezina Trophy finalists announced — what would Connor Hellebuyck's third win mean?
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings and Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning were named finalists for the NHL’s Vezina Trophy on Monday, awarded “to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at this position.”.
Staple: Mike Sullivan is available, and the Rangers have to get their guy this time
Chris Drury has wanted to lure in Sullivan pretty much since the day he got the GM job. Now he finally has his shot, and he can't miss it.
Two-time Cup winner Sullivan out as Pens coach
Mike Sullivan, who led the Pittsburgh Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, is out as the team's head coach, it was announced Monday.
NHL playoffs vibe check: Jets' defense, Kings' third periods, Landeskog's surprising play
Three teams are already on the brink of elimination in this year's NHL playoffs. Here's one trend from every series.
Stanley Cup playoffs daily: Round 4 of the Battle of Florida, pivotal Game 5 for Avs-Stars
Can the Bolts tie it up with the Cats? And who will get the upper hand in a Game 5 out west?.
Stanley Cup playoff takeaways as Round 1 heats up: Who is poised to move on -- and why
Winnipeg is reeling, the Panthers are stirring things up and Toronto is looking for a finishing touch -- again.
28th April 2025
Penguins fire head coach Mike Sullivan, who led team to two Stanley Cup championships
Josh Lavallee via Getty ImagesMike Sullivan's run with the Pittsburgh Penguins ended Monday. Sullivan was fired by the team after going 34-36 during the 2024-25 NHL season, the Penguins announced.
Penguins, 10-year coach Mike Sullivan mutually agree to part ways: What's next?
Sullivan departs as the winningest coach in team history and the NHL's second-longest tenured coach behind only Tampa Bay's Jon Cooper.
How the Oilers gained the advantage in a war of attrition with the Kings
For the second straight game, the Oilers rallied in the third period and turned a probable loss into a dramatic win over the Kings.
Brad Marchand embracing identity with NHL's 'supervillain' Panthers
The former Bruins star is loving life in Florida after being traded and is ready to make his mark in the Battle of the Sunshine State.
Which NHL playoff year produced the best roster of overtime goal scorers?
We're digging into a question a reader sent in: Which seasons had the best collection of overtime goal scorers?.
Minnesota Frost receive inaugural PWHL Walter Cup championship rings
Minnesota players and staff received their rings in a private ceremony after Sunday's final home game of the season.
How Ben Kindel, through soccer and sense, has become a top 2025 NHL Draft prospect
As a 17-year-old, Kindel registered 43 goals and 114 points in 76 games for the Calgary Hitmen this season.
How Tom Wilson, wrecking ball, single-handedly decided Capitals-Canadiens Game 4
There was everything that came before an open-ice demolition of Canadiens defenseman Alex Carrier, and there was everything that came after.
NHL playoffs daily: Oilers, Blues tie series; Hurricanes, Caps take control
Edmonton rallied late to beat L.A. in overtime, while the Capitals, Hurricanes and Blues all rolled in routs Sunday.
NHL playoff picks, odds, how to watch Monday's games featuring Panthers-Lightning, Stars-Avalanche
Just two games on Monday night for the NHL playoffs, with Game 4 in the battle for Florida, and Avs-Stars tied heading into Game 5.
Oilers tie Kings with :29 left, win in OT for 2-2
Leon Draisaitl scored on a power play at 18:18 of overtime, and the Oilers beat the Kings 4-3 on Sunday night in Game 4 to tie the first-round playoff series.
Officiating 'hard to watch' for Habs in G4 loss
Montreal Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis was at a loss for words in describing the message he wants to convey to Josh Anderson and the rest of his club after Sunday's 5-2 loss in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series with the Washington Capitals.
Oilers tie it late, win in OT to even series with Kings: Game 4 takeaways
Amazingly, this first-round matchup is all square as things shift back to Southern California.
Brind'Amour irked after Meier runs into Andersen
After a Game 4 victory over New Jersey on Sunday, Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour said he was "frustrated" when there was no penalty given to Devils veteran forward Timo Meier when he injured goaltender Frederik Andersen in the second period.
Devils' Timo Meier, a controversial collision and the edge between reckless and 'made for the playoffs'
Meier ran into Frederik Andersen in Game 4 of the teams' first-round series Sunday, sending the Hurricanes goalie to the injury ward.
