The New York Rangers fired head coach David Quinn and assistants David Oliver, Jacques Martin, and Greg Brown, the team announced.The changes come a week after the Rangers named Chris Drury their new general manager and president after firing GM Jeff Gorton and president John Davidson.Team owner James Dolan released a statement saying the team lacked "overall spirit and culture" under the former executives.The club issued a letter to fans in 2018 outlining plans for a full-scale rebuild and signed Quinn to a five-year contract shortly afterward. Since then, the Rangers added MVP candidate Artemi Panarin via free agency as well as lottery picks Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko.The Rangers finished in fifth place in the East Division this season with a 27-23-6 record. They're in 15th place in the league's overall standings.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-0 Tuesday to clinch the North Division's third seed and set up a first-round series against the Edmonton Oilers.Meanwhile, the top-seeded Toronto Maple Leafs will face the fourth-seeded Montreal Canadiens. It'll mark the 16th playoff series between the Original Six rivals, but the first since 1978-79.The winner of each series will meet in the second round.Though this Jets franchise has never met the Oilers in the postseason, the two cities have quite the playoff history. The original Winnipeg Jets franchise took on the Oilers six times in the playoffs between 1983-1990, with Edmonton winning each time.The Leafs - who've made the postseason in five straight seasons - will look to advance past the first round for the first time since 2004.Toronto won the season series against Montreal 7-3, while Edmonton owned a 7-2 record against the Jets.The playoffs begin Saturday for U.S. teams while the North Division games are expected to begin no earlier than next Wednesday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said he plans to start Frederik Andersen between the pipes Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators, according to TSN's Mark Masters.Andersen hasn't played since March 19 due to a knee injury. He missed 23 games during that stretch.The 31-year-old started two games with the AHL's Toronto Marlies last week on a conditioning stint, stopping 46 of 52 shots.The 2020-21 campaign has been easily Andersen's worst in the NHL. The pending unrestricted free agent has posted an .897 save percentage and a 2.91 goals-against average in 23 appearances.Andersen missed nearly two weeks in late February with a lower-body injury. He returned to the crease and played through the ailment for seven games, posting an .876 save percentage before being shut down.Jack Campbell has been excellent in Andersen's absence, going 17-2-2 on the season with a .923 save percentage and a 2.11 goals-against average.Toronto has two regular-season games left before the playoffs begin.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Blackhawks didn't waste much time shifting into offseason mode.Henrik Borgstrom inked a two-year contract with the club, reports The Athletic's Scott Powers.The Blackhawks acquired the 23-year-old forward from the Florida Panthers along with forward Brett Connolly, defenseman Riley Stillman, and a seventh-round pick for forward Lucas Wallmark and blue-liner Lucas Carlsson on April 8.Borgstrom was a pending NHL restricted free agent. He spent this season in his native Finland, where he collected 11 goals and 10 assists in 30 games with Liiga's HIFK in Helsinki.The Panthers selected him 23rd overall in 2016. He posted nine goals and 10 assists over 58 contests with Florida from 2017-18 to 2019-20.Borgstrom was a college star at the University of Denver after he was drafted. The 6-foot-3, 199-pound center amassed 45 goals and 50 assists across 77 games over his two seasons with the Pioneers, helping them win the national championship as a freshman in 2016-17.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's safe to say Taylor Hall is enjoying life with the Boston Bruins.The rejuvenated star winger - fresh off a two-goal performance that included the overtime winner versus the New York Islanders on Monday - said his start with Boston has been a blast so far."It's been 16 games and it's probably been some of the most enjoyable hockey I've ever played in my career," Hall said, per Conor Ryan of the Boston Sports Journal. "I hope there's more to come."Hall signed with the Buffalo Sabres last offseason, but only managed two goals and 17 assists in 37 games as the club plummeted to last place. Since being dealt to the Bruins, he's notched 14 points in 16 contests, and Boston has gone 12-3-1 over than span with an expected goals mark over 62%, according to Natural Stat Trick.The Bruins were Hall's No. 1 destination entering the trade deadline, and he admitted he was close to signing with the club as an unrestricted free agent before landing in Buffalo.After the trade, Hall said he'd "love to be a Bruin for a few years."Hall has only appeared in 14 career playoff games since being drafted first overall in 2010. He made the postseason in his 2018 MVP season with the New Jersey Devils, and last year with the Arizona Coyotes.The Bruins are solidified in third place in the East Division and will play the Washington Capitals in Round 1.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Montreal Canadiens clinched the final playoff spot in the North Division after earning one point against the Edmonton Oilers during Monday's 4-3 overtime loss.Montreal is the NHL's last team to clinch a postseason berth, joining the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Oilers in its division. The Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks are now officially eliminated, but the two teams will still square off four times.The Canadiens lost in the first round last year, falling in six games to the Philadelphia Flyers after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in the qualifying round.Montreal is in fourth place in the North Division with a 24-21-9 record with one game remaining.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Patrik Laine confirmed his desire to remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets despite a turbulent first season with the club.The 23-year-old notched an underwhelming 21 points over 45 games after arriving in Columbus from the Winnipeg Jets, and he didn't seem comfortable under head coach John Tortorella."It's not the system's fault. It's just my fault," Laine told NHL.com's Craig Merz on Monday. "I don't think it matters who is behind the bench. I still have to go out there and do what I do, and I couldn't do that this year, but I'll do that next year."I love it here and I want to stay here for sure."Given the rocky start and his status as a restricted free agent this offseason, Laine's future with the club is a prominent talking point.The Blue Jackets and Tortorella parted ways on Sunday after six years. The notoriously hard-nosed coach benched Laine multiple times this season, with the first instance coming during the Finnish winger's fifth game with the club.Laine said his confidence suffered due to his failure to produce. He finished the 2021 campaign with a career-worst 0.47 points per game.The sniper signed a two-year, $13.5-million contract with the Jets in 2019. The Blue Jackets hold over $25 million in cap space this coming offseason to accommodate a new deal for Laine, according to Cap Friendly.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

