Foerster's Hat Trick Powers Flyers to Thrilling 8-5 Victory Over Rangers

Following a stretch where they went a full month without securing a standard victory, lost 11 out of their last 12 matches causing them to drop out of playoff contention, and witnessed the firing of head coach John Tortorella on March 27, one might think the Flyers would lose motivation for the remaining nine games of the season. However, this wasn’t the case.

Credit where due: The Flyers have gone the other way entirely. Under acting head coach Brad Shaw, they've kept up their recent upward trend. After a slow start on Wednesday night, they managed to come back and beat the New York Rangers. - 5 In a high-scoring affair at Madison Square Garden, Tyson Foerster stole the show with his first-ever hat trick as both squads combined for an impressive total of nine goals during an exhilarating final frame.

Eat your hearts out tankathoners The revitalized Flyers have gone 4-1-0 since Shaw took over.

The Flyers' goalie, Aleksei Kolosov, will be starting on Wednesday against the Rangers; meanwhile, Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny are set to participate in the 2025 World Championships.

Alongside Aleksei Kolosov, who was Making his debut appearance since January 2nd Before the game started, the Flyers didn’t do much to help their rookie goaltender. Just 1 minute and 15 seconds into the first period, Mika Zibanejad received a penalty shot after being slashed during a breakaway by Cam York.

Fortunately for Kolosov, who hadn’t encountered an active NHL shot in 97 days, Zibanejad’s attempt went well wide of the target. Following some careless play from both teams, the Rangers were awarded another breakaway after about 10 more minutes, and this time they made their opportunity count.

During the Flyers' penalty kill, Karsen Dorwart’s misplay along the boards allowed Zibanejad to set up Vincent Trocheck for a shorthanded breakaway. Trocheck faked out Kolosov with a strategic head fake before sliding home a backhand shot to take a 1-0 lead for the Blueshirts.

Midway through the second period, the Flyers equalized thanks to Foerster’s first goal of the evening and his 20th of the campaign. Following a smooth entry into the offensive zone from the right side, Noah Cates identified an open Foerster, who then scored past New York's goalie, Jonathan Quick, with a precise wrist shot. Shortly after, Garnet Hathaway extended the Flyers' lead to 2-1 when he netted a short-handed goal that managed to slip between Quick's legs.

The Rangers equalized thanks to an Artemi Panarin goal at 18:32 of the second period, leading to a back-and-forth final frame as both squads pushed aggressively for attack despite having just a handful of inconsequential matches remaining on their calendars.

Brad Shaw and the Flyers are concentrating on performing 'the correct actions' as they finish out the season.

Travis Sanheim, ending up with a plus-four score, put the Flyers ahead at 3-2 just 3 minutes and 5 seconds into the last period when he capitalized on a rebound following his own pass and took advantage of an opportunity created by Cates. However, this lead was short-lived because Jonny Brodzinski managed to score against Kolosov with a difficult angle shot from the left sideboards. Throughout the entire season, Kolosov has had trouble positioning himself properly for such shots amidst heavy traffic.

A minute and 23 seconds later, Kolosov allowed another questionable goal, as J.T. Miller fired a one-timer past the Belarusian netminder from distance. While it wasn’t as bad as the previous goal, the netminder looked to be in position in time to stop Miller’s effort.

However, the Flyers did not exit gracefully. Jakob Pelletier found the back of the net just a minute afterward, tying the game at 4-4. Soon after, Captain Sean Couturier propelled the Flyers into the lead permanently with approximately eight minutes remaining in the match, capitalizing on a generous rebound from goaltender Quick following a shot from Matvei Michkov near the blue line.

To provide the Flyers some space, Foerster increased their lead to 6-4 with his career-best 21st goal at 15:33 into the third period. Although Chris Kreider narrowed the gap for the Rangers shortly afterward, Foerster sealed his hat trick with an empty-net goal scored from center ice.

Unsatisfied after converting the extra point, the Flyers further extended their lead by adding an eighth goal as Owen Tippett impressively scored into the top corner of the empty net from within his own blue line. Since Coach Shaw assumed control, the team has tallied 25 goals across five matches.

To secure his first NHL victory since December 12, Kolosov allowed five goals with 29 shots being directed at him. It remains uncertain whether he'll have another opportunity to play before the season concludes.

The Flyers, possessing one of the league's five worst records with just four games left to play, will head back home on Saturday to face the New York Islanders at 12:30 p.m. on NBCSP.

©2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Draisaitl Unleashes Bold Defense: A Game-Changer's Secret Weapon Revealed

The Edmonton Oilers' forward Leon Draisaitl is the -160 betting favorite to secure the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player.

Despite this, Draisaitl is presently labeled as day-to-day due to an unspecified injury that has led him to sit out for three consecutive matches and an additional four towards the close of last month.

By Wednesday night, he tops the NHL charts with 52 goals and ranks third with 106 points (including 54 assists) in 71 matches played.

The 29-year-old German sensation boasts an impressive trophy case, including a previous Hart Trophy win in the 2019-20 season. He also claimed the Art Ross Trophy for being the top point-scorer in the league and received the Ted Lindsey Award, which recognizes the most outstanding player as selected by his peers during that campaign.

A piece of equipment he lacks in his collection is the Selke Trophy, which goes to the National Hockey League's best defensive forward.