Capitals fend off Canadiens, take 3-1 series lead: Takeaways
The Capitals cracked the code at Bell Centre, beating the Canadiens 5-2 and going up 3-1 in their first-round series.
Jets' Hellebuyck allows five goals, pulled again
Two-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck allowed five goals before being pulled early in the third period as the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets fell to the St. Louis Blues 5-1 on Sunday.
Sources: Tkachuk dodges discipline, will play G4
Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk will not receive supplemental discipline for his hit on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series, sources told ESPN on Sunday.
Hurricanes take 3-1 series lead vs. Devils, but Frederik Andersen injured in win: Takeaways
Andrei Svechnikov had a hat trick for Carolina in the 5-2 win. Game 5 of the teams' first-round series is Tuesday in Raleigh.
Hurricanes' Frederik Andersen leaves Game 4 after collision with Timo Meier, to be evaluated Monday
Officials originally gave Meier a five-minute major penalty for the play, but after video review, it was deemed there was no penalty.
Another big Blues win over the Jets has series tied 2-2: Takeaways
The Blues chased Connor Hellebuyck from the game for the second time en route to a 5-1 victory in Game 4.
Stanley Cup playoffs daily: Can Blues, Devils, Canadiens, Oilers tie it up?
With all four series at 2-1, Sunday's games are all critical. Plus, highlights and three stars from Saturday.
NHL playoffs daily: Golden Knights, Senators win in OT, Lightning get first victory, Avs shutout Stars
A look at how Saturday's Game 4 — or if you're a Florida-based team, Game 3 — action went down across the NHL.
27th April 2025
Why Adam Benák, one of the 2025 NHL Draft's smallest prospects, could defy his size
Benák's size, paired with his speed and smarts, make him one of the most interesting and also difficult case studies in this year's class.
LeBrun: Gabriel Landeskog’s storybook comeback continues with first NHL goal in 3 years
Ball Arena was electric on Saturday night when Landeskog scored. Watch out, Colorado may have it all going on now.
NHL playoff picks, odds, how to watch Sunday's games including Oilers-Kings and Blues-Jets
The NHL playoffs feature four Game 4s on Sunday, all of which could result in tied series. Will the home teams get the job done?.
Artem Zub's hit on John Tavares and the ripple effect for the Maple Leafs in Game 4
Tavares' brief injury absence in Game 4 led to Toronto being without its top performer on a critical four-minute power play.
Landeskog scores 1st NHL goal in nearly 3 years
Playing in just his second game this season and with his team facing a 2-1 series deficit, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog scored his first NHL goal in nearly three years during his club's 4-0 Game 4 victory over the Dallas Stars on Saturday.
Avalanche demolish Stars to even series, Gabriel Landeskog scores: Takeaways
Mackenzie Blackwood earned a shutout and Landeskog scored his first NHL goal in nearly three years as Colorado defeated Dallas 4-0.
Senators stay alive as Jake Sanderson sinks Leafs in OT: Game 4 takeaways
The Maple Leafs failed to close out the Senators in a 4-3 overtime loss as the series shifts back to Toronto.
Golden Knights even series vs. Wild with overtime goal in Game 4: Takeaways
Ivan Barbashev delivered for Vegas, scoring in OT to secure a 4-3 win in Game 4 and tying the first-round series with Minnesota at 2-2.
Lightning's savvy offseason pickup of Jake Guentzel is paying off in NHL playoffs
"The bigger the moment, the bigger he plays," teammate Luke Glendening said of Guentzel's ability to elevate his play in the postseason.
Minus Hagel, Lightning storm back, dodge 3-0 hole
Without suspended winger Brandon Hagel in the lineup, the Tampa Bay Lightning stormed back to defeat the Florida Panthers 5-1 on Saturday, cutting their deficit in this Eastern Conference first-round series to 2-1 on the strength of five unanswered goals.
Šimon Nemec's overtime heroics give him moment he can cherish after up-and-down year
The No. 2 pick in 2022 was a healthy scratch and spent time in the AHL this season before becoming the unlikely hero in Game 3.
New York Sirens eliminated from PWHL playoff contention: Gold Plan, offseason, what's next
The Sirens have officially failed to qualify for the PWHL playoffs for the second straight year.