ESPN is beginning to assemble its on-air talent ahead of becoming the NHL's primary broadcaster in the United States next season.Ray Ferraro and Brian Boucher signed with the network as lead analysts, reports Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.Ferraro is TSN's top color analyst in Canada. ESPN owns a minority stake in TSN, so it's unclear how this would affect Ferraro's role with his current employer. The 56-year-old spent 18 seasons in the NHL as a player, racking up 898 points in 1,259 games.Boucher is currently a color analyst for NBC, which will no longer broadcast NHL games beginning next season. The 44-year-old played 13 years in the NHL as a goaltender, winning 120 games.ESPN has yet to finalize its play-by-play commentators, but Steve Levy and Sean McDonough are viewed as leading internal candidates, reports Marchand.The legendary Gary Thorne, who was ESPN's lead NHL announcer from 1992-2004, said in March that he would "love to talk to" the network about a reunion.The Walt Disney Company, which owns ESPN and ABC, is paying the NHL over $400 million per season for the duration of a seven-year agreement that begins in 2021-22. Four Stanley Cup Finals will be broadcast on ABC during that span.Turner Sports picked up the "B package" of the NHL's TV deal in the United States, paying $225 million over seven years, and gets the other three Stanley Cup Finals.Kenny Albert and Eddie Olczyk, who will call this season's Stanley Cup Final for NBC, are reportedly joining Turner next season.Turner is reportedly eyeing Wayne Gretzky for a broadcasting role after his talks with ESPN fell apart.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel spoke to reporters Monday for the first time since early March, and he certainly didn't hold back.

The New York Rangers inked defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a three-year contract extension, the club announced Monday.It carries an average annual value of $3 million, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.The 23-year-old collected 16 points while averaging 20 minutes of ice time over 51 games this season. He played alongside Norris Trophy front-runner Adam Fox for much of the campaign before being shut down for the Rangers' final three games due to injury.Lindgren was a pending restricted free agent carrying a cap hit of $925,000. He's played all three of his NHL seasons with New York. The Boston Bruins drafted Lindgren 49th overall in 2016 before trading him to the Rangers in the Rick Nash deal nearly two years later.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL revealed its 31 nominees for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy on Monday.The award is given to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey."

Ottawa Senators associate coach Jack Capuano will serve as the head coach for Team USA at the 2021 World Championship, the program announced Monday.Providence College's Nate Leaman and the U.S. National Team Development Program's Adam Nightingale will serve as his assistant coaches. Kevin Reiter - who also works for the USNTDP - will serve as the goaltending coach while Senators video coach Mike King will reprise the same role on Capuano's staff.Capuano served as the New York Islanders' head coach for parts of seven seasons from 2010-2017. He's represented the U.S. on the international stage several times, including as an assistant coach at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and the 2017 World Championship.The 2021 World Championship will take place in Riga, Latvia from May 21 to June 6.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane filed for bankruptcy just three days before the start of the 2020-21 NHL season - but what could have been a distraction turned out to be quite the opposite."It's definitely been stressful. But it was a relief because I didn't have to try and hide it anymore. I didn't have to try to pretend. It was a big weight off my shoulders in a way," Kane told The Athletic's Ryan S. Clark in his first public comments about the details of his financial decision.Kane reportedly had $26.8 million of debt at the time of his filing, and there were rumors his contract with the Sharks could have been voided."For years, I was dealing with all these things," Kane said. "It's having that constant stress. Everybody has stress. But once I made that decision (to file for bankruptcy), people think it is the start of something. Really, it's the end of this chapter of my life. I think that is where the big misconception is about this."Kane said the birth of his child 10 months ago helped him mature and accept responsibility for his actions."Having my daughter was a huge, life-changing moment," he said. "That gets you to think about what you need to do. Not only as a man but as a father - to be able to make the best decisions for your family moving forward. For me, it was taking it on the chin. It was knowing I had to make a decision that was the best for me and my family that would also not be the most flattering publicly."While the Sharks as a team have had a season to forget, Kane has enjoyed the best individual campaign of his career. He's recorded 22 goals and 27 assists in 55 games, and his 73-point pace over 82 games is a career high.The 29-year-old said there may be a correlation between the airing of his financial situation and his strong play."You've kind of seen it with my on-ice play; that is maybe part of the motivation. It is wanting to show people that I've been dealing with so much for so long," Kane said.He added: "To have a lot of that removed and off my plate, it allowed me to focus on hockey and finally actually enjoy coming to the rink and getting on the ice with my teammates and playing the game at a high level. It was enjoyable for the first time in a long time."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Calgary Flames players and fans alike have found themselves in an uncomfortable position with the season winding down: They have to root for the Edmonton Oilers.The Flames' playoff hopes were kept alive with their 6-1 win over the Ottawa Senators on Sunday night. In order to qualify for the postseason, Calgary has to win all four of its remaining games, and the Montreal Canadiens have to lose both of their final contests - which come against the Oilers - in regulation."We just have to win and pray. That's all we can do tomorrow," Flames winger Matthew Tkachuk said following Sunday's game.He added: "Never thought we'd root for Edmonton but we need them to win these."The Flames and Oilers are fierce provincial rivals. Tkachuk was smack dab in the middle of the most recent chapter of the Battle of Alberta last season when he and Zack Kassian went after each other on numerous occasions.Johnny Gaudreau is hoping Connor McDavid can continue his brilliance against the Habs when the Flames need it most."I hope Connor can do his thing," Gaudreau said.Flames head coach Darryl Sutter downplayed the scenario during an awkward exchange with Sportsnet's Eric Francis.