Defending has consistently posed a challenge for the Oilers, even with players like Draisaitl and the league's undisputed top talent, Connor McDavid, on their roster.

These two offensive assets have not been granted sufficient recognition as reliable defensive elements that enhance their impact on the scoreboard.

"[At this stage], it might be even more crucial than any individual trophy," Draisaitl stated according to the source. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman Clearly, there has been a significant amount of discussion surrounding actions from our younger days that we're unable to justify now. The main reason for not emerging victorious is due to Connor and me failing to provide adequate defense.

I believe we have significantly altered that perspective across the league, particularly over the past few years. Both of us are indeed excellent defenders whenever we choose to be. It’s all about maintaining consistency and performing at that level each game. This year, I feel like I’ve largely achieved that.

Kris Knoblauch, the head coach, stated on Wednesday that he anticipates Draisaitl will be back in the lineup before the first round begins; the Oilers still have four matches remaining in the regular season.

They currently hold the third spot in the Pacific Division, setting them up to face the second-seeded Los Angeles Kings.

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Canes vs. Devils: Dance for the Stanley Cup Begins!

The first-round opponent has been determined for the Carolina Hurricanes.

When the New York Rangers lost to the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday, they ensured that the New Jersey Devils would make the playoffs, thus setting up a first-round match between the Canes and the Devils.

The home-ice advantage has not been determined yet. Nonetheless, up until now, the Canes lead the Devils by seven points in the standings for the second position within the Metropolitan Division.

The Washington Capitals have already secured the Metro division championship.

The Hurricanes and Devils competed in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the Hurricanes emerging victorious in the series 4-1.

The regular season concludes on April 17, followed by the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 19.

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Utah and Predators Aim High After Seven-Goal Explosions

When two squads fresh from scoring seven goals each collide, they'll square off on Thursday as the Nashville Predators take on the Utah Hockey Club in Salt Lake City.

Utah's 7-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday stood as their most impressive display this season. With a record of 36 wins, 30 losses, and 12 ties for a total of 84 points, Utah managed to score the highest number of goals in any single game throughout the team’s first year. They also dominated with an overwhelming shot count of 41 compared to the Kraken’s 19.

Mikhail Sergachev (scoring one goal and providing two assists) along with Dylan Guenther (who notched three assists) were key contributors on the scoreboard. However, it was a comprehensive team performance for Utah. A total of seven distinct players found their way onto the score sheet, while 12 different individuals recorded at least one point each.

As seen in every match, our offense can originate from various sources, just like last night," remarked Utah’s coach Andre Tourigny. "Our power play performed exceptionally well, but we also saw goals coming from different lines. This versatility proved crucial.

Utah remains in contention for a spot in the West Division wildcard race; however, they would be out of playoff consideration by Thursday evening should the Minnesota Wild defeat the San Jose Sharks.

Over their last three games, Utah's power play unit has been successful six times out of twelve attempts, following a tough stretch where they managed only one success in twenty-four tries during their preceding ten games.

Despite leading throughout their game against Seattle, Utah saw a more challenging contest as Nashville fell behind multiple times during their 7-6 victory in overtime against the New York Islanders on Tuesday. Trailing 6-4 entering the last 2:07 of regular time, Nashville managed to turn things around when Steven Stamkos netted a power-play goal, followed closely by Michael Bunting scoring another power-play tally with only 40 seconds left on the clock.

Fedor Svechkov then found the back of the net 1 minute and 56 seconds into overtime, securing Nashville’s most thrilling win of their challenging season (28-42-8, 64 points).

Sort of a wild evening, reminiscent of old-school matches filled with numerous scores," remarked Stamkos, noting his contribution of two goals and two assists. "It’s been quite some time since we’ve experienced something like this... I believe (Predators assistant coach Todd Richards) joked that the hockey gods hadn’t been particularly generous to us when it came to scoring. So, getting some tonight felt fantastic.

The Predators are managing an impressive 29.4 shots per game, placing them among the top teams in the NHL in this category. Nevertheless, their scoring drops significantly with only 2.54 goals per game on average, which ranks amongst the poorest in the league.

The victory on Tuesday prevented the Predators from setting an embarrassing record for their franchise. After losing six consecutive games, another defeat against the Islanders could have tied them with their longest-ever losing streak of seven games set during the 2012-13 season.

Filip Forsberg tops Nashville with 30 goals and 42 assists.

In Utah, Clayton Keller leads across all categories with 27 goals and 57 assists. He is just two points shy of tying his personal high of 86 points, which he achieved during the 2022-23 season.

Karel Vejmelka has played in every one of Utah’s past 21 matches and boasts an outstanding 2.41 goals-against average along with a .903 save percentage throughout this demanding stretch. Should Utah opt to grant Vejmelka some much-needed time off, backup goalie Matt Villalta would step up for his second-ever NHL appearance.

It’s probable that Juuse Saros will start as the goalkeeper for the Predators on Thursday. Over recent weeks, Nashville has predominantly alternated their goaltenders, which suggests that Saros should expect to play this time around because Justus Annunen was the one who faced the Islanders previously.

In the previous matchup between Nashville and Utah on November 9th, Saros made an impressive 27 saves for a clean sheet as the Predators won 4-0. Following this game, these two teams will face each other one final time in Nashville on Monday to wrap up their season series.