Lightning break out in Game 3 to cut series lead to 2-1 Panthers: Takeaways
Andrei Vasilevskiy rose to the occasion in Game 3 of the Battle of Florida, backstopping the desperate Lightning to a 5-1 victory.
Caps' Wilson, Habs' Anderson fined $5K for melee
Capitals forward Tom Wilson and Canadiens forward Josh Anderson were each fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct for their roles in a melee that extended into the Montreal bench during Game 3.
Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad return for Game 3 vs. Lightning
Barkov returned after getting injured in Game 2, and Ekblad returned from a 20-game suspension for violating the league's PED policy.
26th April 2025
NHL playoffs daily: Devils win OT thriller, Canadiens emerge from brawling Game 3 victorious
The wins for the Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils all injected season-season juice into their first-round series.
NFL Draft's stunning tumble continues, plus the NHL's surprising villain
Welcome to The Pulse, The Athletic's daily sports newsletter.
Stanley Cup playoffs daily: Senators on the brink, while Avs, Knights, Bolts try to punch back
Get ready for Saturday's four games with key stats, matchups, more. Plus, Friday's Three Stars and highlights.
Meet Jack Murtagh: 2025 NHL Draft prospect, lover of scoring goals, 'gamer' and 'freak athlete'
Given his age and the lost time at the start of his draft year, Murtagh is proud of his season and happy with the way his game is trending.
LeBrun: Stars captain Jamie Benn is a ‘catapult’ who gets his team going when it matters
No captain in the NHL shuns the spotlight more than Benn, who is still an impactful player in his 16th season in the league.
As Capitals and Canadiens lose their starting goalies, chaos enters the chat
Montreal's Sam Montembeault and Washington's Logan Thompson both left Game 3 with injuries, and they could be gone for a while.
NHL playoff picks, odds, schedule for Saturday's Stanley Cup action including Stars-Avalanche
The Maple Leafs go for a sweep, Florida goes for a 3-0 lead and Colorado and Vegas hope to even series in Saturday's NHL playoff action.
Devils' Nemec, scratched in G1, plays 2OT hero
Simon Nemec went from a healthy scratch in Game 1 to scoring the winning goal in double overtime of Game 3 to give the Devils new life in their series against the Hurricanes.
Habs' Montembeault, Caps' Thompson exit G3
Canadiens starting goalie Sam Montembeault left in the second period of Game 3 on Friday night, and Capitals starter Logan Thompson exited late in the third period after a collision with teammate Dylan Strome.
Hagel suspended for Game 3 due to hit on Barkov
Brandon Hagel will miss Game 3 of the Lightning's first-round playoff series after getting suspended for his late hit that knocked Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov out of Game 2.
Evan Bouchard, Oilers beat Kings in another high-scoring affair: Game 3 takeaways
Two Edmonton goals scored 10 second apart in the third period made it a 2-1 series.
From scratch to hero, Šimon Nemec lifts Devils past Hurricanes in 2OT Game 3: Takeaways
Nemec — a healthy scratch to start the series — flung a shot past Frederik Andersen for a 3-2 win that narrowed the series to 2-1.
Canadiens turn tide vs. Capitals in wild Game 3 at Bell Centre: Takeaways
The game featured a major brawl and both starting goalies leaving with injuries in playoff hockey's return to Montreal.
Lightning's Brandon Hagel suspended 1 game for hit that injured Panthers' Aleksander Barkov
Hagel was assessed a five-minute major penalty following a review by officials in Game 2.
Devils D Siegenthaler back in lineup for Game 3
Defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler returned to the Devils' lineup on Friday night for Game 3 of the first-round series against the Hurricanes.
Canadiens keep injured Laine out for Game 3
Patrik Laine, who was benched late in Wednesday's Game 2 loss after a difficult first two period, is out for Game 3 due to an upper-body injury.
Canadiens, Capitals brawl spills into benches in Game 3
Linesman Kyle Wellington, at one point, was nearly toppled over the bench by Tom Wilson and Josh Anderson, the principle antagonists.
NHL fines Senators, Cousins for pregame conduct
The Senators and Nick Cousins were fined after Cousins was spotted flipping a puck across the center ice line at Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz as he went through his pregame routine.