If Victor Hedman hasn't looked like himself at times this season, there's a logical explanation as to why.The Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman has been playing through a lower-body injury that will require surgery in the offseason, Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reported on Saturday's "Headlines" segment.Johnston said Hedman's injury occurred on March 30 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Here's a look at the play in question:

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Pat Maroon will sit out one game for unsportsmanlike conduct stemming from his actions Saturday night against the Florida Panthers, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Sunday.Maroon will miss Monday's regular-season finale against the Panthers. Florida sits in second place in the Central Division with 77 points, while Tampa Bay occupies the third spot with 75. It will be the final contest before the playoffs for both clubs. The teams will meet in the postseason for the first time ever when the first round begins.The 33-year-old had a hearing earlier Sunday for roughing Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour. The Lightning agitator broke free from a linesman's grasp to attack the Florida blue-liner during Saturday's game.

Rick Tocchet won't coach the Arizona Coyotes next season, as he and the club agreed to part ways, general manager Bill Armstrong announced Sunday.Tocchet's contract expires June 30. The Coyotes' season ended with a win over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night.Arizona went 125-131-34 during Tocchet's tenure. The team eliminated the Nashville Predators in the qualifying round of the 2019-20 playoffs before bowing out at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche in a five-game first-round series. It was the Coyotes' first postseason appearance since they made it to the Western Conference Final in 2012.Tocchet previously served as the Tampa Bay Lightning's head coach for parts of two campaigns from 2008-10 before joining the Pittsburgh Penguins as an assistant for 2014-15. He won the Stanley Cup as a member of that squad's coaching staff in 2016 and 2017 prior to becoming the Coyotes' bench boss in 2017-18.The former NHL forward also played parts of three seasons with the then-Phoenix Coyotes near the end of his 18-year career. Tocchet amassed 440 goals and 512 assists over 1,144 games with six different clubs.Arizona named Armstrong GM in September. Former Coyotes GM John Chayka hired Tocchet in July 2017. Chayka terminated his contract with the team almost exactly three years later, after which the organization accused the former executive of quitting on the club.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and head coach John Tortorella have parted ways, the team announced Sunday."After discussion and consideration of the future direction of the team, (Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen) and I have come to a mutual agreement to part ways. I'd like to thank the Columbus Blue Jackets organization for the opportunity to coach this team and live in the great Columbus area," Tortorella said."It has been a privilege to work with the players, coaches, and hockey operations staff, which is one of the best in the league," he added. "Also, I want to thank the CBJ fans and the community for the support they've given the team and for the work of the CBJ family in support of the community."Tortorella has been the team's head coach for six seasons, compiling a 227-166-54 record while reaching the playoffs four times. The Blue Jackets advanced to the second round once under his leadership.Columbus finished last in the Central Division with an 18-26-12 record, closing out its season with a 5-4 overtime victory against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.Tortorella won the Jack Adams Award in 2016-17 with the Blue Jackets. He previously won the award in 2004 after coaching the Tampa Bay Lightning to a Stanley Cup victory.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Pat Maroon will have a hearing for roughing Florida Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Sunday.Maroon escaped the linesman's grasp to give Montour a shot while the two players exchanged words on Saturday.

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin is set to become an investor in the National Women's Soccer League's Washington Spirit, he confirmed to ESPN's Emily Kaplan."I think it's important to support women and women's professional athletes - not just in the United States, but all over the world," Ovechkin said."It was also important for me to support the D.C. community. I support everybody in this town. Me and my wife love to go watch a soccer game, watch football and baseball. We all win. If I have this opportunity, I think it's very important for me to do it, because it also shows we care."The NWSL - which was established in 2013 - features 10 teams across the United States. The Spirit are scheduled to begin their 2021 campaign May 16.Ovechkin says he's intrigued by other ownership opportunities after he retires."I would love to be in (Capitals owner Ted Leonsis') spot, I can't lie to you," Ovechkin said. "But seriously, I don't know what I'd like to do. I still think I have a couple years left playing, then we'll see."Ovechkin, 35, is an unrestricted free agent after the 2021 campaign. However, he's said he intends to finish his NHL career with the Capitals. The future Hall of Famer has 42 points in 48 games this season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Connor McDavid continues to bolster his status as the world's top hockey talent.The Edmonton Oilers star reached the 100-point mark in just his 53rd game this season when he notched his fourth point Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks.