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NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Evolution of Format, Teams, Rules, and Changes Over the Decades

Starting from the 1926-27 season, the National Hockey League champions have received Lord Stanley’s Cup, which stands as one of the most esteemed awards in all of athletics. This grueling path to emerge victorious as the final team remaining renders winning the Cup potentially the toughest achievement in North American sports.

The Stanley Cup playoffs have consistently presented a challenging journey. Over the decades, what has frequently altered is the structure that decides this path. the NHL's postseason winner .

Present Stanely Cup Playoff Structure

A total of sixteen squads advance to the Stanley Cup playoffs. The initial twelve slots go to teams finishing as one of the top three in their respective divisions: Atlantic and Metropolitan belong to the Eastern Conference, whereas Central and Pacific represent the Western Conference. The final four places are awarded via wildcard criteria; these positions are taken up by the two groups within each conference having secured the most points from amongst those not partaking directly through divisional standing.

The Stanley Cup playoffs consist of four stages where victors are decided through best-of-seven game matches. Clubs that accumulated more points during the regular season enjoy home-ice advantage. These series follow a 2-2-1-1-1 schedule, with teams holding home-ice advantage playing at their venue for Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, whereas their rivals host Games 3, 4, and 6.

During the initial match-ups, the division winners holding the strongest records in their conferences will compete against the wildcard teams having the lowest standings. Should a wildcard have a superior record compared to others, they would face off against another division winner instead. Meanwhile, the teams finishing second and third in every division will go head-to-head under brackets led by their corresponding division champions.

The first-round victors proceed to the second round. Those who win in the second round will go on to compete in the conference finals. Finally, the champions from each conference face off in the Stanley Cup Final.

In the initial two stages, home-ice advantage is granted to the team that had a superior standing during the regular season. For the conference finals and the Stanley Cup Final, the team with the stronger overall performance in the regular season earns the home-ice benefit, irrespective of their divisional ranking.

If two teams are level on regular-season points, the following criteria will be used to break the tie:

1. Superior points percentage: The smaller number of games played.

2. Regulation wins (RW): The majority of wins not including those achieved during overtime or through a shootout.

3. Regulation win plus overtime victories (ROW): The majority of wins not including those achieved through a shootout.

4. Total wins: The majority of games secured regardless of the method.

5. Head-to-head points: The highest points accumulated from matches between tied teams amongst two or more groups. If multiple clubs haven't competed equally against one another, specifically when one team has an additional match ("odd" game), this initial encounter won’t count towards tiebreakers. For scenarios involving over two tied clubs, the ratio of total points gained out of possible points from their mutual encounters (excluding these “odd” games) shall decide rankings.

6. Goal differential: The larger discrepancy between goals scored and goals conceded throughout the regular season, encompassing those tallied in overtime as well as those gained through shootout victories.

7. Goals scored: The higher aim total throughout the regular season, encompassing goals scored in overtime as well as those granted for winning shootouts.

Criteria for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The NHL consists of 32 teams, and each team plays an 82-game regular season. According to what was stated, 16 teams make it to the Stanley Cup playoffs, with eight from each conference qualifying.

Here’s how the 16-team tournament unfolded for the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, culminating in the Florida Panthers beating the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in an exciting seven-game series.

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Dubas: "Defensive Weaknesses Must Be Addressed This Off-Season"

Kyle Dubas concluded his GM Show for the season.

Some thoughts on it:

• The show’s host, Josh Getzoff, queried Dubas about where he was during Alex Ovechkin breaking the record. Surprisingly, Dubas mentioned he was attending an Oshawa/Bramptom OHL playoff match. A standout player from this game included Porter Martone, who is expected to be among the top selections for the year 2025 draft. Additionally, there was Simon Wang, a towering defenseman standing six feet five inches tall, originally hailing from China but relocated to North America with aspirations of becoming a professional ice hockey player. At the time, Wang ranked as high as thirty-first according to Bob McKenzie’s mid-season scouting He might not make it as a top-10 selection for the Penguins. However, if they acquire the Rangers' pick or consider trading some early-round selections, it could change things—though perhaps not necessarily so. Given his strong support for the OHL, Dubas certainly keeps an eye on players from that league overall. At minimum, he did watch Martone play during the playoffs when his team was defeated 4-1 and he failed to register a single point.
• Dubas discussed the situation of Rutger McGroarty who was set for an examination following a foot injury during Tuesday's game against Chicago. "While we'll hurry things along, we're also going to be very cautious and ensure that the scan doesn’t reveal any long-term issues."
• Dubas mentioned that when discussing how players approach games after being eliminated, he prefers not to speak with the team throughout the season, gesturing toward the coaching section. However, he clarified that his expectations from individual members were well-defined as the season neared its end. He also noted that this period would provide valuable insights for the organization moving forward into next year.
• Regarding Jarry’s recent performance where he secured victories in three out of his last four matches, Dubas expressed happiness about Tristan's progress. According to him, overcoming challenges and demonstrating one's potential indicates significant growth. Dubas praised Jarry’s strong showing against Chicago and stated, "The aim now is for him to use these remaining games as momentum heading into the offseason, ensuring an exceptional period leading up to the new season. This way, he will return more determined than ever, having experienced tough times; you wouldn’t want to revisit those, so let’s keep pushing forward." Additionally, Dubas highlighted that Joel Blomqvist and Sergei Murashov are likely to advance within the organization. He remarked confidently, “These players won’t be held back, and they’ll only elevate our team.” Dubas also believes that increased competition between Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic could enhance both goaltenders' performances significantly.
• Getzoff shifted his attention to the upcoming RFA Conor Timmins and whether the Penguins planned to retain him for the following season considering his performance. "Absolutely, we plan to," replied Dubas. "His gameplay was impressive; we benefited from several transactions occurring rapidly near the trade deadline." He also noted that when the Maple Leafs acquired Brandon Carlo, it influenced their team structure and salary cap, which allowed them to bring in Timmins. Dubas mentioned wanting to provide Timmins ample opportunities to showcase his skills through significant playing time. "He seized these chances effectively, exactly what we hoped for. His performances indicate considerable promise as an integral part of our future." According to Dubas, they have only begun to uncover Timmins' full capabilities, suggesting he holds great potential to integrate well into the Penguins’ lineup going ahead.
• Regarding the focal point that is Erik Karlsson and his role in shaping the future, Dubas mentioned considering Karlsson’s perspective of departing from Ottawa to join San Jose, with both cities later entering rebuilding phases under salary-cap constraints. According to Dubas, Karlsson has the potential to revitalize the Penguins’ success but needs consistent performance, highlighting instances like his outstanding play at the 4 Nations tournament and occasionally when in Pittsburgh. He referred to certain players in Pittsburgh who improved their game after turning 35 as models for maintaining peak form. Dubas stated confidently, "If we secure the proper teammate—perhaps it could be Conor Timmins, or perhaps another player—we must resolve some defensive gaps this offseason. A key question will involve identifying the ideal partner for [Karlsson], whether it turns out to be Conor or someone else. Despite external distractions, I strongly feel he can contribute significantly towards guiding the team forward and returning us to competitive standing."
• Regarding Koivunen’s transition during his initial season in North American hockey, Dubas mentioned that one can’t predict exactly how tough it might be for an individual to manage such a shift. He highlighted that Koivunen has gained significant self-assurance and embraced the skating and agility training regimen implemented in Wilkes; these efforts have been quantifiably successful. Dubas also pointed out Koivunen’s competitive spirit, noting how he strives to dominate games near the net and unsettle opposing players as part of his growth strategy. Dubas explained further that with both Koivunen and McGroarty, this illustrates the approach being adopted—taking gradual strides rather than immediately making the roster or excelling instantly. This often involves a demanding, tedious progression, step-by-step, like laying bricks methodically. They should ascend once prepared, demonstrating readiness through performance. Dubas expressed enthusiasm about having prospects rise simultaneously in groups, emphasizing it adds value to their developmental framework. Both athletes were called up together—an inspiring milestone for the organization’s nurturing system, witnessing their impressive performances on the ice.
• Discusses the importance of having players adapt to competing until May and June in the AHL. It highlights the success of teams like Washington and Hershey, who have won the past two Calder Cups, and mentions how this experience has helped certain players transition effectively to the NHL level.
• When questioned about whether Bryan Rust was an essential part of the squad, Dubas stated, "Rust has always been integral to our group. While there are three players who've been with us for over twenty years, Rust is also someone I associate with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His values align perfectly with what we aspire to be—his integrity, readiness, and dedication are exemplary. He serves as a role model for newer players because he fought hard to reach this level after being selected in the middle rounds."
• The summary for the team's out-of-season strategy outlines extensive activities each summer. It involves two intensive weeks focused on professional scouting for both free agents and drafts, highlighting their substantial draft resources which they plan to leverage—whether through retaining selections or trading them—to acquire top-tier NHL players. The discussion then pivots to addressing weaknesses within the defensive lineup, exploring potential solutions via trade options or signing free agents. Director Kyle Dubas emphasizes that this strategic planning should not be hurried; he stresses that there isn’t a single transformative action but rather an ongoing commitment from the management to steadily work towards enhancing the team’s performance.

—

The comments from a general manager might be interpreted excessively or insufficiently; it's wisest to view them merely as a glimpse at a particular point in time—nothing more, nothing less. On April 9th, Dubas expressed strong confidence that both Jarry and Karlsson will have roles to play next season. Considering just the present situation, his statement holds up logically.

In 2023, Dubas spoke confidently about his excitement for Jeff Petry and Mikael Granlund as well. trade them shortly after By default, it makes sense that anyone who is still under contract must have a favorable rating at that time. Eventually, this might change though.

Is that moment likely to arrive involving Karlsson and/or Jarry this coming summer? Only time will tell. The organization might opt for a new approach altogether, or as Dubas mentioned today, they may choose to address the issue by finding Karlsson a suitable teammate, aiming to resolve some of the recent challenges. This does not render current statements and intentions irrelevant, yet it also isn’t set in stone.