What's the delay on an Alexander Nikishin contract? Why the Hurricanes aren't concerned
A quote from the prospect's agent Friday stoked fears that he could request a trade or return to Russia, but the Canes are not concerned.
Habs' Laine misses morning skate before Game 3
Montreal forward Patrik Laine did not attend the Canadiens' morning skate prior before Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series Friday against the visiting Washington Capitals.
Oilers turn to Pickard in goal to avoid 3-0 hole
The Oilers are making a goaltender change for Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series against the Kings, turning to Calvin Pickard in the crease over Stuart Skinner.
Mistrial in Hockey Canada case; process restarts
A judge declared a mistrial in the sexual assault case involving five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team. The ruling means a new trial will be held, and jury selection for it began Friday.
Down 2-0 in series, Oilers to start Calvin Pickard in Game 3 vs. Kings
Calvin Pickard has been tabbed to replace Stuart Skinner as the Oilers’ starting goalie.
Lightning on ropes as Panthers shut down Tampa Bay star power
The Lightning's big names have struggled so far against stingy Florida, and they're running out of time.
Stanley Cup playoffs daily: Will the Devils or Oilers get on the board?
All three teams returned home down 0-2. Can they turn the tide? Plus, Thursday's highlights and Three Stars.
In Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, judge declares mistrial; jury empaneled for next week
The 14 jurors were sent home Friday following the ruling by Justice Maria Carroccia, who has presided over the trial that began Tuesday.
Senators, Nick Cousins hit with fines over warmup mischief vs. Leafs
NHL fines Senators forward Nick Cousins for shooting pucks into the Leafs end, targeting goalie Anthony Stolarz, in pre-game warmup.
NHL Power Rankings: The playoff teams 1-16, plus — who is stepping up?
It’s still way too early to know who will add “big game player” to their narrative this season, but we’ve got a few early candidates.
25th April 2025
NHL playoffs daily: Leafs push Sens to brink of elimination; Wild, Blues, Panthers win
After a Game 3 win, Toronto has a chance to be the first team to advance to the second round of the NHL playoffs.
Meet Seth Jarvis' mini-me — a 12-year-old whose costume became a viral tradition at Hurricanes games
“He nailed it pretty good,” says no less an authority than Jarvis himself. “He got the greasy mustache. He got the cut off.”.
PWHL playoff race is back on: Top 5 storylines to watch down the stretch
There are nine games left in the PWHL's second season. Here's what to keep an eye on.
Which classic Battle of Ontario moments should Maple Leafs and Senators fans shelve or keep?
The case for and against putting these frequently cited moments from the rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Senators on the shelf.
How Stars’ Thomas Harley stepped in — and stepped up — to become a low-key Norris candidate
The 4 Nations Face-Off was a turning point — a launching pad, even — for Harley, who filled a hole for Dallas with Miro Heiskanen injured.
The Maple Leafs' Atlantic Division title is paying off. Now they have to finish the job
The Leafs picked up their first division title over a full season in more than 20 years in 2024-25. So far, they're taking full advantage.
NHL playoff picks, odds, how to watch info for Friday's Stanley Cup action including Kings-Oilers
The Stanley Cup Playoffs continue on Friday with three matchups including Capitals-Canadiens, Hurricanes-Devils and Kings-Oilers.
Barkov exits Panthers' Game 2 win after hard hit
Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov left their Game 2 win over Tampa Bay after a third-period hit by Lightning forward Brandon Hagel, which earned him a major penalty.
Buchnevich's hat trick steers Blues to Game 3 win
Pavel Buchnevich scored three goals for his first career playoff hat trick and added an assist as the St. Louis Blues beat the Winnipeg Jets 7-2 in Game 3 of their first-round series.
The Maple Leafs' most unlikely hero has them on verge of sweeping Battle of Ontario
The Leafs boast some of the biggest names in hockey, but on Thursday someone new became "the king of Toronto for a night.".
Blues rout Jets in Game 3 to get back in series: Takeaways
The Blues scored early and often in a 7-2 victory over the Jets to cut the series lead to 2-1.
Kaprizov, Boldy shine again, Wild chase Golden Knights' goalie in Game 3 victory: Takeaways
The Wild controlled the game and took a 2-`1 series lead.