The Nashville Predators clinched the last postseason berth in the Central Division with a 3-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.The victory eliminates the Dallas Stars from playoff contention.The Predators have now made the playoffs in seven straight campaigns, tying them with the Washington Capitals for the second-longest active streak.The club owned an 11-16-1 record on March 15, but the team turned its season around with a 19-7-1 stretch since.Nashville will open the postseason against the top-seeded Hurricanes. It will be the first playoff meeting between the two clubs.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs locked up first place in the North Division with a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.It's the first time since 1999-2000 that the Maple Leafs have finished atop their division. Toronto will own home-ice advantage through at least the first two rounds of the playoffs.The Leafs have won seven of their last eight outings and improved their record to 35-13-6 on the campaign. The club is playing at a franchise-best 53-win pace over a full 82-game season.Toronto took a major step forward defensively this year after adding rearguards TJ Brodie and Zach Bogosian in the offseason. The Leafs rank fifth in goals for per game (3.36) and eighth in goals against per contest (2.60) after finishing 25th in the latter category in 2019-20.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL has introduced relaxed COVID-19 protocols for playoff teams with traveling parties that have been at least 85% fully vaccinated for two weeks.The easements will permit players to gather socially outside of team facilities, eat and drink outdoors at restaurants, and spend time in each other's hotel rooms.Additionally, face coverings and social distancing will no longer be required for team meetings and social gatherings, and players won't need to receive PCR testing on off days.The changes will only affect American-based teams for now. However, players on Canadian teams are starting to receive their first vaccine shots, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.The modifications are subject to withdrawal for multiple reasons, such as a COVID-19 outbreak. The protocols could also be adjusted if the NHL reaches a deal with the Canadian government to allow cross-border travel during the third and fourth rounds of the playoffs.Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner criticized the NHL in April for its handling of restrictions for vaccinated players, saying the league had failed to keep its promises to ease protocols.NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly disputed Lehner's claim that any promises were made to players regarding post-vaccination protocol changes.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Montreal Canadiens center Phillip Danault suffered a concussion during Thursday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Canadiens head coach Dominique Ducharme announced.Danault was already ruled out for Saturday's rematch against Toronto.The 28-year-old has registered five goals and 19 assists in 53 games this season. Ducharme said Danault was playing through other injuries before suffering the concussion, according to The Athletic's Arpon Basu.Montreal was already weak down the middle of the ice; the team will now be forced to rely more heavily on youngsters Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi and veteran Eric Staal.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon didn't play against the Los Angeles Kings on Friday due to a lower-body injury.MacKinnon logged 20:28 of ice time during a 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, and it's unclear when the injury occurred.The dynamic pivot is tied for fourth in league scoring with 65 points through 49 games and ranks second on the Avalanche with 20 goals.Colorado sits second in the West Division and four points back of the top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights following Friday's action.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Montreal Canadiens netminder Carey Price returned to the ice Friday after suffering a concussion April 19, but the club announced there's still no timeline for his return with the regular season winding down.Price was injured after Edmonton Oilers forward Alex Chiasson bumped into him. The 33-year-old owns a .901 save percentage and a 2.64 goals-against average across 25 games this season.Canadiens forward Philip Danault suffered an upper-body injury during the club's 5-2 loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday and will be sidelined for Saturday's rematch.The two-way pivot has contributed five goals and 24 points through 53 outings.Montreal needs just one point on Saturday to clinch the final postseason berth in the North Division.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

ESPN is out of the running in its pursuit to lure Wayne Gretzky into a broadcasting role, the New York Post's Andrew Marchand reports.Friday's development opens the door for The Great One to sign with TNT in a similar capacity, according to Marchand, who adds Gretzky's role with Turner Sports would resemble that of Charles Barkley on "Inside the NBA."ESPN was reportedly willing to pay the legend a salary in the $2-million range but withdrew from the bidding process when the amount escalated beyond that point. Gretzky's likely to seek around $5 million if he joins Turner, reports Marchand.On Thursday, a report stated ESPN approached Gretzky about a broadcasting position and that the 60-year-old Edmonton Oilers alternate governor hadn't declined, but his interest level was unknown.The NHL and Turner agreed to a seven-year pact in April to complete the league's new U.S. broadcasting rights arrangement beginning next season. The Walt Disney Company, which owns ESPN, inked a seven-year contract of its own with the NHL in March. The latter deal will make ESPN the league's primary American-based broadcast partner.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said Friday that his goal is to be ready for the postseason opener."Everything seems to be trending in that direction," he said, according to Lightning radio analyst and reporter Caley Chelios.Stamkos has been out of the lineup since April 8 due to a lower-body injury. The team was initially optimistic he'd return when he was eligible to come off long-term injured reserve last week.The 31-year-old has suffered numerous injuries in the latter half of his career. He missed all but 2:47 of the team's playoff run last year due to a lower-body injury, though he did score a goal in that brief time.Stamkos said that the surgeries he's had, including procedures on his knee, leg, and core, are "all connected" in some way."You're never going to feel the same after all that stuff," he said, according to The Athletic's Joe Smith. "No one wants to be out there more than myself."As usual, Stamkos was productive when healthy this season, racking up 17 goals and 34 points in 38 games.Nikita Kucherov, who's been out for the entire season with a hip injury, resumed skating nearly two months ago and could also return to the lineup when the playoffs get underway.With the Carolina Hurricanes inching closer to clinching the Central Division title, it's looking more and more like the Lightning will be matched up with their in-state rivals the Florida Panthers in Round 1 of the postseason.