It's evident that the blue line is emerging as the primary focus for observation throughout the summer. Dubas readily acknowledged that additional efforts are needed to attract high-caliber talent. Recognizing the problem is just part of the challenge; resolving it presents an entirely different hurdle. The Penguins would greatly benefit from acquiring at least one, possibly even two, reliable top-four left-handed defenders should they genuinely aim to enhance their roster. Observing how Dubas and his team address this concern promises to be quite intriguing. Today's remarks suggest that Conor Timmins may be involved, yet the management has made it apparent that reinforcing the defensive unit remains a critical priority.

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How Brad Marchand Is Reshaping the Florida Panthers: A Perfect Fit?

This vision undoubtedly made even the toughest Boston Bruins supporters feel nauseous.

After participating in over 1,200 regular-season and playoff games with the Spoked-B emblem, Brad Marchand now sports a Florida Panthers uniform. Adding insult to injury for Boston fans, Marchand notched his initial assist on a play that sent Sam Bennett into scoring mode, securing an overtime victory for the Panthers.

You've seen how determined this player is, along with his physicality and intensity," said Panthers coach Paul Maurice to reporters prior to Marchand's first game last week. "But when you see him in practice, you think, 'Wow, he has such agility.' It starts to dawn on you just how high his skill level really is.

Marchand is acutely familiar with the cutthroat nature of the Atlantic Division, which adds an extra dose of chaos to the race for the top spot. The Panthers trail the Toronto Maple Leafs by two points entering Their important game on Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena The Tampa Bay Lightning sit between them with 93 points. Each of these three teams has eight games remaining. (There’s a 42.7 percent probability that Toronto and Florida will face each other in the first round of the playoffs.)

Maurice has placed Marchand, who just came back from an upper-body injury that kept him out for much of March, alongside Bennett and rookie Mackie Samoskevich. This combination hasn’t found their rhythm initially, failing to net a single goal during even-strength play after logging 22 minutes and 36 seconds of ice time together. During this period, they have managed only 40.9 percent of the anticipated expected goals. Meanwhile, against Florida, these players were on the ice as opponents generated more significant chances, totaling nine compared to ten by the team featuring them.

In contrast to his role in Boston, where he consistently played with the Bruins' top power-play unit, Marchand has been placed on Florida's second unit along with Anton Lundell, Evan Rodrigues, Carter Verhaegue, and Nate Schmidt since being traded. This move has reduced his average power-play ice time significantly, dropping from 3 minutes and 18 seconds per game to just under 2 minutes per game.

Nevertheless, the Panthers didn’t sign Marchand with the intention of making him their main scoring threat. Before the start of the 2022-23 campaign, Maurice compared Marchand’s situation to that of Eric Staal joining the team. Like Staal—a former captain and Stanley Cup champion—Marchand agreed to take on a reduced role in pursuit of another title opportunity.

We brought in a really talented player, without a doubt," Maurice commented regarding Marchand. "However, the main advantage is adding an enthusiastic veteran who understands his career isn’t going to last another decade. He’s entering the later stages of his career, and such players value each day they spend on the ice.

Maurice also stated to journalists on Tuesday that "Marchand doesn’t face an adaptation period regarding our style of play." At even strength, Florida’s 58.5 percent zone entry rate via dumps ranks as the second highest in the NHL. This strategy has led them to create the second most offensive opportunities through their aggressive forechecking approach, with an average of 2.31 such instances per match. Additionally, they’ve managed to score 26 goals within five seconds after causing turnovers, placing them fourth overall in this category across the league.

Florida’s tough style fits perfectly with Marchand, who always seems ready to hassle his adversaries. He ranks 20th among 364 forwards, with at least 500 minutes played at 5-on-5 this season, for offensive-zone puck recoveries at a rate of 8.74 per 20 minutes.

Bennett informed journalists, "No matter what it takes, he will secure victory." He continued, "(We're) undoubtedly thrilled to have such an asset on our side rather than facing him as opposition anymore.... Acquiring someone of his caliber with so many years of experience under his belt is simply amazing. Our squad was quite assured even prior to making this addition. Now that he’s part of our lineup, it bolsters our faith in each other significantly."

Marchand's last two campaigns concluded with losses against the Panthers. Unable to defeat them previously, he now finds himself joining forces with them in their quest for consecutive titles.

It’s rare to find yourself as part of such a team," Marchand stated to journalists. "Over the years, I've played with many groups, and you can tell right away when things are extraordinary. When you enter a truly remarkable space, you recognize it immediately. This is what they possess here, and it's exactly what everyone aspires to join.

All stats via Sportlogiq

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Ovechkin Matches Gretzky's Legend: 'The Great 8' Scores Historic 894th Goal

"The Magnificent Eight" stands alongside "The Greatest of All Time," and is ready to achieve a significant landmark.

As Wayne Gretzky looked on from a box at Capital One Arena, Alexander Ovechkin moved nearer to making history by scoring his 893rd and 894th career goals, tying him for the top spot on the NHL’s all-time list.

The tying goal, which equaled some historic record, was scored midway through the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks. He grabbed the puck and sped towards the net from the left wing during a Capitals power play, managing to get it past the goaltender.

As Ovechkin went down on one knee, the Capitals' bench rushed onto the ice to join in the celebration of this landmark goal. Meanwhile, a throng of spectators dressed in red filled the stadium, their cheers echoing throughout the venue.

The Capitals forward reached his 894th goal in a number of games that was one less than Gretzky’s.

