News Category: NHL

Rookies provide optimism as Leafs go home for Game 6 with Bruins

When the Toronto Maple Leafs needed a big play or big saves in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, two rookies showed out to bring the proceedings back home. Matthew Knies scored early in overtime and Joseph Woll made 27 saves in a 2-1 win for the Maple Leafs, who now look to turn the tables and push visiting Boston to the brink of elimination when

Stars hope to continue turnaround at home vs. Knights in Game 5

After losing the first two games of their Western Conference first-round series at home to the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, the Dallas Stars looked primed for an early exit from the playoffs. But Peter DeBoer’s squad heads back home on Wednesday for Game 5 with the series tied 2-2 after grinding out a pair of wins in Las Vegas. The Stars won Game 3 in overtime, 3-2, on a goal by Wyatt

Down 3-1 to Avs, Jets try to another avoid first-round exit

The Winnipeg Jets are in danger of a repeat performance when they host the Colorado Avalanche in Game 5 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Tuesday night. Just as they did last season against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Jets won their playoff opener against the Avalanche but have dropped three straight to put them in a 3-1 hole in the best-of-seven series. Winnipeg couldn’t extend the series beyond Game 5 last season

Canucks return home with chance to put away Predators

The Nashville Predators must recover from Sunday’s crushing loss to keep their season alive when they visit the Vancouver Canucks in Game 5 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Tuesday. After suffering a stunning 4-3 overtime loss in a game they led 3-1 with three minutes remaining in regulation, the Predators have the opportunity to show their mettle. “It’s an Etch a Sketch, goldfish kind of mentality,” coach Andrew Brunette said Monday. “We

Mathew Barzal, Islanders aim to stay alive, again, at Hurricanes

Once again faced with a do-or-die situation, the New York Islanders attempt to stay alive in the Stanley Cup playoffs when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes for Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series Tuesday in Raleigh, N.C. The Hurricanes lead the series 3-1. New York star Mathew Barzal ensured his team lived to fight another day on Saturday when he tipped in Robert Bortuzzo’s shot in double overtime of Game 4 to give

Stars hope to build momentum and take Game 4 in Vegas

Most visitors consider it a big plus if they can break even after spending a weekend in Las Vegas. The Dallas Stars are already guaranteed that accomplishment after beating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 in overtime Saturday in their Western Conference first-round series. But Peter DeBoer’s top-seeded squad, which still trails the best-of-seven series, 2-1, would like nothing better than getting another road win on Monday night. Ironically, the hero of Game 3 for the

Panthers looking to put away Lightning on home ice

The Florida Panthers are one win from eliminating the Tampa Bay Lightning from the playoffs for the first time in the franchises’ histories. The Lightning won the rivals’ two previous playoff encounters in 2021 and 2022. Though Florida leads the best-of-seven series 3-1 — with Game 5 set for the Panthers’ home ice in Sunrise on Monday — the leaders are not overconfident. That’s especially true after Tampa Bay’s 6-3 home win on Saturday in

Avalanche set to deliver huge blow vs. Jets

After a less-than-ideal start to the playoffs for the Colorado Avalanche, they now are in control of a first-round Western Conference series against the Winnipeg Jets. Colorado lost the series opener 7-6 behind shaky goaltending from Alexandar Georgiev. That setback is all but a memory now with a chance for a 3-1 series lead when the Avalanche host the Jets for Game 4 on Sunday afternoon. The Avalanche rolled to a 6-2 victory in Game

Predators looking to improve power play in Game 4 vs. Canucks

The Nashville Predators came away from Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series against the Vancouver Canucks mostly pleased with their efforts, despite the 2-1 loss to fall behind by the same result in the series. They outshot Vancouver 30-12 and finished with a 71-33 advantage in shot attempts. That said, they know there is still plenty of room for improvement when they host the Canucks in Game 4 on Sunday as they look

Stars hope road success continues in playoffs vs. Knights

Despite losing twice at home and trailing 2-0 in their Western Conference first-round series against the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, the Dallas Stars don’t feel defeated heading into Game 3 on Saturday night in Las Vegas. “I think we’re a confident group,” Stars coach Peter DeBoer said. “We’re obviously not in a great spot, but we’re also a veteran group and understand if you win one game, things change. Pressure points change,