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Rangers owner James Dolan believes his club needs a culture reset.The Rangers fired team president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton in a surprise move Wednesday, appointing former Rangers forward and assistant GM Chris Drury to both roles.Dolan explained the changes Thursday."I saw a weakness in the team that was not being addressed, and I knew it needed to be," he told Larry Brooks of the New York Post. "I knew that we were missing a key component to us being a Stanley Cup contender."And that is the overall spirit and culture that goes with being a team. I believe that as good of a job as JD and Jeff have done, in speaking with them, it is clear to me that Chris Drury was going to be the right guy to lead the team forward."The firings of Gorton and Davidson came just one day after the Rangers issued a scathing statement calling for George Parros to be removed as head of the NHL Department of Player Safety; Parros did not suspend Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson for his controversial actions in Monday's contest between the Rangers and Capitals.But Dolan said he began to contemplate a change earlier this season during a critical stretch in which he felt the team failed to meet expectations."I started thinking about it 20 or 25 games ago at a time when the team really needed to show heart," Dolan said, according to Brooks. "And we had key games - I won't be specific - where we had to show up and had to come out strong, and even if we lost, it had to be our best effort."And we clearly had nowhere close to our best effort."The Rangers named Gorton as GM in May 2015 and appointed Davidson as president in May 2019. New York has missed the playoffs in three of the past four seasons and was swept out of last year's qualifying round by the Carolina Hurricanes.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL shortened the 2020-21 season to 56 games, but the New York Rangers have still seen several years' worth of high-profile drama crammed into a single campaign.There have been noteworthy on-ice accomplishments along the way - such as Mika Zibanejad's domination of the Philadelphia Flyers and Adam Fox's Norris Trophy-caliber season - but this timeline chronicles the controversies that have followed the team this season.Jan. 16 - DeAngelo scratched vs. IslandersTony DeAngelo had a breakout season in 2019-20, ranking fourth among NHL defensemen with 53 points in 68 games. The Rangers rewarded him with a two-year, $9.6-million contract in the offseason.But in his first game of the 2020-21 campaign, DeAngelo took an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, was assessed an extra two minutes for slamming the door of the penalty box, and later ended up on the wrong end of the highlight reel when New York Islanders star Mathew Barzal waltzed past him for a goal.Rangers head coach David Quinn decided to send a message, scratching DeAngelo in only the second game of the season.Jan. 22 - DeAngelo returns to lineupDeAngelo sat for an additional game but suited up in the Rangers' next five contests.Jan. 31 - DeAngelo placed on waivers after altercation with teammate Jared Silber / National Hockey League / GettyDeAngelo reportedly got into an altercation with Rangers backup goalie Alexandar Georgiev on Jan. 30 following an overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. New York placed the blue-liner on waivers the next day.DeAngelo was apparently sour about Quinn's decision to scratch him earlier in the season, but Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton had previously told the defenseman that New York would place him on waivers "if his name came up in anything at all." Gorton stayed true to his word.Feb. 1 - DeAngelo finished with RangersGorton announced DeAngelo had played his last game for the Rangers and that the team would seek to trade him after he went unclaimed on waivers. But DeAngelo's $4.8-million cap hit wouldn't be easy to move, and he had a history of off-ice issues.DeAngelo was suspended twice during his junior career with the Sarnia Sting for violating the OHL's harassment, abuse, and diversity policy. In one instance, he was accused of directing an offensive slur toward a teammate.The defenseman has also been criticized for his outspoken nature on Twitter, where he propagated controversial statements regarding COVID-19 and former U.S. President Donald Trump's false claims about the security of the 2020 presidential election.Feb. 2 - DeAngelo reportedly generates a 'ton of interest' on trade marketNarrator: He did not.TSN's Darren Dreger reported that DeAngelo was generating a "ton of interest" from teams around the league and "could be moved within the next few days."No trade materialized.Feb. 2 - Penguins eye Drury for GM vacancyThree days after Penguins GM Jim Rutherford abruptly resigned from his post, the Rangers reportedly granted Pittsburgh permission to interview Chris Drury - New York's assistant GM at the time.Drury had already been a sought-after executive. During the 2019 offseason, the Rangers denied the Minnesota Wild's request to speak to Drury about their GM position that eventually went to Bill Guerin.Feb. 3 - Drury withdraws from Penguins' GM searchA day after he was set to interview with Pittsburgh, Drury reportedly withdrew his name from the running. Six days later, the Penguins announced Ron Hextall as their new general manager.Feb. 5 - Rangers change Drury's title Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyTwo days after Drury withdrew from Pittsburgh's GM search, the Rangers promoted him from assistant general manager to associate general manager.Feb. 22 - Panarin takes leave of absenceThe Rangers announced superstar Artemi Panarin was taking a leave of absence after his former KHL coach, Andrei Nazarov, publicly claimed that the winger had been involved in a physical altercation with an 18-year-old woman in Latvia in 2011.The Rangers called the allegation a "fabricated story." Panarin had publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin in the past and had voiced support for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny."This is clearly an intimidation tactic being used against him for being outspoken on recent political events," the Rangers said.Feb. 23 - Ex-KHLers question assault claimTwo of Panarin's former KHL teammates, Jon Mirasty and Kip Brennan, disputed Nazarov's claim."I'm pretty sure I would have heard something like that, you know, being one of the older veteran players there," Mirasty said.Brennan added: "I didn't know or hear that something like that ever happened."Two other anonymous teammates concurred with Mirasty's and Brennan's assessments.Feb. 24 - KHL confirms no complaint against PanarinThe KHL said in a statement that it had "not been aware of or received a complaint in relation to any incident involving Artemi Panarin in December 2011."No victim ever came forward, and no evidence to support Nazarov's claim was ever presented. There were also no court or police records corroborating the allegation.March 10 - Panarin rejoins Rangers Jared Silber / National Hockey League / GettyPanarin rejoined the Rangers and made his return to the