"It’s fine,” Gretzky stated during an in-game interview when discussing Ovechkin equaling his record. “My father used to tell Gordie Howe something similar ages ago. This is exactly what our sport is meant for.”

"That's what this game is all about ... Alex has been great for Washington (Capitals) ... He's been great for his own country (Russia) ... And I'm very proud of him ... I'm proud of what he accomplished. And that's what makes our game so wonderful.

Ovechkin currently has six remaining regular-season games to break the record for most goals scored in NHL history, beginning with the match against the New York Islanders on Sunday afternoon.

It’s said that the Capitals team leader might have gotten the chance to play towards the end of the match and achieve the record-breaking goal along with a hat-trick right at their home ice, yet he informed his coaching staff that he prefers not to secure this achievement through scoring into an unguarded net.

Coach Spencer Carbery stated to journalists, "I admire his desire to set a new record with a goalie in the net," adding, "He informed me of this during the game, and I simply wanted to ensure he wasn’t planning on giving up."

Even Capitals owner Ted Leonsis got into the fun after the game, celebrating with the team, and Gretzky, in the locker room.

Wow, what a night. Wayne and Alex—they're inseparable," Leonsis shared on social media. "Talking about setting goals and surpassing expectations. So much grace—dignity and heritage right here.

Only one more objective remains—to stand solo atop the pedestal. Wayne outshines all as the greatest player ever—and the most dignified gentleman—the game recognizes no equal.

Ovechkin has been on fire recently as he pursues this prestigious milestone, scoring goals in five out of his last six matches, positioning himself to create history.

Some players truly transcend life itself," John Carlson, who set up Ovechkin's goal, told journalists following the match. "Only a select few seem able to do so. It appeared almost certain.

The NHL has committed to broadcasting all Capitals games nationally for the remainder of the season as Ovechkin pursues the top spot in goal-scoring.

For those eager to see history unfold, tune into TNT on April 6 at 12:30 p.m. to catch the Capitals playing against the Islanders.

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Florida Panthers Seal Playoff Spot, Ready to Defend Stanley Cup

The Florida Panthers' quest to defend their Stanley Cup championship can now officially start.

Even after dropping to 3-0 against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday for their eighth loss in 12 games, the Panthers have has officially secured a place in the Stanley Cup playoffs for a sixth consecutive season following losses by both the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets.

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs begin April 19.

The Panthers have made the Stanley Cup playoffs every year since 2020 and progressed a little further each season, culminating in their first Stanley Cup last season. The year by year breakdown...

▪ 2020 : The Panthers made the expanded 24-team playoff field that took place following a four-and-a-half month break in the schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida, as the 10 seed in the Eastern Conference, was eliminated in its qualifying-round series against the No. 7 seed New York Islanders, falling 3-1 in the best-of-5 series.

▪ 2021 : With divisions realigned for the 2020-21 season to limit travel, Florida reached the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Central Division and faced the Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening round. The Panthers lost the best-of-7 series to their in-state rival 4-2.

▪ 2022 : The Panthers entered the playoffs as the Presidents’ Trophy winner after racking up an NHL-high 122 points in the regular season. After beating the Washington Capitals in six games for their first playoff series win since 1996, the Panthers were swept by the Lightning 4-0 in the second round.

▪ 2023 : In Year 1 under coach Paul Maurice, the Panthers were the final team in the Eastern Conference to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. What followed was nothing short of miraculous: A seven-game series win over a Boston Bruins team that set the NHL record for points in a regular-season, a five-game series win over the Toronto Maple Leafs and a four-game sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in franchise history. Injuries, however, took a toll on the Panthers down the stretch, and they lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.

▪ 2024 : The Panthers finally put it all together last season. After winning the Atlantic Division, Florida beat Tampa Bay in five games in the first round, Boston in six games in the second round, the New York Rangers in six games in the Eastern Conference final and the Edmonton Oilers in seven games (after nearly blowing a 3-0 series lead) in the Stanley Cup Final.

Now, the goal is to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, a feat last accomplished by the Lightning in 2020 and 2021.

Florida’s exact postseason path will be finalized over the next week and a half as the standings in the Atlantic Division firm up . The Panthers (44-28-4, 92 points) are currently third in the division, six points behind the Maple Leafs (47-25-4, 98 points). Tampa Bay second in the division.

The team that wins the Atlantic will most likely face the Eastern Conference’s top wild card team, which as of Saturday is the Senators (41-29-6, 88 points), to begin the Stanley Cup playoffs. The teams that finish second and third in the division will face each other in the opening round of the best-of-7 series.

The Panthers will also spend this final stretch trying to get as close to full strength as possible before the playoffs begin.

Star winger Matthew Tkachuk is on long-term injured reserve with an apparent groin injury sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in mid-February and will not come back until the playoffs start .

Top-pair defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been sidelined since March 8. during a 20-game ban that will carry into the first two games of the playoffs. Fellow key defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, benched due to an upper-body injury , last played on March 16.

Captain and leading forward Aleksander Barkov (upper-body injury) along with fourth-liner center Nico Sturm (also upper-body injury) have both been sidelined for the last couple of matches. It appears unlikely that they will be back on the ice this coming Sunday when the Panthers face off against the Detroit Red Wings.

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India Women's Hockey Captain: 'Our Play Will Repay Hockey India'

New Delhi [India], March 16 (ANI): The captain of the Indian women's team Salima Tete was honored at the 7th Hockey India Awards were presented to her on Saturday following her team's victory and winning the gold medal at the Women's Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 held in Rajgir, Bihar, the previous year.

She conveyed her thanks to Hockey India At the federation's 7th Annual Awards ceremony, highlighting the players' duty to excel in their performances.

" Hockey India She said they are putting in tremendous effort for us, and we must reciprocate by performing excellently. "We promise to give our absolute best in each tournament," she stated to ANI.

When discussing the importance of the awards ceremony, Tete emphasized that it acts as an inspiration for the athletes participating and for the aspiring youngsters who watch it.

"This yearly event serves as excellent inspiration for us and for the children observing it live. Receiving an accolade happens only once in a lifetime, so I wish to extend my congratulations to all the recipients. This honor isn’t bestowed upon everybody—it’s a testament to their dedication and effort," she stated.

The Hockey India The 7th Annual Awards ceremony took place in New Delhi on March 15, gathering India's hockey community. The National Federation honored the nation’s top hockey players, officials, and legendary figures for their significant contributions to the sport and for bringing glory to the country, as stated in an official statement. Hockey India .

The significance of this year’s awards was heightened as they marked both the centennial celebration of Indian hockey by the governing body and the 50th anniversary of India’s legendary 1975 World Cup win. In honor of these milestones, Hockey India honored the players from the winning 1975 World Cup team Hockey India The Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award comes with a cash prize of INR 50 lakhs.

The memorable night witnessed prominent figures from Indian hockey gather and showcased an unprecedented prize fund of INR 12 crore, marking the largest in the sport’s history. Hockey India Annual Awards.

At the peak of the evening’s accolades, Savita and Harmanpreet Singh were recognised as the Hockey India The Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2024 recipients in the women's and men's categories, respectively.

The awards ceremony kicked off by celebrating India’s notable achievement from 2024—the country securing a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Members of the Indian Men's Hockey Team were honored with a shawl along with an individual prize of ₹15 lakhs, whereas reserve players got ₹5 lakhs each, and the coaching and supporting team received ₹7.5 lakhs per person for their efforts and dedication.

In the second group, eight states received recognition for their crucial contribution to advancing hockey and their exceptional achievements during the 14th competition. Hockey India In the National Championships 2024, teams from Hockey Haryana, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Association of Odisha, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh Hockey, and Hockey Punjab claimed medals in different sections of the competition. Each team was presented with an award check worth INR 10 lakhs for their outstanding performances.

At the same time, the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu received the accolade of Best Member Unit of the Year 2024 due to their significant contributions towards transforming grassroots hockey via the inception of India’s inaugural statewide school hockey league—the Tamil Nadu School Hockey League. This pioneering effort included participation from 8 regions, encompassing 306 educational institutions with more than 5,500 participants engaging in over 500 games across approximately 45 locations, marking an important advancement for the game within the country.

The Indian men's and women's hockey teams were awarded INR 2.28 crore and INR 1.41 crore, respectively, as bonuses. These amounts encompassed a payment of INR 50,000 per player and INR 25,000 per support staff member for each international game victory.

In the Personal Accomplishment Honors, Harmanpreet Singh received a prize of INR 10 lakh for being named the FIH Men's Player of the Year 2024 at the FIH Hockey Star Awards 2024, along with an extra INR 1 lakh for his outstanding play during the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 held in Hulunbuir City, China.

PR Sreejesh got INR 5 lakhs for receiving the title of FIH Men's Goalkeeper of the Year 2024. Deepika earned INR 1 lakh apiece for securing both the top goalscorer position and best player award at the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 held in Rajgir, plus an additional INR 1 lakh for leading the goal-scoring chart at the Junior Women's Asia Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman.

Araijeet Singh Hundal was awarded INR 1 lakh for being named the Player of the Tournament at the Junior Men's Asia Cup 2024 held in Muscat, Oman.

The Milestone Awards 2024 celebrated remarkable accomplishments in global hockey. Boby Singh Dhami, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, and Sakshi Rana each earned an award of ₹100,000 for netting their first goals in an international game. Jarmanpreet Singh and Shamsher Singh were granted ₹100,000 apiece for achieving 100 international appearances. Meanwhile, Vivek Sagar Prasad and Sumit received awards worth ₹150,000 each for attaining 150 international matches under their belts. Amit Rohidas secured a prize of ₹200,000 for participating in his 200th international match, whereas Sushila Chanu was feted with ₹250,000 for her participation in her landmark 250th international contest.

The champions of the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 held in Hulunbuir City, China, as well as those from the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 in Rajgir, Bihar, were awarded INR 3 lakhs for each player and INR 1.5 lakhs for every member of the support staff. In contrast, the victorious teams at both the Junior Men’s Asia Cup 2024 and the upcoming Junior Women’s Asia Cup 2025 earned INR 2 lakhs per player and INR 1 lakh per support staff member for their accomplishments.

In the meantime, the last classification within this category is Hockey India The Annual Awards 2024 commenced with Ripudaman Sharma emerging as the winner. Hockey India President Award for Umpire/Umpires Manager of the Year 2024 and received an honorarium of INR 2.5 lakh. Anil Kumar P K was bestowed this recognition. Hockey India President's Award for Technical Official of the Year 2024, along with an INR 2.5 lakh prize.