lineup three days later. He missed nine games in total.March 16 - Panarin says he'll address allegation after seasonQuestioned by reporters about the allegation, Panarin said he would wait until after the season to address it."It's probably not the time to discuss it right now," he said. "I have nothing to hide. I will address everything after the season, but right now, the focus is on the game and not these discussions."March 27 - Rangers trade Lemieux to KingsMore than two weeks before the trade deadline, the Rangers shipped 25-year-old winger Brendan Lemieux to the Los Angeles Kings for a fourth-round pick. The son of longtime NHLer Claude Lemieux recorded just two goals and five assists with New York during the 2020-21 campaign, though he did provide the team with an element of toughness.It was the only trade Gorton made during the 2020-21 season.April 12 - Rangers to reportedly buy out DeAngelo after seasonIt was reported on the day of the trade deadline that the Rangers would buy out the final year of DeAngelo's contract after this season. Here's how the buyout will affect the Rangers' salary-cap situation if it occurs on June 15, according to CapFriendly:SeasonCap hit2021-22$383K2022-23$883KIt was also reported that the Rangers were willing to terminate DeAngelo's contract before the deadline to allow him to sign with another team as a free agent. The Montreal Canadiens apparently showed interest, but DeAngelo seemingly rejected New York's offer.May 3 - Wilson sucker-punches Buchnevich, rag-dolls PanarinIn the second period of Monday's game between the Rangers and Washington Capitals, Tom Wilson sucker-punched a defenseless Pavel Buchnevich - causing all hell to break loose.After Ryan Strome pulled Wilson off Buchnevich, Wilson started throwing punches at Strome before Panarin jumped on Wilson's back. Wilson engaged the Rangers superstar and continued to attack him after Panarin had lost his helmet.Wilson received a four-minute roughing penalty and a 10-minute misconduct. Buchnevich, Panarin, and Capitals defenseman Brenden Dillon were all issued roughing minors.May 4 - Wilson avoids suspension, Rangers rip NHLWilson avoided suspension for his antics and instead received a $5,000 fine for roughing Buchnevich.The same day, the Rangers announced Panarin would miss the final three games of the season due to injury.The Rangers issued a blistering statement on Wilson's punishment, saying they were "extremely disappointed" that Wilson - who has a lengthy history of disciplinary issues - wasn't suspended. They added that George Parros, the head of NHL Department of Player Safety, "is unfit to continue in his current role."May 5 - Rangers fire Gorton, chaos erupts in rematch Jared Silber / National Hockey League / GettyRangers owner James Dolan dropped a bombshell Wednesday, firing Gorton and team president John Davidson. The team promoted Drury to immediately take over both roles. The firings were reportedly unrelated to the Rangers' statement on Wilson and Parros.Ahead of Thursday's rematch with the Capitals, Rangers legend Mark Messier criticized Gorton's team-building philosophy."In my opinion, if you're going to win, you got to be able to win in the street and the alley," the Hall of Famer said. "I, particularly, would not have built the team that didn't have answers in this regard."As expected, the rematch was full of fireworks. There was a line brawl off the opening faceoff, followed by three more fights - including a tilt between Wilson and Brendan Smith - in the opening period.The animosity didn't end there, though, as Buchnevich cross-checked Anthony Mantha in the face during the second period.May 6 - Rangers fined, Buchnevich suspendedThe NHL fined the Rangers $250,000 for their fiery statement."Public comments of the nature issued by the Rangers that were personal in nature and demeaning of a league executive will not be tolerated," commissioner Gary Bettman said."It is terribly unfair to question George Parros' professionalism and dedication to his role and the Department of Player Safety."For those keeping score at home, the Rangers' fine is 50 times greater than Wilson's. Still, it's pocket change for Dolan, who has a net worth of $2.5 billion.Buchnevich, meanwhile, had a hearing for high-sticking Mantha and was suspended one game. He was already set to miss the final two contests of the season due to an injury.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich has been suspended one game for high-sticking Washington Capitals forward Anthony Mantha in the face during Wednesday's contest, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced.Buchnevich was assessed a game misconduct on the play.

The Vancouver Canucks' AHL affiliate will be playing closer to home starting next season.The AHL's board of governors approved relocation for the Canucks-owned franchise from Utica, New York, to Abbotsford, British Columbia, beginning in the 2021-22 campaign, the league announced.Vancouver's new affiliate will play out of Abbotsford Center, but the details of the team's name, logo, and brand are still unknown.In a corresponding move, the AHL franchise owned by the New Jersey Devils will move from Binghamton, New York, to Utica beginning next season.The Utica Comets announced a 10-year affiliation deal with the Devils. The organization will keep the same name but will reveal new jersey designs and colors later in the year.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

ESPN has approached Wayne Gretzky about a broadcasting role, sources told The Athletic's Sean Shapiro.There's no indication of The Great One's interest level but he hasn't declined ESPN's advances, Shapiro adds. Gretzky is currently the Edmonton Oilers' alternate governor.ESPN and the NHL reached a seven-year broadcast deal reportedly worth over $2.8 billion in March. The pact gives ESPN exclusive broadcast rights to four Stanley Cup Finals between 2022 and 2028, representing its first foray into the NHL since the 2004-05 lockout.Turner Sports also inked a seven-year deal with the NHL and will split broadcast rights with ESPN.Both networks are in the process of finding on-air personalities for next season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Rangers have been fined $250,000 for their statement made in protest of the NHL's decision to not suspend Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson for his actions Monday, the league announced Thursday."Public comments of the nature issued by the Rangers that were personal in nature and demeaning of a league executive will not be tolerated," commissioner Gary Bettman said."While we don't expect our clubs to agree with every decision rendered by the Department of Player Safety, the extent to which the Rangers expressed their disagreement was unacceptable. It is terribly unfair to question George Parros' professionalism and dedication to his role and the Department of Player Safety."New York called for Parros' removal as the NHL's lead disciplinarian Tuesday and said he's unfit for the position. Additionally, the club called Wilson's actions dangerous and reckless.Head coach David Quinn and several Rangers players also expressed their disappointment in what they viewed as too light a punishment.Wilson, who's been suspended five times in his career, only received a $5,000 fine for punching Pavel Buchnevich while he was in a defenseless position and slamming superstar Artemi Panarin to the ice during Monday's contest. Afterward, Panarin was ruled out for the rest of the season with an injury.Tensions between the two clubs boiled over during their rematch Wednesday, as six fights occurred in the first period.