The Hockey India The President's Award for Exceptional Success in 2024 went to the Beighton Cup Hockey Tournament, receiving an award of INR 5 lakhs. Furthermore, the Hockey India The Jaman Lal Sharma Award for Invaluable Contribution 2024 was bestowed upon Prasar Bharati, India's national public broadcasting company, which serves as the official channel for theHero. Hockey India The League 2024-25 has played a key part in broadening the league’s presence throughout India and internationally.

The award ceremony witnessed Savita securing the esteemed Hockey India The Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year 2024 went to Savita, who received INR 5 lakh plus a trophy. As a key player on the Indian women’s national hockey team, she played an essential role in their achievements, marking this as her second consecutive Goalkeeper of the Year honor.

Amit Rohidas, acknowledged as one of the globe’s top first rushers, claimed victory Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for Best Defender 2024, receives INR 5 lakh.

Hardik Singh, who had previously secured both the Men's Player of the Year and Midfielder of the Year accolades, has now added another title to his achievements. Hockey India The Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year 2024, which includes a prize of INR 5 lakh.

At the same time, Abhishek, an essential player in India's attacking lineup, kept his position. Hockey India The Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year, which includes INR 5 lakh and a trophy as recognition.

Deepika along with Aarjeet Singh Hundal, who experienced significant success with both their junior and senior squads during the year, claimed the championships. Hockey India The Asunta Lakra Award for Emerging Female Player of the Year 2024 (Under-21) Hockey India The Jugraj Singh Award for Emerging Male Player of the Year 2024 (Under-21) was presented to them, with each recipient receiving INR 10 lakhs along with a trophy. This marked Araijeet's second successive time winning the title of Emerging Male Player of the Year.

Savita, having recently achieved her 300th international cap and playing a crucial role in the Indian women's hockey team's achievements, has now claimed her third. Hockey India The Balbir Singh Senior Award for Player of the Year 2024 went to a woman player. Simultaneously, the present captain of the Indian men’s team, who guided India to a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics as well as multiple significant wins, secured his second consecutive Senior Player of the Year accolade. This athlete had previously been bestowed this honor during the 4th Annual Awards ceremony in 2021. Each awardee was presented with INR 25 lakhs along with a commemorative trophy.

At a crucial juncture, the 1975 World Cup-winning squad was feted for their achievements. Hockey India The Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024 has been announced with a prize of INR 50 lakh. Distinguished former athletes who graced the event were Leslie Fernandez, Onkar Singh, Ashok Diwan, B P Govinda, Kaliah P E, Brigadier HJS Chimni, V J Phillips (who was the top scorer in the tournament), Ashok Kumar, Aslam Sher Khan, and Brigadier Harcharan Singh.

Ashok Kumar accepted the accolade on behalf of team leader Ajit Pal Singh, with Chanchal Randhawa (the widow of the late Surjit Singh), Naveen Pawar (the son of the late Shivaji Pawar), Satpal Singh (the brother of the late Mohinder Singh), Manjeet Kaur (the wife of the late Varinder Singh), and Sheela Kindo (the spouse of the late Michael Kindo) all attending this significant event. (ANI)

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

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Even With a Win Tonight, Playoff Berth Still Out of Reach for CH

The competition for playoff spots in the Eastern Conference is incredibly intense, with just four points distinguishing teams from 8th to 13th place in the rankings.

The Columbus Blue Jackets currently hold the 8th and final playoff spot, but their position is precarious as five teams are closely trailing them.

Clearly, the Montreal Canadiens are among these teams since the CH is just a single point behind the Blue Jackets.

A single-point gap can shift overnight, which is fortunate as both squads will be competing tonight.

Nevertheless, there is an issue with everything mentioned here.

The issue at hand is the Blue Jackets' adversary for tonight, the New York Rangers, who also lead the CH by a single point.

Since these two teams are competing against each other tonight, one of them is assured of earning two points from this match.

So, even if the Tricolore manages to win against the Panthers, it won’t be able to wake up in a playoff spot tomorrow morning.

In the most favorable outcome, the CH will remain one point trailing behind either the Blue Jackets or the Rangers.

The CH must also pray that the match between Columbus and New York does not go into overtime, as having both squads secure points would be very undesirable.

This serves as yet another indication that the Tricolor mustn't allow vital points to escape them, considering how every point holds significant weight during these playoffs.

The loss in Seattle stings even more intensely as we examine the current rankings.

Should the Tricolor, leading 4-2 with under 10 minutes remaining, secure victory within regular playtime, they would move ahead of both the Blue Jackets and the Rangers. Consequently, their fate would rest solely in their own control.

The CH would have matched the Blue Jackets' total of regular-season wins, leading to the subsequent tiebreaker, specifically regular-season and overtime victories (reflected in the ROW section of the standings).

There, the Tricolore would have reached a total of 30, enabling it to exceed Columbus' count of 27.

To put it briefly, the defeat in Seattle is extremely painful at the moment and compels the CH to continue relying on other teams, even though they could have controlled their own fate.

In Rapid Fire

— Truly a commendable accomplishment.

— To follow.

— Happy birthday!

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