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Montreal Canadiens forward prospect Ryan Poehling will undergo surgery to repair a season-ending wrist injury, the team announced Thursday.Poehling has spent the entire season with the AHL's Laval Rocket, recording 25 points in 28 games.The 22-year-old center scored a hat trick in his NHL debut during a one-game call-up at the end of the 2018-19 season. However, in 27 NHL games during the following campaign he netted just one goal and one assist.The Canadiens selected Poehling 25th overall at the 2017 NHL Draft.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich will have a hearing for high-sticking Anthony Mantha in the face during Wednesday's heated rematch against the Washington Capitals, the Department of Player Safety announced.Buchnevich was assessed a game misconduct on the play.Wednesday's game between the East Division rivals was hotly contested from the start. Three fights erupted at the opening faceoff, and three more came in a penalty-filled first period.The theatrics were in response to Tom Wilson not being suspended for his role in a skirmish between the two clubs on Monday.Buchnevich, 26, is in the midst of the best statistical season of his career with 45 points in 53 games.Regardless of the length of a potential suspension, new Rangers general manager Chris Drury said Buchnevich is out for the remainder of the season, per the New York Post's Mollie Walker.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Winnipeg Jets booked a ticket to the playoffs with a 4-0 win against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.This marks Winnipeg's fourth straight campaign with a postseason berth. The Jets are the third team in the North Division to clinch a playoff spot, joining the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs.Connor Hellebuyck turned aside 32 shots in the shutout, while Adam Lowry and Blake Wheeler scored two goals apiece. The victory also marked head coach Paul Maurice's 300th with the club.The Jets failed to make it past the qualifying round in last season's return-to-play, losing to the Flames in four games.Winnipeg sits third in the division with a 28-21-3 record. The club trails Edmonton by seven points and is two ahead of the fourth-place Montreal Canadiens.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson didn't play beyond the first period against the New York Rangers on Wednesday due to an upper-body injury, the team announced.Wilson racked up 15 penalty minutes in a fight-filled opening frame. The winger squared off against Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith before earning a misconduct toward the end of the first period.It's unclear when Wilson may have suffered an injury.The 27-year-old was recently fined $5,000 for his actions during a post-whistle skirmish against New York on Monday. Wilson punched Pavel Buchnevich in the back of the head and also injured Rangers star Artemi Panarin.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mark Messier is not impressed with how the New York Rangers have been assembled.The former Rangers captain criticized the team for a perceived lack of toughness after club president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton were let go Wednesday."In my opinion, if you're going to win, you got to be able to win in the street and the alley," Messier said, according to Molly Walker of the New York Post. "I, particularly, would not have built the team that didn't have answers in this regard."Messier's comments come just two days after a melee between the Rangers and Washington Capitals. Washington enforcer Tom Wilson punched a defenseless Pavel Buchnevich in the back of the head before rag-dolling a helmet-less Artemi Panarin to the ice, which injured the star winger for the remainder of the season.Wilson escaped with just a $5,000 fine. The Rangers later responded with a pointed statement calling for George Parros, the head of the NHL Department of Player Safety, to be removed from his position.The Rangers replaced Gorton and Davidson with longtime Rangers forward Chris Drury. Messier, who captained the Blue Shirts to the Stanley Cup in 1994, says he's been waiting patiently to land a role with the organization."I've made it very clear that I've been standing by ready to help out in any way for many years," Messier said, according to Walker. "I don't really know what else to say."New York has been eliminated from playoff contention but takes on the Capitals in a highly anticipated rematch Wednesday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Rangers fired general manager Jeff Gorton and president John Davidson, the team announced Wednesday.Chris Drury, who was previously the associate general manager, will take over both roles effective immediately."We want to thank JD and Jeff for their contributions to the organization. They are both great hockey professionals who worked hard for the Rangers. However, in order for the team to succeed in the manner our fans deserve, there needs to be a change in leadership," James Dolan, executive chairman of MSG Sports, said in a statement. "Chris is a very sought-after executive and a strong leader who has proven himself to be one of the top young minds in hockey. We are confident he will effectively guide the team to ensure the long-term success we promised Rangers fans."The decision comes one day after a statement from the Rangers slammed the NHL and Department of Player Safety head George Parros over not suspending Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson for his role in a skirmish Monday night.The Rangers are 14th in the NHL with a 26-21-6 record but have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs in a deep East Division. Their 58 points would have the team in a postseason position in both the North and West and just two points back in the Central.New York hired Gorton as general manager in 2015 with the club's championship window beginning to close. The Rangers made the playoffs the next two seasons, but the team issued a letter to fans outlining plans for a full-scale rebuild in 2018.The Rangers brought Davidson aboard as president in May 2019.Under their guidance, the club brought in perennial MVP candidate Artemi Panarin in free agency and drafted Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko first and second overall, respectively. New York also boasts one of the NHL's deepest prospect systems.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere has been suspended two games for boarding Pittsburgh Penguins rearguard Mark Friedman during Tuesday's contest, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Wednesday.The play occurred late in the third period after Friedman scored an empty-net goal to put Pittsburgh up 7-3. Gostisbehere was assessed a two-minute minor for cross-checking.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Foligno is expected to miss the club's next two games at minimum, head coach Sheldon Keefe announced Wednesday, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.Foligno was injured in Monday's overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens. He played just over nine minutes in the contest before being deemed unable to return.Joe Thornton took Foligno's spot on Toronto's top line alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner at practice Wednesday. The Leafs are back in action Thursday with another clash against the Habs.Foligno has notched four assists in five games since being acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets prior to the trade deadline.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin will miss Wednesday's clash versus the New York Rangers due to a lingering lower-body injury, head coach Peter Laviolette confirmed, according to The Washington Post's Samantha Pell.Ovechkin missed four games before returning for one shift Monday night. He played just 39 seconds and then was ruled out for the rest of the contest.Prior to recently being sidelined, Ovechkin hadn't missed a game due to injury since 2015.Ovechkin's tallied 24 goals and 18 assists in 43 games this season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Kirill Semyonov from the KHL's Avangard Omsk to a one-year, entry-level contract for the 2021-22 season, the team announced Wednesday.Semyonov, 26, recorded 26 points in 60 games this past season, adding nine playoff points as Avangard won the Gagarin Cup. He's played in the KHL since 2013.The Maple Leafs have signed numerous KHL free agents over the past few seasons, including Ilya Mikheyev, Alexander Barabanov, Mikko Lehtonen, and Nikita Zaitsev.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Michael Houser added another chapter to his storybook emergence onto the NHL scene Tuesday night.In only his second career game in the league, the 28-year-old earned his second win a mere 24 hours after his first. He backstopped the Buffalo Sabres to a 4-3 shootout victory over the New York Islanders after helping Buffalo prevail 4-2 over New York in his NHL debut Monday.The ECHL and AHL veteran didn't get much assistance from his teammates Tuesday, as the Islanders outshot the Sabres 21-9 in the first period, 18-11 in the third, and 48-31 in the game. However, Houser kept his club in the contest, making 45 saves in regulation and overtime before denying all three of New York's shootout attempts."It really didn't feel like 48 shots," Houser said postgame, according to WGR 550's Brian Koziol. "As the game went on, the game settled down, and we started playing a more predictable game, and that goes hand-in-hand with the shots I saw. It was an easier game after we settled down."Sabres forward Anders Bjork, who scored the lone goal in the shootout, heaped praise on Houser afterward."Oh my gosh, it's incredible," Bjork said, according to The Athletic's John Vogl. "He's done just an amazing job. You've got to really tip your hat to that guy. We're all so proud of him and excited for him. We'll keep going."The Sabres were forced to turn to Houser amid injuries to Linus Ullmark, Carter Hutton, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, as well as Dustin Tokarski's absence for personal reasons.Before Houser made his NHL debut Monday, he hadn't played above the ECHL level since making a nine-minute AHL appearance in 2017-18. The Ohio-born netminder spent the majority of the last four seasons in the ECHL, suiting up for several squads.Houser turned aside 34 of the 36 shots he faced Monday night.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere delivered a dangerous cross-check to Mark Friedman after the Pittsburgh Penguins rearguard potted an empty-net goal to seal a 7-3 victory Tuesday.Gostisbehere was assessed a two-minute minor for cross-checking. Friedman crashed hard into the boards but got up on his own.

The New York Rangers are calling for George Parros' removal as the NHL's head disciplinarian after he chose not to suspend Tom Wilson for the agitator's actions Monday night."The New York Rangers are extremely disappointed that Capitals forward Tom Wilson was not suspended for his horrifying act of violence (Monday) night at Madison Square Garden," the team wrote in a statement Tuesday."Wilson is a repeat offender with a long history of these types of acts and we find it shocking that the NHL and (its) Department of Player Safety failed to take the appropriate action and suspend him indefinitely."Wilson's dangerous and reckless actions caused an injury to Artemi Panarin that will prevent him from playing again this season. We view this as a dereliction of duty by NHL head of Player Safety, George Parros, and believe he is unfit to continue in his current role."Earlier on Tuesday, the department fined Wilson $5,000 for roughing Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich.During Monday's game, Wilson put Buchnevich in a headlock with a stick and punched him from behind while he laid on the ice. Moments later, Wilson threw Panarin to the ice. The officials handed the Capitals winger four minutes for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct.Panarin and Buchnevich both received roughing minors of their own. Panarin later left the game due to injury and didn't return.The Capitals will defer to the NHL rather than responding to the Rangers' statement, a team spokesperson told the Washington Post's Samantha Pell.Parros joined the Department of Player Safety in September 2016 and was promoted to the lead role one year later. He suspended Wilson for seven games earlier this season after the Capitals forward boarded Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Colorado Avalanche backup goaltender Devan Dubnyk tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss at least two weeks, head coach Jared Bednar said Monday night, according to the Denver Post's Mike Chambers.Dubnyk will quarantine in San Jose - where the Avalanche defeated the Sharks on Monday - because he has a home there. Once his isolation period is complete, he'll drive back to Denver, Bednar added.The Sharks traded Dubnyk to the Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Greg Pateryn and a fifth-round pick on April 10.Dubnyk, who turned 35 on Tuesday, has played five games with Colorado since the swap.Colorado's No. 1 netminder, Philipp Grubauer, tested positive four days after the deal was complete and didn't return until April 30.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin will miss the rest of the season after being slammed to the ice by Tom Wilson on Monday night, head coach David Quinn confirmed.Defensemen Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren will miss the club's final three games as well.Panarin's injury came on a highly controversial play from the Washington Capitals enforcer. Many thought Wilson would be disciplined, but the Department of Player Safety only doled out a $5,000 fine.Quinn said Wilson crossed the line after the loss, then doubled down Tuesday saying a small fine isn't appropriate punishment for the incident."Not at all," Quinn said, per Mollie Walker of the New York Post. "To me, anybody in hockey, certainly in our organization, is very disappointed. Certainly thought it warranted a suspension, which is really disappointing."Panarin leads the Rangers with 58 points in 42 games this season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.